Among the pricniples of Islam which reveal tolerance toward the enemy in the time of war, is that it allows individuals and groups of the enemy who actively fight against Islam, to get in touch with Moslems and to reside in Moslem lands under the protection of a law which is known in the Moslem Shariiah as the "Law of Protection." Islam ensures the protection of such people and requires Moslems to protect them with all they can afford as long as they are in Moslem territories. It even offers them certain privileges and releases them from certain obligations which Moslems have to observe.

The purpose of this Law of Protection is to give these people a chance to learn the truth about Islam. In this way, Moslems could effectively spread the message of their faith. The origin of this lies in God's words: "If one of the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the Word of God; and then escort him to where he can be secure" (9:6). One may add with a scholar that "if they accept the Word, they become Moslems and brethern, and no further question arises. If they do not see their way to accept Islam, they will require double protection: (1) from the Islamic forces openly fighting against their people, and (2) from their own people, as they detached themselves from them. Both kinds of protection should be ensured for them, and they should be safely escorted to a place where they can be safe."

Islam deals with this point at length and permits the Moslem individuals to protect and settle a covenant with one or a group of non-Moslems. This measure of protection and guarantee on his part is to be respected, for the Prophet says: "The guarantee of all Moslems is one, and it may be fulfilled by the weakest of them." Islam also confirms guarantess reached by women, who typically do not do the fighting, for the Prophet once addressed Um Hani' saying: "We will protect all those to whom you offer your protection!"

Islam does not make specific demands regarding such measures, except that which ensures safety to Moslems, like making certain that those under protection have no force or resistance of their own, and that there is no likelihood of a tendency on their part to spread intrigue or spy on Moslems. To this effect, Islam confirms the right of the Leader to annul an individual's right for protection if this annulment be for the general good of Moslems.