Hadith Text & Context

Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Messenger of Allah said: "I have been commanded to fight the people until they say La ilaha illallah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah). Whoever says La ilaha illallah, his life and his property are safe from me, except by its right (in cases where Islamic laws apply), and his reckoning will be with Allah." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 3090)

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes the fundamental principle that the primary objective of jihad is to remove barriers to the proclamation of tawhid (divine unity), not forced conversion. The phrase "until they say La ilaha illallah" signifies establishing an environment where Islamic monotheism can be freely proclaimed and practiced.

The protection granted to those who utter the shahadah demonstrates that Islam honors the sanctity of life and property once the fundamental obstacle of shirk (polytheism) is removed. The exception "except by its right" refers to legitimate applications of Islamic law, such as prescribed punishments (hudud) for crimes that violate this protection.

Legal Implications

Classical scholars interpret this as establishing the dhimmah (covenant of protection) for non-Muslims who accept Muslim sovereignty and refrain from combat. The phrase "his reckoning will be with Allah" indicates that ultimate judgment of sincerity belongs to Allah alone, while worldly protection is granted based on outward declaration.

This ruling applies specifically to combat situations and does not justify aggression against peaceful non-combatants. The preservation of life and property remains paramount once the declaration of faith is made, reflecting Islam's mercy and justice.