—thus keeping their faith hidden—and were unable to emigrate.

Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, when the angels take the souls of those who have wronged themselves, they ask, ‘What state were you in?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed in the land.’ The angels say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate?’ Their refuge will be Hell—what an evil destination! Except for the oppressed men, women, and children who have no means and cannot find a way. Allah may well pardon them, for Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving.”

[Surah al-Nisā: 97–99]

Thus He—Glorified is He—excused the oppressed person who was unable to emigrate.

Allah Most High also says:

“Why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed men, women, and children who say, ‘Our Lord, bring us out of this town whose people are oppressors, and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper’?”

[Surah al-Nisā: 75]

Those people were unable to practice their religion, so whatever lay beyond their ability was waived for them.

If this was the case for someone who had been a polytheist and then believed, what then of someone from the People of the Book who believed?

Regarding His words:

“If he belonged to a people hostile to you but was a believer”

[Surah al-Nisā: 92]

It has been said that this refers to someone wearing the garb of the enemy—for example, when he is (1) in their ranks (2). The killer is deemed excused because he was commanded to fight him; his liability for blood money is therefore waived, though expiation remains obligatory. This is the view of al-Shāfiī and one of the two opinions reported from Ahmad.