37/29. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4123 — Both Sides of a Deadly Fight
The Prohibition of Killing
Muslim Bloodshed Hadith: Both Sides of a Deadly Fight
Sunan an-Nasai : 4123
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4123
أَخْبَرَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَبْدَةَ، عَنْ حَمَّادٍ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، وَيُونُسَ، وَالْعَلاَءِ بْنِ زِيَادٍ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنِ الأَحْنَفِ بْنِ قَيْسٍ، عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِذَا الْتَقَى الْمُسْلِمَانِ بِسَيْفَيْهِمَا فَقَتَلَ أَحَدُهُمَا صَاحِبَهُ فَالْقَاتِلُ وَالْمَقْتُولُ فِي النَّارِ " .
Abu Bakra Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'If two Muslims fight with swords, and one of them kills the other, then the killer and the slain will both be in Hell.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4123In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 158English translation : Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4128
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4123
This Muslim bloodshed hadith gives a brief warning about two Muslims fighting with swords. The Messenger of Allah says that when one of them kills the other, the killer and the slain will both be in Hell. The text does not add a reason in this particular narration, so the explanation should remain within its clear wording. It shows that a deadly fight between Muslims is not presented as a normal quarrel or a simple contest with one guilty side. Both people in the sword fight are included in the warning. The practical message is to avoid armed conflict with another Muslim and to stop anger or rivalry before it reaches the point where a life is taken.
What we learn from this hadith
- Armed fighting between Muslims carries a severe warning.
- Taking the life of another Muslim is not a minor matter.
- Both participants in the deadly clash are included in the stated outcome.
- Stop conflict before weapons are used.
