The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: "I have been commanded to fight the people until they bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. If they bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, they turn to face the same Qiblah as us, they eat our slaughtered animals, and they pray as we pray; then their blood and their wealth are forbidden to us, except for a right that is due, and they have the same rights and duties as the Muslims."
The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5003
This profound hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes the fundamental criteria for the sanctity of life and property in Islam. The command to fight is specifically directed against polytheists who actively oppose the establishment of Islamic governance and prevent people from accepting Islam.
Conditions for Protection of Blood and Wealth
The testimony of faith (Shahadah) forms the foundation - sincere declaration that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger. This must be accompanied by practical implementation through facing our Qiblah in prayer.
Sharing our slaughtered animals indicates following Islamic dietary laws, while praying as we pray demonstrates full submission to Islamic worship rituals. These outward manifestations confirm inner faith.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars emphasize that "fighting the people" refers specifically to Arab polytheists during the revelation period, not People of the Book or modern contexts without proper Islamic governance.
The exception "except for a right that is due" refers to legal punishments prescribed by Shariah for crimes, not arbitrary seizure. The equality in rights and duties establishes that converts enjoy full citizenship in the Islamic community.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes that mere verbal proclamation without practical implementation doesn't guarantee protection. The conditions demonstrate that true faith manifests in outward actions aligned with Islamic teachings.
The comprehensive protection covers both life and property, creating a secure society where Muslims focus on spiritual development rather than constant warfare once Islamic governance is established.