What is the meaning of the hadith: “Expel the mushrikin (those who associate partners with Allah) from the Arabian Peninsula”?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. There are many questions that have come in regarding the meaning of the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) . What is its meaning? What is its relation to al-wala' wa al-bara' (loyalty and disavowal)? And what are the boundaries of the Peninsula?

Answer:
There are books on this, and the matter is clarified in them, and it has become clear, praise be to Allah, that the meaning of “expel them” is that each person who expels them does so within the authority of the one in authority (wali al-amr), who has the power to bind and release. This is one aspect. The other aspect is that the meaning of “expel them” is that you do not allow them to settle permanently, own property, or build their churches in the lands of the Muslims.
It does not mean that no merchants come from them, or no experts, or no delegates come to negotiate with the Muslims, or that no people come to inquire about Islam . The meaning is that they are not allowed to settle permanently and reside there.
This is from their own lands. This is what is intended. It does not mean a temporary arrival for permissible purposes and then returning; that does not fall under this ruling. But these are ignorant people. Then the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Expel them”; he did not say, “Kill them.” These people kill them; they kill them. This is a betrayal of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) protected the blood of those with whom there is a treaty and those granted safe conduct. They are on one side, and the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is on another. These people have split from Allah and His Messenger; they are in one faction, and Allah and His Messenger are in another faction. Yes.