Retaliation - Mishkat al-Masabih 3521

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim, transmitted by Salama ibn al-Akwa', contains profound wisdom regarding the sanctity of Muslim life and community cohesion.

Literal Meaning and Context

The phrase "draws a sword against us" refers to any act of aggression or violence against Muslims without legitimate Islamic justification. The declaration "does not belong to us" indicates severance from the Muslim community's spiritual bond (ukhuwwah).

This prohibition applies to both physical weapons and metaphorical "swords" - including harmful speech, betrayal, or any means causing harm to believers.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam an-Nawawi explains this signifies the gravity of initiating violence against Muslims, making one alien to Islamic brotherhood. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this applies particularly to fitnah (civil strife) where Muslims fight each other.

The prohibition extends beyond literal swords to all weapons and means of aggression. Scholars emphasize this applies to unjust aggression, not legitimate self-defense or properly authorized Islamic judicial punishment.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

This hadith establishes the inviolability of Muslim life and property. Unjust aggression violates the divine protection granted to believers.

Spiritually, such action severs the bond of faith (iman) that unites Muslims. The aggressor places themselves outside the protective covenant of Islamic brotherhood.

Jurists use this as evidence prohibiting rebellion against legitimate Muslim rulers and condemning sectarian violence.

Contemporary Application

This teaching reminds Muslims to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, dialogue, and proper Islamic judicial processes rather than violence.

It condemns terrorism, vigilante justice, and any unauthorized violence against Muslims or non-Muslims under Muslim protection (dhimmis).

The principle extends to modern weapons and all forms of aggression, maintaining the Prophet's timeless guidance for community harmony.