Security in Islam

[All praise is due to Allah Lord of the Worlds, the Owner of all of the creation]

Security in Islam

Security is a basic need for humanity. Without an atmosphere of
stability and security, no development, civilization, or scientific
advancement can be conceived. Hence, it is not strange that Islam
deems security one of the greatest blessings endowed by Allah. In the
Qur’an, for example, Almighty Allah reminds the Quraish tribe that He
bestowed upon them two great favors: He [has fed them against hunger
and secured them from fear] (Quraish 106:4). The same meaning is
repeated in Surat Al-Qasas 28:57. Emphasizing this perspective, the
Messenger of Allah said, “Whosoever begins the day secured in his
home, healthy in his body, and possessing provision for his day is as
though he possessed the whole world” (At-Tirmidhi; authenticated by Al-
Albani).

This perception of security goes in line with the Islamic view of the
position and role of the humans on earth. A human being, according to
Islam, is the vicegerent of Allah and is supposed to develop it and
make use of its resources (Al-Baqarah 2:30; Hud 11:61). To do this,
security is an inevitable prerequisite. Islam approaches the issue of
security from different angles, laying down the solid bases for a
secure and stable world.

Islam emphasizes the sanctity of human life and prohibits in
unequivocal terms taking the lives of innocent people.

[Whosoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or
corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind,
and whoso saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the
life of all mankind.] (Al-Ma’idah 5:32)

[And he who kills a believer his reward is Hell, to abide therein (for
ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a
tremendous torment is prepared for him.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:93)

This prohibition of killing innocent people is not restricted to
Muslims only. `Abdullah ibn `Amr (may Allah be pleased with him)
narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Whoever killed a mu`ahid (a non-Muslim having a treaty with the
Muslims, or a non-Muslim citizen) shall not smell the (fragrant) smell
of Paradise though it can be smelled from a distance of forty years
(of traveling)” (Al-Bukhari).

Islam prohibits terrorizing innocent people, even if done jokingly.

`Abdul-Rahman ibn Abi Layla said that the Companions of Muhammad
(peace and blessings be upon him) narrated that they were traveling
with the Prophet when one of them slept. So a person took a rope of
the sleeping man who, when he woke up, got frightened (because he
thought that he had lost the rope). The Prophet said, “It is
impermissible for a Muslim to frighten (another) Muslim” (Abu Dawud;
authenticated by Al-Albani).

In another hadith reported by Imam Muslim, the Prophet tells us that
one who just points a weapon to his fellow Muslim will be cursed by
the angels. This prohibition of terrorizing innocent people applies,
of course, to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Fudalah ibn `Ubaid
narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said “A
(true) believer is one from whom people feel secure in their souls and
properties (from any offensive on his part)” (Ibn Majah; authenticated
by Al-Albani). Here the word “people” is a general term including both
Muslims and non-Muslims.

Indeed, the comprehensive sense of security in Islam extends even to
animals and insects.

`Abdullah ibn Mas`ud reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah
(peace and blessings be upon him) on a journey. … We saw a bird which
had two young ones with it. We caught them and the mother bird came,
beating the earth with its wings. In the meantime the Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) returned and said, “Who has put this bird
to distress on account of its young? Return them to her.’’ He (peace
and blessings be upon him) also noticed a mound of ants which we had
burned up. He asked, “Who has set fire to this?’’ We replied, “We have
done so.’’ He said, “None should chastise with fire except the Lord of
the fire’’ (Abu Dawud; authenticated by Al-Albani).

Abu Hurairah reported that Allah’s Messenger said “An ant stung one of
the (previous) prophets, so he ordered the (whole) ants’ village to be
burned. Allah, hence, revealed to him ‘have you destroyed a whole
nation that glorified Allah, only because of an ant’s sting?’” (Abu
Dawud; authenticated by Al-Albani).

Islam prohibits corruption and mischief. It condemns vehemently those
who seek to undermine security and stability, and announces that
theirs will be great punishment.

[When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief
through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not
mischief. When it is said to him, “Fear Allah,” he is led by arrogance
to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell—an evil bed indeed (to lie
on)!] (Al-Baqarah 2:205–206)

Islam commands enforcing justice, even with enemies, and prohibits all
forms of oppression.

[Let not hatred towards any people incite you that ye deal not justly.
Deal justly, that is nearer to piety.] (Al-Ma’idah 5:8)

[O ye who believe! Be ye staunch in justice, witnesses for Allah, even
though it be against yourselves or (your) parents or (your) kindred.]
(An-Nisaa’ 4:135)

Islam introduces the ruling of retribution (qisas), but encourages
forgiveness and tolerance.

[The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree):
but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due
from Allah: for (Allah) loves not those who do wrong.] (Ash-Shura
42:41)

Islam introduces jihad as a tool for defending lands against any
foreign aggression.

[Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not
transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.] (Al-Baqarah
2:190)

[To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight),
because they are wronged; and verily, Allah is most indeed Able to
give them victory.] (Al-Hajj 22:39)

Islam lays down the bases of coexistence and cooperation with the
other in all that is good and beneficial.

[Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war
against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you
forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them
justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice. Allah only forbids
you respecting those who made war upon you on account of (your)
religion, and drove you forth from your homes and backed up (others)
in your expulsion, that you make friends (and ally) with them, and
whoever makes friends with them, these are wrong-doers.] (Al-
Mumtahanah 60:8–9)

Finally, when we observe the objectives of the Shari`ah, we find that
they all contribute to promoting security. Protecting the soul,
progeny, property, and intellect are important objectives of the
Shari`ah and, obviously, they are all about maintaining security and
enforcing stability.


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