Commentary on the Hadith of Harj

This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (7065) mentions the term "Harj" which the Prophet ﷺ clarified means "killing" in the Ethiopian language. This linguistic clarification serves an important purpose in Islamic scholarship.

Linguistic Context and Significance

The Prophet's ﷺ explanation of this foreign term demonstrates his concern for precise understanding among his companions. Ethiopia (Al-Habasha) had diplomatic relations with early Muslims, and this linguistic reference reflects the cross-cultural awareness in 7th century Arabia.

Scholars note that such clarifications prevent misinterpretation of prophetic traditions, especially when dealing with terms from other languages that entered Arabic discourse.

Eschatological Implications

Within the context of "Afflictions and the End of the World," the mention of "killing" (harj) points to the widespread violence and tribulations that will precede the Day of Judgment. Classical commentators like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain that this refers to the frequent and indiscriminate killing that will become commonplace.

This prophetic description aligns with other eschatological narrations that depict social breakdown and loss of life as signs of the final hour approaching.

Moral and Legal Considerations

The hadith serves as a warning against the normalization of killing and violence. Islamic jurisprudence strictly regulates the taking of life, permitting it only in specifically defined circumstances like lawful warfare, capital punishment for certain crimes, and self-defense.

The prophetic mention of widespread killing serves as both a prediction and a moral exhortation to uphold the sanctity of life that Islam so emphatically emphasizes.