📖Sunan Abi Dawud 2760
Narrated Abu Bakrah: The Prophet ﷺ said: “If anyone kills a man whom he grants protection prematurely, Allah will forbid him to enter Paradise.”
Description:
This Hadith emphasizes the sanctity of life and the seriousness of breaking a pledge of safety or protection, even towards a non-Muslim. If a Muslim gives guarantee of safety either verbally or by action to anyone (Muslim or non-Muslim), and then violates it by killing the person, it is considered a major betrayal and a grave sin, The warning is severe: “Allah will forbid him Paradise,” meaning that such a person will face serious punishment unless forgiven by Allah.
Who is this Hadith for?
This Hadith applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims, especially those who are:
- Dhimmi (non-Muslims living under Muslim rule with agreed protection)
- Mu’ahid (those who have a treaty or truce with Muslims)
- Musta’man (a non-Muslim given personal protection by a Muslim)
- Tourists, workers, or residents in a Muslim country with legal entry and peaceful conduct
- Who is considered under protection?
- A person who is in a Muslim land and:
- Does not commit murder
- Does not commit rape
- Does not steal or rob
- Does not create violence or rebellion
- Does not spread hatred or promote corruption
- Respects the laws of the land
- Lives peacefully without threatening public safety
- Such individuals even if non-Muslim are granted safety by the system, and harming them without cause is strictly forbidden.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 5:32
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land — it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one — it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”
Life is sacred. No one can be killed unless they are guilty of murder or spreading destruction in society.
📖Quran 9:6
“And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then escort him to a place where he will be secure. That is because they are a people who do not know.”
Even in times of war, if a non-Muslim seeks protection, he must be protected and taken to safety.
📖Quran 60:8
“Allah does not forbid you from being righteous and just toward those who have not fought you because of religion and have not expelled you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”
Justice and protection are to be extended to peaceful non-Muslims.