5 Preface ما قَطَعتُم مِن لينَةٍ أَو تَرَكتُموها قائِمَةً عَلىٰ أُصولِها فَبِإِذنِ اللَّهِ وَلِيُخزِيَ الفاسِقينَYusuf AliWhether ye cut down (O ye Muslim!) The tender palmtrees, or ye left them standing on their roots, it was1 by leave of God, and in order that He might2 cover with shame the rebellious transgresses.The unnecessary cutting down of fruit trees or destruction of crops, or any wanton destruction whatever in war, is forbidden by the law and practice of Islam. But some destruction may be necessary for putting pressure on the enemy, and to that extent it is allowed. But as far as possible, consistently with that objective of military operations, such trees should not be cut down. Both these principles are in accordance with the Divine Will, and were followed by the Muslims in their expedition.The arrogance of Banū al Nadir had to be humbled, and their power for mischief destroyed.