The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: "I have been commanded to fight the idolators until they bear witness to La ilaha illallah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah) and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah [SAW]. If they bear witness to La ilaha illallah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah [SAW], and they face our Qiblah, eat our slaughtered animals, and pray as we do, then their blood and wealth become forbidden except for a right that is due, and they will have the same rights and obligations as the Muslims."
The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed] - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3967
This comprehensive hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes the fundamental Islamic ruling concerning warfare with polytheists and the conditions for protection of life and property.
The Command to Fight Idolators
The divine commandment to combat polytheism continues until the idolaters affirm the fundamental testimony of faith: "La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah." This establishes that the primary objective is the elimination of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and the establishment of tawhid (monotheism).
Conditions for Protection
Mere verbal testimony is insufficient for complete protection. The Prophet specified three additional conditions: facing the Qiblah in prayer, consuming properly slaughtered halal meat, and performing the prescribed prayers. These demonstrate genuine acceptance of Islamic practices.
Sacredness of Life and Wealth
Upon fulfilling these conditions, the convert's blood and wealth become inviolable, except for legitimate Islamic rights such as qisas (retribution) for murder or hadd punishments for major crimes. This protection is absolute under normal circumstances.
Equal Rights and Responsibilities
New Muslims immediately attain full membership in the Muslim community with identical rights and obligations. This establishes Islam's principle of equality before the law, regardless of prior religious background or social status.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars emphasize that this hadith outlines the rules of engagement in Islamic warfare. The fighting is not for territorial expansion but to remove barriers to Islam. Once people embrace Islam sincerely, fighting ceases and full protection is granted. The exception "for a right that is due" refers to legal punishments established by Shariah for specific crimes.