A Hadith: A true Muslim

"A true Muslim is someone, whom the Muslims are protected from his tongue and his hands. And a true Muhajir is the one who abstains from what Allah (Ta’ala) has prohibited."  (Bukhari)

Explanation: 

There are several degrees of Imaan. Thus, there are several categories of Muslims in relation to this degree of Imaan that each one possesses. If it is true that a person who causes harm to the next person continues to remain a Muslim, it is also true that he is not a good Muslim.

A good Muslim or a Muslim in the true sense of the word is a person, who behaves in such way that he becomes a source of peace for the next person. He inspires love and affection. Everyone feels at ease and safe in his presence. A person feels safe when his life, his honour, his wealth and his family are safe. Thus, a true Muslim is someone who doesn't make the next person suffer in any way. He does not interfere with his life, his honour, his wealth and his family.

Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has mentioned the hands and the tongue in this Hadith because a person uses these two parts the most to cause harm to the next person. Otherwise, it is not permissible to cause harm with any part of the body. If a person uses his feet to cause harm to the next person, this is also prohibited and it is Haraam. And this also prevents a person from being a true Muslim.

Attitude towards non-Muslims

In principle, a Muslim remains in a Muslim community. In this context, Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) qualified those who do not harm the Muslims as true Muslims. This does not mean that it is permissible to cause harm to the non-Muslims because just as it is necessary to live in harmony with Muslims, it is also necessary not to cause harm to non-Muslims. However, this does not mean that it is permissible to develop intimacy with the non-Muslims. 

Relationship with non-Muslims

Islam authorises us to establish a contact with non-Muslims to do trade. Similarly, it is recommended to sympathise with them and to help them in their difficulty. It is also permissible to act well with them out of courtesy and diplomacy with the sole aim of promoting Deen and not for any worldly gain or personal interest. However, at no time, is it permissible to establish an intimate relationship with them. It is this type of relationship that Allah Ta’ala has prevented us from establishing with non-Muslims in several places in the Qur’an-e-Kareem. 

[English version of "Hadice: Ene vrai musulman…" – Al Jamiat – Vol.4 No.1]