his heart remains firm in faith, unlike someone who willingly embraces disbelief. He also permitted believers to take precautions to protect themselves from the disbelievers, despite forbidding them to take the disbelievers as allies. Ibn ‘Abbās is reported to have said that such protective concealment is expressed through speech.

Thus, there is no dispute among us that statements have no legal effect when a person is coerced without right. Neither a profession of disbelief nor a profession of faith is valid when made under wrongful coercion. An example of the latter is a non-Muslim who faithfully observes his covenant of protection, concerning whom Allah Most High said:

“There is no compulsion in religion. The right way has become distinct from error.”
Surah al-Baqarah, 256

This differs from someone who is rightfully coerced, such as those among a belligerent people who are fought until they embrace Islam—if the fighting against them is to continue until they embrace Islam—or until they pay the jizyah, if the fighting is to continue until either of these two outcomes. As Allah Most High said:

“When the sacred months have passed, kill the polytheists wherever you find them…”

Up to His words:

“But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, then let them go their way.”
Surah al-Tawbah, 5

Likewise, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “I have been commanded to fight the people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Once they say this,