Transliteration:( Illal lazeena 'aahattum minal mushrikeena summa lam yanqusookum shai'anw-wa lam yuzaahiroo 'alaikum ahadan fa atimmooo ilaihim 'ahdahum ilaa muddatihim; innal laaha yuhibbul muttaqeen )
"Except for those of the polytheists with whom you had an agreement, and they did not detract from the contract, and did not help [7] anyone against you, then fulfill their pact until its term. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous."
This verse makes a clear exception for those polytheist tribes who remained loyal to their treaties with the Muslims. It emphasizes that Islam upholds justice, even toward non-believers, provided they do not violate agreements or support enemies against the Muslims.
An example of those who violated their treaty is the tribe of Banu Bakr, who assisted in attacking Banu Khaza‘ah, a tribe allied with the Prophet ﷺ. Their betrayal placed them among those excluded from treaty protection.
However, for those who honored their treaties, Muslims were commanded to fulfill the agreement until the end of its stipulated term. This demonstrates the Islamic principle of fulfilling contracts and behaving righteously, as Allah loves the righteous—those who act justly and faithfully, even in difficult political circumstances.
4. Except those of the Mushrikin with whom you have a treaty, and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor have supported anyone against you. So fulfill their treaty for them until the end of their term. Surely, Allah loves those who have Taqwa.
This is an exception regulating the longest extent of time for those who have a general treaty – with out time mentioned – to four months. They would have four months to travel the lands in search of sanctuary for themselves wherever they wish. Those whose treaty mentioned a specifec limited term, then the longest it would extend was to the point of its agreed upon termination date. Hadiths in this regard preceeded. So anyone who had a treaty with Allah’s Messenger , it lasted until its specific termination date. However, those in this category were required to refrain from breaking the terms of the agreement with Muslims and from helping non-Muslims against Muslims. This is the type whose peace agreement with Muslims was carried out to its end. Allah encouraged honoring such peace treaties, saying,
(Surely, Allah loves those who have Taqwa) ﴿9:4﴾, who keep their promises.
(9:4) In exception to those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity are those with whom you have made treaties and who have not violated their treaties nor have backed up anyone against you. Fulfil your treaties with them till the end of their term. Surely Allah loves the pious.”[5]
5. “So, fulfill to them their treaty.” For your violation in such cases shall be against piety. And Muslims should remain pious under all circumstances “Indeed, Allah loves those who are righteous” only.
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