The Importance of Maintaining Peace in Madina
In this article, we delve into the sacredness of the city of Madina, highlighting the prohibitions and warnings against innovating in the religion, committing crimes, and spreading harm in this revered city. Understanding these injunctions is crucial for preserving the sanctity of Madina and ensuring that it remains a place of peace and spiritual refuge for all.
The blessed Prophetic narrations emphasize the following points in regards to Madina:
- Not to carry weapons for fighting in it.
- Not to cause any harm in it.
- Not to commit any transgression in it.
Prohibition of Carrying Weapons
As for the prohibition of carrying weapons in it for fighting, it is clarified by the hadith Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, from the hadith where he (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
"O Allah, indeed Ibrahim declared Makkah sacred and made it a sanctuary, and I declare Madinah sacred, a sanctuary between its two mountains, that no blood is to be shed in it, and no weapon for fighting is to be carried in it." [Sahih Muslim]
And from Jabir, he said: I heard the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), saying:
"No one is allowed to carry weapons for fighting in it - meaning: Madinah." [Ahmad]
Ibn Ruslan and Imam Shawkani commented on this saying that is understood by the scholars to mean carrying weapons without necessity or need. If there is a need, then it would be permissible.
Not Causing Harm or Offence
As for the prohibition and warning associated with causing harm in Madina or sheltering offenders, there are many clear Hadiths about this, including:
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
"Madina is a sanctuary from Ayr to Thawr. Whoever commits an offence in it, or shelters an offender, upon him is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people. Allah will not accept from him any obligatory or voluntary acts on the Day of Resurrection." [Bukhari, Muslim and others]
Ibn Al-Athir explaining the Arabic word for "offence" comments that it can mean:
- A newly introduced evil deed which is not known in the Sunnah.
- Any crime against people by oppressing them and causing harm to them.
