Hadith Text and Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever takes up arms against us, is not from us." (Sahih al-Bukhari 7071)

This profound statement was narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and addresses the grave matter of internal strife and rebellion within the Muslim community.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi explains that this hadith prohibits fighting against Muslims and emphasizes the sanctity of Muslim blood. The phrase "is not from us" indicates exclusion from the complete way of the Prophet, meaning such a person has abandoned the prophetic guidance concerning brotherhood.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari clarifies that "taking up arms" refers to unjust aggression against Muslims, not legitimate self-defense or fighting under proper Islamic authority. The prohibition applies to those who rebel against the legitimate Muslim ruler without just cause according to Islamic law.

Scholars differentiate between major sins that expel one from Islam (kufr) and those that don't. This statement falls under the latter - it indicates severe sinfulness but not automatic apostasy unless accompanied by beliefs justifying violence against Muslims.

Practical Implications

This teaching establishes the principle of preserving Muslim unity and prohibits fitnah (discord). It warns against the grave consequences of internal fighting and emphasizes that true faith manifests in protecting, not harming, fellow Muslims.

The ruling applies to both physical weapons and metaphorical "arms" like harmful speech and actions that destroy communal harmony. Contemporary scholars apply this to terrorist acts against Muslim populations and unauthorized rebellions.

Related Teachings

This hadith connects to numerous Quranic verses prohibiting fighting among believers (e.g., Surah al-Hujurat 49:9) and the Prophet's farewell sermon emphasizing Muslim sanctity.

In "Afflictions and the End of World" literature, scholars cite this hadith when discussing signs of the Final Hour, including the prevalence of internal conflict and the breakdown of religious brotherhood.