The Book of Jihad and Expeditions - Sahih Muslim 1767a

This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrates the sanctity of the Arabian Peninsula as the heartland of Islam. Classical scholars interpret this as establishing the Hijaz region as exclusive territory for Muslims, where no other religious polity may hold sovereignty.

Historical Context and Implementation

This directive was implemented during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who expelled Jewish communities from Khaybar and Christians from Najran, fulfilling the prophetic command while ensuring just compensation for their properties.

Scholars emphasize this ruling applies specifically to the Arabian Peninsula's sacred territories (Makkah, Madinah, Yemen, Yamamah, and surrounding regions), not to other Muslim lands where People of the Book may reside under Islamic protection.

Juridical Wisdom and Objectives

Imam al-Nawawi explains this preservation of the Peninsula's Islamic character protects the purity of Islamic worship and prevents non-Muslim influence near Islam's holiest sites. The ruling maintains the Haramayn (Makkah and Madinah) as exclusive sanctuaries for Muslim worship.

This directive does not contradict Islamic principles of religious tolerance elsewhere, but rather establishes a special status for Islam's birthplace, similar to how other faiths maintain exclusive control over their most sacred spaces.