Narrated Ali ibn Abu Talib: Some slaves (of the unbelievers) went out to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ on the day of al-Hudaybiyyah before treaty. Their masters wrote to him saying: O Muhammad, they have not gone out to you with an interest in your religion, but they have gone out to escape from slavery. Some people said: They have spoken the truth, Messenger of Allah, send them back to them. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ became angry and said: I do not see your restraining yourself from this action), group of Quraysh, but that Allah send someone to you who strike your necks. He then refused to return them, and said: They are emancipated (slaves) of Allah, the Exalted.
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi
Benefits and Issues:
When a common person escapes from the land of disbelief (dar al-kufr),
he becomes free on his own accord.
Then, if he accepts Islam,
he is now free.
His acceptance of Islam is also valid.
There is no reason to send him back to the disbelievers.
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood – Commentary by Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi, Page: 2700