He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone points a piece of iron at his brother the angels will curse him till he puts it down, even if he is his brother who has the same father and mother.” Bukhari transmitted it.
Exposition of the Hadith on Pointing Weapons
This narration from Sahih Bukhari, documented in Mishkat al-Masabih 3519 under the book "Retaliation," addresses the grave prohibition of threatening Muslims with weapons.
Textual Analysis
The phrase "piece of iron" (ḥadīd) encompasses all weaponry - swords, spears, firearms, and any instrument capable of causing harm or death.
"The angels will curse him" indicates continuous divine displeasure and invocation against the offender until the threat ceases.
Legal Rulings and Implications
Scholars unanimously declare this action forbidden (haram) due to the severe warning contained in the curse of angels.
The specification "even if he is his brother" emphasizes that close kinship doesn't mitigate the prohibition - the sanctity of Muslim life transcends blood relations.
Spiritual Consequences
The continuous curse signifies being deprived of divine mercy and protection while engaged in such threatening behavior.
This teaching cultivates an environment of security and trust within the Muslim community, where believers feel safe from one another.
Practical Application
Muslims must avoid playful or joking threats with weapons, as the ruling applies regardless of intent.
Weapon safety and proper storage are religious obligations derived from this hadith's spirit of preventing harm.