How do peaceful muslims explain forbidance of fighting in sacred months?

I was under the impression that Islam allowed only defensive jihad and used to argue with non muslims that initiation is not to be done by muslims. Courtesy to zakir naik explaination. A random non muslim presented before me the hadith of bukhari which said "i have been sent with the sword". Investigation and subsequent search only yielded the opposite. **Intiative in war can be taken by a ruler only**. Since its axiomatic that defence is permitted in sacred months, Dhul Hijjah(12th), Dhul Qadah (11th), Rajab (7th) and Muharram (1st). The Question arises how do peaceful muslims explain Allah forbidding fighting in sacred months. > Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them **four are sacred**. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, and **fight against the Mushrikin (idolaters) collectively** as they fight against you collectively. But know that Allah is with those who have Taqwa quran 9:36 Im asking this because i fear a verse from quran. > And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers - **We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell**, and evil it is as a destination. Quran 4:115