Itmaam E Hujjat
Surah At-Tawbah, verse 9:5, clearly states that polytheists are granted immunity only if they meet three specific conditions: they embrace Islam, establish prayer, and pay zakat. In contrast, verse 9:29 outlines a different criterion for the People of the Book. They are to be spared if they cease their hostility. During this campaign, God also commands that if any polytheist seeks refuge, he should be granted protection and safely escorted back to his place. This act of sheltering does not interrupt or invalidate the ongoing operation against the polytheists. In most places, the Quran highlights the reason for divine punishment on disbelievers as their denial of God’s signs—takzeeb al-ayat—rather than mere hostility.