37/29. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4120 — The Danger of Murderous Intent
The Prohibition of Killing
Hadith About Two Muslims Fighting: The Danger of Murderous Intent
Sunan an-Nasai : 4120
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4120
أَخْبَرَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ الْمِصِّيصِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا خَلَفٌ، عَنْ زَائِدَةَ، عَنْ هِشَامٍ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " إِذَا تَوَاجَهَ الْمُسْلِمَانِ بِسَيْفَيْهِمَا كُلُّ وَاحِدٍ مِنْهُمَا يُرِيدُ قَتْلَ صَاحِبِهِ فَهُمَا فِي النَّارِ " . قِيلَ لَهُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ هَذَا الْقَاتِلُ فَمَا بَالُ الْمَقْتُولِ قَالَ " إِنَّهُ كَانَ حَرِيصًا عَلَى قَتْلِ صَاحِبِهِ " .
Abu Bakra Narrated from:
The Prophet [SAW] said: "If two Muslims confront each other with swords, each of them wanting to kill the other, they will both be in Hell." It was said to him: "O Messenger of Allah, (we understand about) the killer, but what about the one who is killed?" He said: "He was determined to kill his companion."
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4120In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 155English translation : Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4125
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4120
This hadith about two Muslims fighting with swords gives a direct warning about Muslim bloodshed and the intention to kill. The Prophet states that when both people confront each other while each wants to kill the other, both face the threat of Hell. The question about the slain person is answered clearly: he was also determined to kill his companion. The teaching is not limited to the person who lands the fatal blow. The hadith places serious weight on the chosen aim behind the fight. It calls a Muslim to step away from a deadly clash before action and intent join together. In simple terms, wanting to kill a fellow Muslim while entering armed conflict is itself treated as a grave matter.
What we learn from this hadith
- Avoid armed confrontation with another Muslim.
- A determined intention to kill carries serious blame.
- Being killed does not remove blame when the person also intended to kill.
- Step away from a deadly fight before it reaches bloodshed.
