The Characteristics of a True Muslim
📖Sunan an-Nasa’i 4995
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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.”
Description:
This hadith defines Islam not just as belief or ritual, but as safe conduct and trustworthy behavior. A real Muslim doesn’t harm others , not with insults, slander, lies, or backbiting (tongue), and not with violence, oppression, or theft (hand). Similarly, a true believer (mu’min) gives people security, their lives and property are safe around him. Islam isn’t just about praying — it’s about how you treat people.
- No verbal harm – No backbiting, cursing, gossip, or lying.
- No physical harm – No abuse, violence, or injustice.
- Respects life – Does not threaten or take life unlawfully.
- Respects wealth – Does not steal, cheat, or misuse others’ property.
- Provides safety – People feel secure, not afraid, in the presence of a believer.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 49:11–12
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people… nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames… And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it.
This supports the warning against verbal abuse, one of the first signs of a weak or fake Muslim.
📖Quran 5:32
Whoever kills a person, unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land—it is as if he had slain all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as if he had saved all mankind.
A believer values life. He doesn’t harm, he protects.
📖Quran 23:1–3
Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in prayer and those who avoid idle talk.
This confirms that true believers don’t waste their words in harm, they use them wisely and avoid unnecessary speech.
📖Quran 8:27
O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].
A believer doesn’t betray people’s trust, including their life and property.
Summary:
This hadith gives a reality check: you can’t call yourself a good Muslim if your mouth is a weapon or your hands are a threat. Islam is not just about rituals, it’s about being a source of peace, safety, and trust. The Qur’an backs this message repeatedly, true faith shows in your character.