This week, we will review the 14th hadith of the forty hadith of An-nawawih. For the past review, see here

On the authority of Ibn Masʽūd, who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"The blood of a Muslim person is not permitted [to be shed] except in one of three [cases]: the married adulterer, a life for a life, and the renouncer of his religion, the deserter of the community."
(Narrated by al-Bukhāri and Muslim)

In this Hadith, the sanctity of a Muslim life is emphasized by the Prophet (peace be upon him). The shedding of blood is strictly prohibited except in three specific cases (when Shariah rulings is in place): when a married person commits adultery, in cases of capital punishment where a life is taken as a legal retribution, and when someone renounces their religion and abandons the Muslim community.

This Hadith serves as a reminder of the value and sanctity of human life in Islam. It highlights the seriousness and strict conditions under which taking a life is allowed, emphasizing the importance of preserving and protecting life within the Muslim community.


The hadith highlights several important lessons:

1. Sanctity of Life: The hadith emphasizes the sanctity of a Muslim's life. It is a fundamental principle in Islam that the life of a believer is sacred and should not be taken unjustly.

2. Restricted Circumstances for Shedding Blood: The hadith specifies three cases where shedding blood is permitted: in the case of a married person committing adultery, as a legal retribution for certain crimes, and when someone renounces their religion and abandons the Muslim community. These are exceptional cases that require specific conditions and legal procedures.

3. Prohibition of Vigilante Justice: The hadith establishes that individuals are not authorized to take the law into their own hands and shed blood based on personal judgment. The decision to punish and take a life in these cases lies with the appropriate authorities and should follow due process.

4. Importance of Community Cohesion: The hadith highlights the significance of the Muslim community and the importance of its unity. Deserting the community and renouncing one's religion is considered a serious offense that may warrant severe consequences.

5. Just Application of Islamic Law: The hadith underscores the importance of implementing Islamic law (Sharia) with fairness and justice. The conditions for shedding blood are clearly defined, ensuring that such actions are not carried out arbitrarily or without due process.

6. Preservation of Moral Values: By addressing issues related to adultery and apostasy, the hadith emphasizes the importance of upholding moral values and adhering to the principles of Islam.

7. Prophet's Guidance: The hadith serves as guidance from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding the limits and boundaries in matters of shedding blood. It highlights his role as a source of knowledge and guidance for the Muslim community.

The hadith reminds Muslims of the sanctity of life, the importance of community cohesion, the significance of justice in the application of Islamic law, and the need to adhere to moral values. It emphasizes the balance between preserving life and upholding justice within the framework of Islamic teachings.