Validity of the pledge of security
The validity of pledge of security is a set of laws regulating the international relationships between countries before, but they need to be revised by Muslim scholars to fit with the modern laws nowadays.
Validity of the pledge of security
A pledge of security is perfectly acceptable as, in the first place, it relies on the Qur’anic verse that says:
‘If any of the idolaters seeks asylum with you, grant him protection, so that he may hear the word of God, and then convey him to his place of safety. That is because the idolaters are people who lack knowledge.’
(9:6)
The right to give a pledge of security is confirmed for all Muslim men and women. Any Muslim individual may give such a pledge to any individual from the enemy camp requesting it. The only people that may not give such a pledge are children and insane people. The Prophet (peace be upon him) says: ‘Pledges given by Muslims are of the same status. The most humble among them may offer it. They are all one unit against all who do not belong to them’ (related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, al-Nassa’i and al-Hakim). Umm Hani’, the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) cousin, extended protection to a man from among her in-laws on the day when Makkah fell to Islam, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) honoured her pledge.
Foreigners who visit Muslim countries in peacetime, according to the prevailing regulations, are in fact covered by a pledge of security that is different in nature from the one discussed in the books of Islamic jurisprudence. They enjoy the protection of the Muslim country and no aggression may be committed against them or their property. However, if they violate the laws of the Muslim country during their visit, they are put to trial according to the law of the land.