1. Ibn Sayyād was one of the Jews of Medina or one of their allies. At that time, they and the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—were bound by a treaty and truce. When the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—arrived in Medina, he made a written agreement with the Jews and concluded peace with them on the condition that they would not be attacked and would be left to practice their religion.

This is supported by what Imam Ahmad narrated from Jābir ibn Abd Allah—may Allah be pleased with them both—concerning the Prophet’s visit to Ibn Sayyād and their exchange. Umar—may Allah be pleased with him—said, “O Messenger of Allah, give me permission to kill him.” The Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—replied, “If he is indeed the one, then you are not the one who will deal with him; the one who will deal with him is Jesus son of Mary—peace be upon him. But if he is not the one, you have no right to kill a man protected by treaty.” (1)

Al-Khattābī (2) and al-Baghawī (3) adopted this answer.

— Ibn Hajar said, “This is the only tenable answer.” (4)

2. Ibn Sayyād was still a child at that time and had not yet reached puberty.

This answer is supported by what al-Bukhārī narrated from Ibn Umar—may Allah be pleased with them both—concerning the Prophet’s visit to Ibn Sayyād. It states: “He eventually found him playing with some boys near the fort of Banu Maghāla. At that time, Ibn Sayyād was on the verge of puberty.” (5)