Avoids harming Fellow Muslims

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 11
Narrated Abu Musa: Some people asked Allah’s Messenger ﷺ, “Whose Islam is the best?” He replied: “One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands.”

Description:
This hadith gives a practical definition of a “good Muslim.” It’s not about appearance, titles, or how loudly you claim faith — it’s about how safe people feel around you. The best Muslim is someone who doesn’t backbite, lie, insult, or spread rumors (tongue), and doesn’t abuse, fight, or hurt others physically (hand). It’s about discipline, peace, and protection.

But this doesn’t mean silence in the face of injustice. Islam never tells believers to allow oppression or corruption to spread just to “keep peace.” The key is not to harm others unjustly, but when oppression arises, the same tongue and hands that should be peaceful must now stand up with justice and truth.

1. No verbal harm – No gossip, lies, mockery, or insults.
2. No physical harm – No abuse, bullying, or aggression.
3. Creates safety – Others feel secure and respected.
4. Stands for justice – Doesn’t remain silent when others are harmed.
5. Balances mercy with courage – Kind by nature, firm when needed.

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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.
These verses reinforce the hadith: protect people from harm, especially with your tongue.

📖Quran 5:8
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just.
Being a peaceful Muslim doesn’t mean being weak or blind to wrongdoing. Justice must be served, without becoming unjust yourself.

📖Quran 4:135
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…
This verse seals the message: Islam doesn’t allow blind loyalty. You must stand for truth and justice, even when it goes against your own interests.

Summary:
The best Muslim avoids harming others, not by silence, but by discipline, integrity, and peaceful strength. This hadith isn’t a pass to support tyranny in the name of peace. It teaches that your words and actions should protect the innocent and confront the oppressors, without becoming one yourself.