PrintSix Reasons Why the Fort Hood Killings by Nidal Hasan Are Clearly Impermissible (Haram) in Islamic Law
By Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
1. Betrayal of covenant (`and).
2. Impermissible deceit (ghadr).
3. Killing those not actively engaged in combat.
4. Doing something without clear religious sanction.
5. Doing something of manifest greater harm for Muslims.
6. The basis of taking human life is that it is decisively haram, unless there is clear and manifest sanction to the contrary.
It is also a misreading of political realities. The US isn’t in a “war with Islam”–though there are those both in the US and in the Umma who want to view things this way–and “fighting back” in these angry, reactive ways is just explosions of ego rather than principled action on Prophetic guidance.
Jazak Allah Khair Shaykh. I am glad to see you respond to this.
wasalaam
Salam ‘Alaykum Shaykh Faraz,
1 and 2 do seem very clear to me, but I’d like to ask about number 3. The books of Prophetic biography contain reports of night attacks by the Muslims on their enemies, and also pre-emptive attacks against those tribes who were preparing to attack the Muslims. These seem to be cases of Muslims killing those not actively engaged in combat (but who were on their way to combat, or who were preparing for it). And such cases thus seem analogous to attacks on soldiers in a deployment center. Am I missing something here?
Thanks in advance,
Omar
Jzk Shaykh Faraz
As-salamu alaikum,
Omar,
May this reach you in the best state of health and iman. Ameen.
Alhamdulillah, SeekersGuidance offers a free answer service. InshaAllah, all fiqh matters can be referred there and someone will be able to respond promptly.
wassalam
Khuram
SeekersGuidance Staff Member
[...] Reasons Why the Fort Hood Killings by Nidal Hasan Are Clearly Impermissible Six Reasons Why the Fort Hood Killings by Nidal Hasan Are Clearly Impermissible (Haram) in Islamic L… Six Reasons Why the Fort Hood Killings by Nidal Hasan Are Clearly Impermissible (Haram) in Islamic [...]
the 6 are quiet clear - but I think one should also adress the fact that Nidal was a muslim and he was with a group of soldeirs who where onestop away from being deployed to kill other muslims - so I think we need to look into how maybe he wrestled with these to concepts
jazakallah khir
Salam ‘Alaykum Shaykh Faraz,
Wallahi I hope this finds you in great condition all around. I truly enjoy reading many of your blog posts and lectures and I am sorry for not posting thanks for that earlier but I will do so now. JazayukAllah Khair for your work, inshAllah it will be a great contribution fil youm al akhir for you and us all.
I have been meaning to comment on this post though for sometime. I will be frank and I will be straightforward. But first I would like you to know one thing about me; as a Muslim I do not like it when I see Muslims (and even other humans in general) analyzing one another for the purpose of finding something “wrong”, only to find satisfaction in magnifying it and inflaming bad feelings amongst the people. Disagreements on somethings are ok in Islamic thought.
I am upset and even frustrated to see such a post Shaykh. Muslims are so quick to denounce one another without regard for the forces/powers that bring harm to us psychologically/economically/spiritually/physically/+ on a gargantuan. I see this post as such. Br. Nidal is treated in this blog as he is treated in the commercial media + an Islamic twist. Br. Nidal repeatedly requested and some could say demanded that he be relieved of his duties as military personnel. He went so far to say that he is willing to commit to the reimbursement of tax-payer money back to the military for all of the education/benefits he received. His calls were ignored. The bulk of Imams from coast to coast have neither explained not preached the guidance needed to prevent this type of killing. Is Islam irrelevant when it comes to the realities that Muslims face in this American context?
Back to the point. I believe it is best to stop denouncing one another and instead help and work with one another. What are we scared of? Why are we not focused? This Br. Nidal was the victim as much as anyone who was bleeding mentally or physically as a result of the Ft. Hood episode. Please reconsider your statement or enter into a much needed discussion about this with me. Most importantly, I appreciate having you as a brother.
Salam ‘Alaykum
Talal
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