"I heard the Messenger of Allah [SAW] say: "The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe, and the Muhajir is the one who forsakes (Hajara) that which Allah has forbidden to him."
The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4996
This noble hadith from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ provides two profound definitions that form the foundation of Islamic character and spiritual migration.
Definition of a True Muslim
"The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe" - This establishes that true Islam manifests in physical and verbal security for fellow believers. The tongue represents speech, backbiting, slander, and hurtful words, while the hand symbolizes physical actions, oppression, and harm.
Scholars explain that this definition transcends mere ritual worship. A person who prays and fasts but harms Muslims with speech or action has not perfected their faith. Complete faith requires protecting others from one's own potential harm.
The Essence of Hijrah (Migration)
"The Muhajir is the one who forsakes (Hajara) that which Allah has forbidden" - This redefines migration beyond physical relocation. True hijrah is abandoning what Allah prohibits, whether sins, harmful habits, or forbidden relationships.
Classical commentators emphasize that this spiritual migration is continuous and more demanding than physical migration. It requires constant vigilance against the soul's desires and steadfastness in leaving all that displeases Allah, making every believer a potential muhajir.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Nawawi explains that these definitions establish the outward manifestations of inward faith. Security from harm demonstrates perfected faith (Ihsan), while abandoning prohibitions reflects true God-consciousness (Taqwa).
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that the hadith connects community welfare with personal piety - the Muslim protects others, the Muhajir protects himself. Together, they create the ideal Islamic society where rights are preserved and sins are abandoned.