Hadith Text & Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "I am commanded to fight with men till they testify that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and His Apostle, face our qiblah (direction of prayer), eat what we slaughter, and pray like us. When they do that, their life and property are unlawful for us except what is due to them. They will have the same rights as the Muslims have, and have the same responsibilities as the Muslims have."

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2641 | Book: Jihad (Kitab Al-Jihad)

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the fundamental principle that the primary objective of Islamic military engagement is not territorial expansion or forced conversion, but the establishment of religious freedom and the removal of obstacles preventing people from accepting Islam. The fighting continues until people are free to testify to Allah's oneness and Muhammad's prophethood without persecution.

The conditions mentioned - facing the qiblah, eating properly slaughtered meat, and praying like Muslims - indicate that full integration into the Muslim community requires both correct belief (iman) and correct practice (islam). These outward manifestations demonstrate genuine acceptance of Islamic teachings.

The protection of life and property mentioned here refers to the Islamic legal principle that once non-combatants accept Islamic rule and pay jizyah (if applicable), they receive complete protection (dhimma) from the Muslim state. Their rights and responsibilities become equal to those of Muslim citizens, establishing a multi-religious society under Islamic governance.

Legal Implications

Classical scholars interpret this hadith as defining the legitimate causes for jihad: to remove persecution (fitnah) and establish religious freedom, not to compel conversion. Ibn Taymiyyah emphasized that fighting is only permissible against those who actively oppose the establishment of Islamic governance and religious freedom.

The phrase "except what is due to them" refers to legal obligations like blood money (diyah) or court judgments that might require financial compensation, showing that Islamic law protects everyone equally regardless of faith once they accept Muslim rule.

Historical Application

Throughout Islamic history, this principle guided Muslim conquerors in their treatment of conquered peoples. Non-Muslims who accepted Islamic rule were granted protected status (dhimmi) with guaranteed rights to practice their religion, protection of their places of worship, and autonomy in personal matters.

This hadith demonstrates Islam's recognition of religious pluralism within an Islamic state, where different religious communities coexist with mutual rights and responsibilities under the protection of Islamic law.