Inquiries on the Science of the Objectives of Sharia (Part 36)
2. Preserving the Soul
Preserving the soul is one of the essential objectives of Sharia. Many divine commandments have been specifically legislated to protect human lives, and Islam places particular importance on this principle. In this section, we will consider the significance, benefits, and both positive and negative means related to preserving the soul.
Preserving the soul is a critical and essential objective of Sharia. Therefore, Allah Almighty has made legitimate and obligatory positive means to strengthen this goal and has also prohibited and forbidden harmful means. Understanding the sanctity of preserving the soul and the related positive and negative means is an undeniable necessity, which we will discuss in detail in this essay.
A: The Importance of Preserving the Soul
Allah Almighty has honored humanity, commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam, and subjected all that is in the heavens and the earth to him. As Allah’s vicegerent on earth, man is tasked with understanding the secrets of nature, utilizing his talents, and achieving both material perfection and spiritual advancement. Achieving these goals is impossible without access to the means and conditions necessary for progress and the enjoyment of full human rights.
The first rights that Islam guarantees to man are:
1. The right to life.
2. The right to property.
3. The right to protect one’s honor.
4. The right to freedom and liberty.
5. The right to equality.
6. The right to education.
These rights are essential for every human being, regardless of color, religion, race, homeland, or social status, and are fundamental to his humanity. Allah Almighty says in the Quran: «وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُمْ مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَى كَثِيرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا.» Translation: “We have honored the children of Adam, and carried them on land and sea, and provided them with good things, and preferred them over many of Our creations.”
Sayyed Sabeq, may Allah have mercy on him, writes: “The first and highest right of man is the right to life, which is sacred and honorable, and it is never permissible to violate it.” Allah Almighty says in the Quran: «وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَمَنْ قُتِلَ مَظْلُومًا فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيهِ سُلْطَانًا فَلَا يُسْرِفْ فِي الْقَتْلِ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مَنْصُورًا.» Translation: “Do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly, we have given authority to his guardian, so let him not be excessive in killing, for he is a helper from Allah.”
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (MAPH) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: «لا یَحِلُّ دَمُ امرِئٍ مُسلِمٍ، یَشهَدُ أن لا إلهَ إلّا اللَّهُ وأنی رَسولُ اللَّهِ، إلّا بإحدَى ثلاثٍ: الثَّیِّبُ الزَّانِی، والنَّفسُ بالنَّفسِ، والتَّارِکُ لِدِینِهِ المُفارِقُ للجماعَةِ.» “The blood of a Muslim who bears witness that there is no god but Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah is not permissible to shed except in three cases: the one who commits adultery after marriage, the one who kills unjustly, and the one who apostatizes from the religion of Islam and separates from the community of Muslims.”
The Prophet (PBUH) said during the Hujjat al- Wida Khutba: «إِنَّ دِمَاءَكُمْ وَأَمْوَالَكُمْ وَأَعْرَاضَكُمْ عَلَیْكُمْ حَرَامٌ، كَحُرْمَةِ یَوْمِكُمْ هَذَا، فِی بَلَدِكُمْ هَذَا، فِی شَهْرِكُمْ هَذَا… أَلَا هَلْ بَلَّغْتُ؟» “Indeed, your lives, your wealth, and your honor are sacred to you, just as the sacredness of this day, this month, and this city is sacred to you… Be aware, have I conveyed my message?” He repeated this statement twice.
