Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and offer the prayers perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform that, then they save their lives and property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah."

Source and Context

Book: Belief (Kitab al-Iman)

Author: Sahih al-Bukhari

Hadith Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 25

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the fundamental conditions for the protection of life and property in Islamic governance. The testimony of faith (shahadah) constitutes the foundation, while prayer and zakat represent the practical manifestations of belief. The phrase "except for Islamic laws" indicates that Muslims remain subject to Shariah regulations governing personal conduct and societal affairs.

Classical scholars interpret this as addressing polytheists during the early Islamic period, establishing that acceptance of core Islamic tenets grants security under Muslim rule. The final clause emphasizes Allah's ultimate authority over spiritual accountability, distinguishing between worldly protection and divine judgment.

Legal and Theological Implications

This narration delineates the minimum requirements for peaceful coexistence in an Islamic state, distinguishing between outward compliance with Islamic law and internal faith matters reserved for divine judgment.

Scholars note this hadith does not apply to People of the Book (Jews and Christians), who are granted protected status under specific conditions according to other Islamic texts.