Islam and peace-3

Islam-upholder of human rights

 

Islam declares life and property of every person as sacred.  Killing somebody without a reason is a great sin, to the point that killing of one person is like murder of entire humanity.  This is because, the way the life of all human beings is sacred, in the same way, the life of a single human being is also sacred with Allah Ta’ala.  Another interpretation of this is that, the person who makes so bold as to kill one human being, in the same way, that person, if such means like nuclear weapons are available, will not hesitate to destroy entire humanity.

 

In the same way, saving a person’s life is considered equal to saving the whole humanity also, as Allah Ta’ala says:

 

whoever killed a person (unjustly), except as a punishment for murder or for (spreading) disorder in the land (i.e. punishment for bloodshed and robbery etc.), it would be as if he killed all the people (of society); and whoever (saved him from unjust murder and) made him survive, it would be as if he saved the lives of all the people (of society; i.e. he rescued the collective system of human life)  Surah Maida (5:32)

 

In the same way, Islam gives every person the right to save his/her wealth and honor.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:

 

Translation: The person with faith is the one from whom people feel safe in regard to life and wealth.

 

There is a Hadith in Sunan Abu Dawood:

 

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Anas bin Malik (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Start with the name of Allah Ta’ala , by coming into the protection of Allah Ta’ala , go according to the nation of the Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and do not kill any old person, neither any child or any infant or any woman.  Also do not cheat in the booty.  Gather the booty – and perform every work excellently, verily Allah Ta’ala loves those who are benevolent.

 

There is a Hadith in Musnad Imam Ahmed.

 

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of the slave of the Prophet of Allah Ta’ala  (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), Hadhrat Thauban (May Allah be well pleased with him) that he heard the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) say: The person who kills any child or spills the blood of any old person or burns any date tree or hacks any fruit-bearing tree or slaughters the goat of any native of that area, that person will be held accountable for it.

 

Islam’s message of peace is not only for Muslims, but for the whole world.  This is that merciful religion that considers the life of every human being as equally sacred.  In light of the honor and out of regard for human beings, forget killing someone, even hurting some ne is not allowed.

 

That age when spilling blood was considered a matter of pride, the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) prohibited slaughtering of a goat of the conquered area.