Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "I have been ordered to fight the people till they say: 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.' And if they say so, pray like our prayers, face our Qibla and slaughter as we slaughter, then their blood and property will be sacred to us and we will not interfere with them except legally and their reckoning will be with Allah."

Source Reference

Book: Prayers (Salat)

Author: Sahih al-Bukhari

Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 392

Commentary on the Hadith

This profound hadith establishes the fundamental conditions for the protection of life and property in Islam. The command to fight continues until people testify to Allah's oneness (Tawhid), which is the foundation of faith. However, mere verbal declaration is insufficient; it must be accompanied by outward conformity to Islamic practices.

The three conditions mentioned—performing prayer in the Islamic manner, facing the Qibla (direction of Ka'bah in Mecca), and following Islamic slaughtering rites—demonstrate that true submission requires both inner belief and outward practice. These are the minimal outward signs distinguishing Muslims from others.

When these conditions are met, the sanctity of blood and property becomes inviolable. The phrase "we will not interfere with them except legally" means Muslims must respect their rights according to Islamic law, and any disputes must be resolved through proper judicial channels.

The concluding statement "their reckoning will be with Allah" reminds us that while we judge by outward appearances, Allah alone knows what is in hearts and will give final judgment in the Hereafter. This protects against excessive scrutiny of others' inner faith while maintaining communal religious identity.

Scholarly Insights

Imam al-Nawawi explains that this hadith establishes the minimum requirements for being considered part of the Muslim community entitled to protection. The outward practices mentioned serve as visible markers of Islamic identity.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the conditions specified represent the most fundamental acts distinguishing Muslims, while matters of detailed belief are left to Allah's judgment. The emphasis on Qibla direction underscores the unity of the Muslim ummah.

Classical scholars understood this hadith as defining the parameters of Islamic governance and intercommunal relations, where basic Islamic practices serve as the public manifestation of faith necessary for social cohesion and protection under Islamic law.