The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4999

"I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, whose Islam is most virtuous?' He said: 'The one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe.'"

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes that the excellence of Islam is measured by one's conduct toward fellow Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) defined the best Muslim not through mere rituals, but through social responsibility and moral character.

Safety from one's tongue refers to abstaining from backbiting, slander, false speech, and hurtful words. Safety from one's hand means refraining from physical harm, theft, oppression, and all forms of aggression against Muslims' persons, property, or honor.

This teaching emphasizes that true faith manifests in peaceful coexistence. The believer's relationship with others should be characterized by security and trust, making society safe from both verbal and physical harm.

The comprehensive nature of this definition encompasses all aspects of human interaction, making the protection of fellow Muslims' rights a fundamental measure of Islamic virtue.