And of someone held under another’s control, one says, “He cannot break free of this,” just as a captive or slave cannot break free of whoever holds him in subjection. Thus, His words:

“Those who disbelieved among the People of the Book and the polytheists were not to break free”

mean that they were not to be left to their own devices, doing whatever they desired without restraint, as someone who has broken free is no longer restrained. He did not say “mafkūkīn” (released), but rather “munfakkīn” (breaking free). This wording is better, for it negates an action on their part. Had He said “released,” the implied meaning would have been that they were not to be left unrestrained and alone, thus negating an action on the part of someone else.

The point is that they were not to be left without commands or prohibitions, with no messengers sent to them, doing whatever they wished in pursuit of their desires. The meaning is that Allah does not leave them alone or abandon them. He does not release them until He sends them a messenger. This resembles His words:

“Does man think that he will be left without purpose?”

That is, without being commanded or forbidden. Does he imagine that this will happen? It will never happen; rather, he must be given commands and prohibitions. Similar to this are His words, Most High:

“Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Quran so that you may understand. And indeed, it is in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted and full of wisdom. Shall We then turn the Reminder away from you, disregarding you, because you are a transgressing people?”

This is a rhetorical question expressing rejection: Are We, because of your transgression, to cease sending down the Reminder and refrain from sending messengers? And who resents their being sent?