(72) “Indeed, those who believed, emigrated, and strove with their wealth and their lives in the way of Allah, and those who gave them shelter and support—they are allies of one another. As for those who believed but did not emigrate, you have no duty of protection toward them until they emigrate. But if they seek your help in matters of religion, you must help them, unless it is against a people with whom you have a covenant. Allah sees all that you do.”

This establishes a bond of allegiance and love that Allah forged between the Emigrants, who believed, emigrated in the way of Allah, and left their homelands for His sake in order to strive in His way, and the Helpers, who gave shelter to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his Companions, and supported them with their homes, wealth, and lives. They are allies of one another because of the perfection of their faith and the completeness of their bond with one another.

“As for those who believed but did not emigrate, you have no duty of protection toward them until they emigrate.” By remaining apart from you at a time when men were sorely needed, they severed your bond of allegiance with them. Since they did not emigrate, they had no share in the protection of the believers. However, “if they seek your help in matters of religion”—that is, against those who fight them because of their religion—“you must help them” and fight alongside them. But if others fight them for reasons unrelated to religion, you are not required to help them.

Regarding His words, “unless it is against a people with whom you have a covenant,” this means a pact to refrain from fighting. If those believers who remained apart and did not emigrate wish to fight a people with whom you have such a covenant, do not help them against those people, because of the covenant between you and them.

“Allah sees all that you do.” He knows the circumstances in which you find yourselves and therefore prescribes for you the rulings appropriate to you.