In our tradition, we have a well-known narration, in which the Messenger, peace be upon him, is reported to have said:
“The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one from whom the people’s lives and wealth are safe.”
Hadith
So tell me, in what way have the actions of contemporary leaders safeguarded the lives and wealth of their people?
On the contrary, their miscalculations have brought about utter destruction on the people they were supposedly responsible for.
Children are dying of malnutrition. Entire families are displaced from their homes. Whole neighbourhoods have been obliterated. An unending stream of bombs are rained down from the sky. Young boys set out scavenging for food and water, however foul, seeking any morsel or drop to keep their widowed mothers alive.
Others, whose faith is stronger than mine, say, “Victory will soon be ours.” Or, “What other choice do these people have but to rise up and resist?”
The refrain is the same, wherever and whenever, from Palestine to Sudan, Syria to Afghanistan, now and always.
Nobody ever seems to ask why there is always money available for war, but so little invested to bring about peace, comfort, safety, sanitation, good health, or the alleviation of poverty.
Are believers, men and women, not called to wisdom? To act in a way which minimises harm?
What good has come of transgressing limits clearly set? Is attacking non-combattants categorically forbidden in our tradition? Yes, it is. What about attacking women, children and the elderly, even of your fiercest enemy? Haram!
Years ago, we were taught the intent of our faith:
Islam is an active path towards being healthy and safe. If you are not moving towards a state of safety and health, it is not Islam. It is something else entirely.
Remove Harm
Where are we going? Does anybody stop to ask? As a result of the miscalculations of their strategists, ordinary men and women now pass by the dead in their graves and exclaim, “I wish I was in their place!”
The faithful still have their Lord. But what can be said for those in their midst whose actions brought catastrophe on the people, to their lives, wealth and properties? Do we think we will not be asked?
Even a child could recall the narration at the head of this post. These are elementary teachings.
“Do not cause harm or return harm. Whoever harms others, God will harm him. Whoever is harsh with others, God will be harsh with him.”
Hadith
May God grant us wisdom to conduct ourselves in the best of ways, walking humbly on the earth, restraining harm, and acting with mercy in every deed.
Last modified: 21 September 2024
