It is not permissible to take the life of a Muslim who bears testimony (to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and I am the Messenger of Allah, but in one of the three cases: the married adulterer, a life for life, and the deserter of his Din (Islam), abandoning the community.
The Book of Oaths, Muharibin, Qasas (Retaliation), and Diyat (Blood Money)
Sahih Muslim 1676 a
Hadith Commentary
This noble hadith establishes the sanctity of Muslim life, affirming that the testimony of faith protects one's blood from being shed unlawfully. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explicitly delineated three exceptional circumstances where this protection is lifted, demonstrating Islam's balanced approach to justice and communal preservation.
First Exception: The Married Adulterer
The married adulterer (muhsan) who commits zina after having entered a valid marriage loses the protection of their life. This ruling applies only when strict evidentiary requirements are met, including the testimony of four upright witnesses to the actual act of intercourse. The severity of this punishment reflects the grave threat adultery poses to lineage, family structure, and social morality.
Second Exception: A Life for Life
The principle of qisas (retaliation) in cases of intentional murder allows the taking of a Muslim's life as legal retribution. This divine law establishes justice between people and deters bloodshed. However, Islamic law provides alternatives through diyat (blood money) and forgiveness, encouraging reconciliation while upholding the sanctity of life.
Third Exception: The Apostate Who Abandons the Community
This refers to the murtadd (apostate) who not only renounces Islam but also physically separates from the Muslim community in a manner that constitutes political rebellion (hirabah). Classical scholars emphasize this applies to those whose apostasy is coupled with active hostility against the Muslim polity, threatening communal security and unity.
Legal Principles Derived
This hadith establishes that the default ruling is the inviolability of Muslim life. Exceptions require strict evidentiary standards and proper judicial process. These rulings balance individual rights with communal welfare, demonstrating Islam's comprehensive approach to maintaining social order while preserving fundamental human rights.