9: 6 [at-Tawbah, Medina 113, Tabuk 9H]

Asad …………and thereupon convey him to a place where he can feel secure [note 11]: this because they [may be] people who [sins only because they] do not know [the truth].

Yusuf Ali If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum grant it to him so that he may hear the word of Allah and then escort him to where he can be secure: that is because they are men without knowledge.

Pickthall And if anyone of the idolaters seeks your protection (O Muhammad), then protect him so that he may hear the word of Allah; and afterward convey him to his place of safety. That is because they are a folk who know not.

Transliteration Wa in ahadum minal musyrikinastaja_raka fa ajirhu hatta_ yasma'a kala_malla_hi summa ablighu ma'manah(u_), za_lika bi annahum qaumul la_ ya'lamu_n(a).

[[ Asad’s note 11 – Lit., “his place of security (ma’manahu) – i.e., “let him rejoin his homeland” (Razi), which implies that he is free to accept or not accept the message of the Quran: a further re-affirmation of the Quranic imjunction that “there is no coercion in matters of faith” (2:256). ]]

[[ Ali’s notes:

1253 Even among the enemies of Islam, actively fighting against Islam, there may be individuals who may be in a position to require protection. Full asylum is to be given to them, and opportunities provided for hearing the Word of Allah. If they accept the Word, they become Muslims and brethren, 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. Such persons only err through ignorance, and there may be much good in them. (9.6)

1254 Maaman: place or opportunity of being secure from all harm. (9.6) ]]