Explanation of the Hadith: Expel the polytheists from the Arabian Peninsula

Question:
This is a question that says: The hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) What is the meaning of this hadith? I have come across those who say it is obligatory to fight the polytheists and expel them from the Arabian Peninsula. May Allah reward you. Is the meaning killing or expelling?

Answer:
There is a distinction here. The one addressed is the rulers, the authorities who are able to expel the polytheists from the Arabian Peninsula. The rulers are not individuals, and therefore the Companions did not expel the polytheists. It was the one in authority, 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who expelled them when Islam became strong. So this is among the authorities of the one in authority.
Second, the meaning is that you do not leave them to settle and reside in the Arabian Peninsula. As for them coming for urgent matters and returning to their country, that was a thing that existed with the people of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Deputations of polytheists would come to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to negotiate with them. So the meaning is that they are not left to settle in the Arabian Peninsula. As for them coming for urgent matters to negotiate with the one in authority, or coming as contractors for works that only they can do well, we contract with them, and when their work is finished they travel to their country, this does not fall under the hadith "Expel the polytheists." The evidence is that they used to come to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) with messages to negotiate with him. And the Muslims also used to make treaties with them, writing covenants and guarantees of safety with them. They would enter the land with safety. And he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: But as I told you, the people of deviation and the people of misguidance take what suits them and leave what does not suit them.