JIHAD SECTION · 100 – INVITING PAGANS TO ISLAM
I asked Nafiʿ about the calling to Islam of those fighting among the polytheists, through a letter. He said that it was in the early days of Islam. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ swiftly marched against Banū Mustaliq without them being aware of his coming. Their animals were being watered. The warriors killed them and took their women and children as captives. Harith’s daughter Juwayriyah became possessed on that day. This news was conveyed to me by Abdullah, who was among the army.
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would raid during the dawn prayer, and he would listen attentively at that time. If he heard the call to the prayer, he would abandon the raid. Otherwise, he would proceed with it. [439]
COMMENTARY:
One of the signs of a land being a Muslim land is the hearing of the call to the prayer. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ arrived at a place during the darkness of night, he would listen; if the call to the prayer was heard, he would not raid it. If the call to the prayer was not heard, he would raid it, because they were considered polytheists. For the people of a land where the call to the prayer is recited are Muslims.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, sent us on an expedition and said: “If you come across a place where you see a mosque or hear the call to prayer, do not kill any of its people, for they are Muslims.”