Abu Hurairah reported the Apostle of Allaah(ﷺ) as saying “ I am commanded to fight with men till they testify that there is no god but Allaah, when they do that they will keep their life and property safe from me, except what is due to them. (i.e., life and property) and their reckoning will be at Allaah’s hands.”
Hadith Text & Reference
Abu Hurairah reported the Apostle of Allaah(ﷺ) as saying "I am commanded to fight with men till they testify that there is no god but Allaah, when they do that they will keep their life and property safe from me, except what is due to them. (i.e., life and property) and their reckoning will be at Allaah's hands."
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 2640 | Book: Jihad (Kitab Al-Jihad)
Commentary on the Command to Fight
This hadith establishes the primary objective of Islamic military engagement: to remove obstacles preventing people from hearing and accepting the message of Tawhid (Divine Unity). The fighting is not for territorial expansion or worldly gain, but to establish the conditions where the call to Islam can reach people freely.
Scholars explain that "fighting" here refers specifically to combat against those who physically prevent the propagation of Islam or persecute Muslims for their faith. It does not apply to individuals who merely disagree with Islamic teachings but do not engage in hostilities.
The Protection of Life and Property
The phrase "they will keep their life and property safe from me" establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that whoever professes the Shahadah enters the protection of the Muslim community. Their life, honor, and wealth become inviolable according to Islamic law.
The exception "except what is due to them" refers to legal obligations that apply equally to all Muslims, such as zakat payments, fulfillment of contracts, and legal penalties for crimes. These are not arbitrary takings but established rights and responsibilities under Islamic jurisprudence.
The Final Reckoning with Allah
"Their reckoning will be at Allah's hands" emphasizes that ultimate judgment belongs to Allah alone. While the Islamic state protects outward security and implements divine law in public matters, it cannot judge the hidden intentions or spiritual state of individuals.
This teaching prevents religious coercion in matters of personal faith and reminds Muslims that their role is to establish justice and remove oppression, while leaving final judgment to the All-Knowing, All-Wise Creator.