That a man came to him (while two groups of Muslims were fighting) and said, "O Abu `Abdur
Rahman! Don't you hear what Allah has mentioned in His Book:
'And if two groups of believers fight against each other...' (49.9)
So what prevents you from fighting as Allah has mentioned in His Book?"' Ibn `Umar said, "O son of
my brother! I would rather be blamed for not fighting because of this Verse than to be blamed because
of another Verse where Allah says:
'And whoever kills a believer intentionally..." (4.93) Then that man said, "Allah says:-- 'And fight
them until there is no more afflictions (worshipping other besides Allah) and the religion (i.e.
worship) will be all for Allah (Alone)" (8.39) Ibn `Umar said, "We did this during the lifetime of
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) when the number of Muslims was small, and a man was put to trial because of his
religion, the pagans would either kill or chain him; but when the Muslims increased (and Islam
spread), there was no persecution." When that man saw that Ibn `Umar did not agree to his proposal,
he said, "What is your opinion regarding `Ali and `Uthman?" Ibn `Umar said, "What is my opinion
regarding `Ali and `Uthman? As for `Uthman, Allah forgave him and you disliked to forgive him, and
`Ali is the cousin and son-in-law of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ." Then he pointed out with his hand and said,
"And that is his daughter's (house) which you can see."
Narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:
Context
In this hadith, Ibn Umar discusses the importance of understanding the Quranic verses regarding conflict among believers. He expresses his reluctance to engage in fighting, preferring to adhere to the teachings that emphasize the sanctity of life. This reflects the complexity of interpreting divine guidance in the context of community dynamics and the weight of moral responsibility.
Modern Application
Today, this principle encourages individuals to carefully consider the implications of their actions and the teachings of Islam when faced with conflict. It promotes peaceful resolutions and the importance of valuing human life over discord.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Community and Divine Revelation because it addresses the challenges of maintaining harmony within the community and the divine guidance that informs such situations.
And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.
They ask you about the sacred month - about fighting therein. Say, "Fighting therein is great [sin], but averting [people] from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and [preventing access to] al-Masjid al-Haram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] in the sight of Allah. And fitnah is greater than killing." And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally.
Except for those who take refuge with a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty or those who come to you, their hearts strained at [the prospect of] fighting you or fighting their own people. And if Allah had willed, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. So if they remove themselves from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not made for you a cause [for fighting] against them.
And when a surah was revealed [enjoining them] to believe in Allah and to fight with His Messenger, those of wealth among them asked your permission [to stay back] and said, "Leave us to be with them who sit [at home]."
This hadith is #4444 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:.