such a person is a mustajir (seeker of protection) who belongs to the ranks of those at war. Allah has ordered that he be granted asylum until the proof of Allah is established against him, after which he is to be escorted to a place of safety. This directive appears in Sūrat Barāʾah—the very chapter in which covenants are annulled and which contains the “verse of the sword.” By inserting this verse amid the commands to terminate treaties, the Almighty makes clear that someone of this sort must be given safe-conduct until the evidence is conveyed to him; he is not to be fought like one who never asked to be shown Allah’s proof.

ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. Zayd b. Aslam said concerning the words, “then convey him to a place of safety” (at-Tawbah 9:6): “If what we recount and explain to him does not persuade him, then escort him to his place of safety.” He added, “This ruling has not been abrogated.”

Mujāhid said: “Whoever comes to you and listens to what has been revealed to you remains secure until—”