The Place of Security in the Sunnah and Life of the Prophet “PBUH” (Part 7)
Introduction
Whenever we Muslims want to determine the importance, value, and status of something, we first refer to the Qur’an and then to the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. In these sources, we look for verses and hadiths that address the subject we are investigating. Previously, the place of security was stated in the Qur’an; in this section, we want to consider security in the light of the Sunnah and hadiths of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and examine what the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said about security and peace of mind, as well as what solutions he proposed to strengthen security in his community. Below are hadiths regarding the position of security:
1. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: «من أصبح منكم آمنا في سربه معافي في جسده، عنده قوت يومه، فكأنما حيزت له الدنيا» Translation: “Anyone of you who enjoys mental security (life) and physical health, and whose daily food is provided, is as if he has the whole world.”
In the explanation of this hadith, the author of “Faiz al-Qadir” writes: “He who has been blessed with health in his body and security in his heart, and who has enough food for his daily life and the health of his family, it is as if he has gathered all the blessings of the world for himself. Therefore, it is necessary for him to spend his day with gratitude for the blessings of Allah Almighty.”
2. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: «لا يحل لمسلم أن يروع مسلما» Translation: “It is not permissible for any Muslim to frighten another Muslim.”
It is not permissible to frighten a Muslim in any way, even as a joke. Allama Manawi, may Allah have mercy on him, states: “It is not permissible to frighten a Muslim because this bothers them.” Scaring a person disrupts their security and peace and causes distress. Allama Shoukani, may Allah have mercy on him, also notes: “This hadith is proof that it is not permissible to scare a Muslim, even if it is in the form of a joke.”
3. The Prophet, may peace be upon him, said: «لا يشير أحدكم الي أخيه بالسلاح، فإنه لا يدري أحدكم لعل الشيطان ينزع في يده فيقع في حفرة من النار» Translation: “None of you should point a weapon at his Muslim brother; because he does not know what may happen, and perhaps Satan will cause him to be injured and as a result, he will fall into a well of hell.”
Explanation of the hadith: This part of the hadith emphasizes the importance of not pointing weapons at others, as they can cause fear and anxiety. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, even advised those who entered the mosque or market with weapons to be careful and keep their items hidden from view to prevent others from feeling anxious or threatened. Ibn Battal explains that when the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, told a person entering the mosque with a spear to “hold the head of the spear,” it was for the sake of politeness and to prevent fear.
4. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: «لا یأخذن أحدكم متاع أخيه لاعبا و لا جادا» Translation: “None of you takes his brother’s property, whether jokingly or seriously.”
In explaining this hadith, Abu Ubaid mentions that when a person takes another’s possessions without the intention to steal, it may cause discomfort and anger. Though the act may seem like a joke, it seriously undermines security and trust between individuals.
5. The saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: «اللهم استرعوراتي و آمن روعاتي» “Oh Allah, cover my private parts and ease my fears.”
Maintaining security is a crucial factor in creating comfort, prosperity, and happiness for individuals in their daily lives. As a result, they will be safeguarded against many seditions and upheavals, benefiting fully from peace, stability, and security.
6. When the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, observed the crescent moon of each month, he would say: «الله أکبر، اللهم أهله علینا بالأمن والإیمان والسلامة والإسلام والتوفیق لما یحبه ربنا ویرضی» Translation: “Allah Akbar, O Allah, bring us the new month with security, faith, health, Islam, and success in what our Lord loves and likes.”
These hadiths clearly indicate the significance of security and peace to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. He highlighted this matter in various hadiths.
