Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/158

 lished. Polygamy was restrained to four, either wives or concubines: the freedom of divorce is discouraged, for if a woman be divorced the third time, a man cannot take her to wife, unless she has previously been cohabited with by another. Punishment is awarded to murder and theft, and retaliation allowed as in the Mosaic law for personal injuries, or a fine may be accepted in leu: punishment for minor offences is inflicted by stripes. War is enjoined against infidels. "O true believers, wage war against such of the infidels as are near you, and let them find severity in you, and know that God is with those that fear him. Unless you go forth to war, God will punish you with a grievous punishment and place another people in your stead ." Again, "O true believers, if ye assist God by fighting for his religion, he will