The right of self-defence is a part of the law of nature, and it is the indispensable duty of civil society to protect its members. Even if a sanguinary and revengeful tyrant were to do so in his own behalf, he would be quite justified in this particular act. A just war, that is one undertaken for just causes to repel or revert wrongful force, or to establish a right, cannot be impeached on any ground, religious, moral, or political. But the Moslems had tried every possible means of obtaining a pacific solution of the difficulty which had arisen between them and their enemies, the Koreish and the Jews, to avert war and its horrors. Mohammad had repeatedly informed the Koreish that if they desist they will be forgiven. 88. "But if they desist, then verily God is gracious, merciful." 189. "But if they desist, then let there be no hostility, save against wrong-doers."--_Sura II._ 19. "_O Meccans!_ if ye desired a decision, now hath the decision come to you. It will be better for you to give over _the struggle_. If ye return _to it_, we will return; and your forces, though they be many, shall by no means avail you aught, because God is with the faithful." 39. "Say to the infidels: If they desist what is now past shall be forgiven them; but if they turn _to it_, they have already before them the doom of the former."--_Sura VIII._ And the same was the case regarding the Jews. 104. "Many of those who have Scripture would like to bring you back to unbelief after you have believed, out of selfish envy, even after the truth hath been shown to them. Forgive them then, and shun them till God shall come with his decree. Truly God hath power over all things."--_Sura II._ 63. "But if they lean to peace, lean thou also to it; and put thy trust in God. He verily is the hearing, the knowing."--_Sura VIII._ 16. ... "Thou wilt not cease to discover the treacherous ones among them, except a few of them. But forgive them and pass it over. Verily God loveth those who act generously."--_Sura V._ But there could be no peace or mutual agreement on the part of the enemy until the truce of Hodeibia, which was also violated by them in a short time.