Riyad as-Salihin, 9
Abu Bakrah Ath-Thaqafi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "When two Muslims are engaged in a combat against each other with their sword's and one is killed, both are doomed to Hell". I said, "O Messenger of Allah! As to the one who kills, it is understandable, but why the slain one?" He (ﷺ) replied: "He was eager to kill his opponent". <b>[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]</b>.
وعن أبي بكرة نفيع بن الحارث الثقفى رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "إذ التقى المسلمان بسيفيهما فالقاتل والمقتول في النار" قلت يارسول الله، هذا القاتل فما بال المقتول؟ قال: "إنه كان حريصاً على قتل صاحبه" ((متفق عليه)).
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Introduction, Hadith 9
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br>
1) It highlights the major principle: “Deeds are judged according to the intentions.” Since the one killed wanted to kill his foe and used the means to do so but his foe overcome him, then he is just like the one who committed the killing.<br>
2) It highlights the difference between fighting to ward off an attacking transgressor and fighting with the intention to kill a fellow Muslim.<br>
3) It is a stern warning against killing, as it is one of the causes of admission to Hellfire.<br>
4) It reflects the approach of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) in seeking knowledge. They used to ask the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) about what they found confusing and he would answer them. Notably, there is not a single ambiguous issue in the Qur’an or the Sunnah except that its clarification is already there or is presented in reply to a question.