This is why the unbeliever is fought until he accepts Islam or pays the jizya, thus being compelled to choose between the two. Anyone who holds that the jizya is not accepted from an idolater holds that he is fought until he accepts Islam.

As for inward faith, which saves a person from Allah’s punishment in the Hereafter, an outward profession alone is insufficient. A man may be a hypocrite despite his outward profession of Islam. There were hypocrites during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Allah Most High mentions them in several places in the Quran, and He, glorified be He, distinguishes between believers and hypocrites in several passages, as in His words:

“On the Day when the hypocritical men and women will say to the believers, ‘Wait for us so that we may take some of your light,’ they will be told, ‘Go back and seek light.’ Then a wall with a gate will be set between them: within it is mercy, and outside it lies punishment. * They will call out to the believers, ‘Were we not with you?’ They will reply, ‘Yes, but you led yourselves into temptation, waited, doubted, and were deceived by false hopes until Allah’s command came, and the Deceiver deceived you about Allah. * Today no ransom will be accepted from you or from those who disbelieved. Your refuge is the Fire; it is your protector—what an evil destination!’”

Allah Most High also says:

“The Bedouins say, ‘We believe.’ Say, ‘You have not believed; rather, say, “We have submitted,” for faith has not yet entered your hearts. If you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you