Warning Against Violence with Each Other
📖Sahih Muslim 2888 b
Ahnaf ibn Qais reported on the authority of Abu Bakra that the Messenger of Allah ï·º said: “When two Muslims confront each other with their swords, both the slayer and the slain are doomed to the Hellfire.”
Description:
This hadith is a serious warning: when two Muslims fight each other with the intention to kill, both are guilty, even the one who is killed. Why? Because both had the same intention, to harm, to kill, and to shed Muslim blood.
Even if one started it, the other chose to fight back violently instead of walking away or seeking peace. Islam doesn’t reward emotional revenge — it rewards patience, restraint, and peacemaking. You can defend yourself only when necessary, but engaging in mutual killing out of rage or ego leads both to destruction.
Why Both Go to Hell:
- The killer is guilty – for taking a life without right.
- The slain is guilty – because he intended to do the same, but failed.
- Both had hatred and intent to kill – and Islam judges the intention, not just the outcome.
- War could’ve been avoided – but both let pride and anger win.
- Muslim unity was broken – which Allah and His Messenger strictly warned against.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 4:93
But whoever kills a believer intentionally, his reward is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment.
This clearly shows the severe consequence of killing another believer, no justification, no excuse.
📖Quran 49:9
If two groups among the believers fight, make peace between them. But if one of them oppresses the other, fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the command of Allah.
This verse commands reconciliation. Even when oppression happens, only one side is to be resisted, not both fighting blindly.
📖Quran 41:34
Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then the one you were enemies with will become like a close friend.
This teaches the ideal behavior: respond to aggression with wisdom, not revenge.
📖Quran 5:28 (Words of the son of Adam):
“If you should raise your hand against me to kill me, I shall not raise my hand against you to kill you. Indeed, I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
A perfect example from the Qur’an: even if someone tries to kill you, the better choice (if possible) is not to fight in return, especially if both are believers.
📖Sahih Muslim 2888 b applies to Muslims who fight each other out of personal ego, hatred, or unjust rebellion, not those who sincerely misunderstood each other or aimed for justice but got caught in fitnah (confusion and chaos).
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Intention Matters in Islam
Aisha (RA), Ali (RA), Talhah (RA), and Zubair (RA), all acted according to their understanding of truth and justice. Their niyyah (intention) was not to kill Muslims for power or ego. They weren’t warlords. They were sincere companions of the Prophet ﷺ. -
The Prophet ï·º warned of future fitnah (civil trials)
He ï·º said in several hadith that a time will come when Muslims will fight in confusion, and the one who is more cautious will be closer to the truth. Ali (RA) himself was praised by the Prophet ï·º many times as the rightly guided leader. -
Sahabah were not like ordinary Muslims
They had ijtihad (qualified judgment) and when a qualified person makes the right judgment, they get two rewards; if they make a mistake, they still get one reward (Sahih al-Bukhari 7352). So even if there was a mistake, Allah may forgive them because their intention was for the Ummah’s good. -
They regretted it
Aisha (RA) deeply regretted the battle. Zubair (RA) left the battlefield after realizing he had been misled. These are signs of humility, not rebellion.
📖Quran 4:17
Allah only accepts the repentance of those who do evil ignorantly or carelessly and then repent soon after. It is they to whom Allah will turn in forgiveness. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
This shows that when someone makes a mistake in judgment or action, without intending to rebel or defy Allah, Allah is Most Forgiving, especially if they regret it and repent.
So regarding the Sahabah like Aisha, Talhah, Zubair, and others, they acted based on what they thought was right, and some later regretted their role in the conflict. Their intentions were not evil, and according to Quran 4:17, they fall under those whom Allah may forgive for unintentional wrongs.
This perfectly aligns with:
- The hadith warning of mutual fighting (Sahih Muslim 2888 b)
- The mercy and forgiveness of Allah for sincere believers who err unintentionally
- The fact that Allah already declared His pleasure with the early companions (Quran 9:100)
Quranic Context
📖Quran 3:159
So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in matters. Then when you have decided, put your trust in Allah.
This verse shows the Prophet ï·º was commanded to forgive even when mistakes were made, and we should follow that spirit.
📖Quran 9:100
And the foremost to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct, Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.
Allah already declared that He is pleased with the Sahabah, including Aisha, Ali, Talhah, and Zubair (RA). A mistake in judgment doesn’t cancel Allah’s pleasure.
Summary:
The hadith clearly warns that when Muslims fight each other violently with the intent to kill, both sides share the blame and face severe consequences. Islam calls for unity, patience, and peace among believers, condemning internal bloodshed driven by pride or revenge. However, this ruling does not apply to the sincere companions who were caught in tragic civil strife due to misunderstandings and fitnah, as their intentions were for justice, not ego. Allah’s mercy and forgiveness encompass those who err unintentionally and repent sincerely. Therefore, the emphasis remains on avoiding unnecessary conflict, seeking reconciliation, and preserving the unity of the Muslim community above all else. If conflict arises, let it be just and purposeful, never fueled by personal hatred.