6 Key Teachings on Self-defense in Islam

1. Self-defense is an an established right and praiseworthy in Islam.

Sa’id ibn Zayd reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, say, “Whoever is killed protecting his property is a martyr. Whoever is killed protecting his religion (of Islam) is a martyr. Whoever is killed protecting his life is a martyr. Whoever is killed protecting his family is a martyr.” [1]

2. If you lack confidence, now is the time to start hitting the gym, attending one or more self-defense sports that are in line with the islamic teachings etc.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, (may Allāh grant him peace and blessings), said, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allāh than the weak believer, but there is goodness in both of them..." [2]

The strong believer reflects the one has strong īmān (faith) but also includes the one who is strong physically.

3. Opportunity to practice unity and walā' (loyalty) towards your brothers and sisters in Islam. 

Put aside the differences or personal issues you have. At the end of the day, they're my fellow Muslim brother/sister, so I have a duty to defend them in accordance with my capability.

4. As the saying goes, it's better to be the oppressed than the oppressor.

If you have extreme anger issues that can cause you to become the oppressor at times when defending yourself and others by going beyond what is just, then plan ahead, practice self-discipline and go about in a way where you don't become the oppressor.

5. Check your intentions.

Are you looking to defend yourself and your fellow Muslims so that ultimately people praise you? "He's brave; he's a G; he's the don; he's my guy; i rate him" etc.?

If that's the case, you may face consequences in the Hereafter although you could get your reward of praises by the people in the dunyā. Moreover, in the afterlife, none of these people who praised you would be able to do anything to help you.

We know from the hadīth qudsi that the first of people against whom judgement will be pronounced would be the one who fought and appeared to have died as a martyr. Rather, he fought so that it might be said [of him]: "He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire." [3]

We're here to defend ourselves, our fellow muslim brothers and sisters and even any innocent non-believers who may be unjustly attacked, as a duty in Islam, to attain the approval of Allāh and high ranks with Him in the Hereafter. Let's work on our hearts and minds by planning in advance what our intention should be before facing situations where self-defence is required.

6. Realise the mindset for Muslims following the Prophet (may Allāh grant him peace and blessings) and his Companions, is that muslims are people who seek peace but if certain people want to still get physically abusive despite exerting efforts to make peace with them, then we have to remain firm, using necessary and reasonable force where needed.

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Do not desire an encounter with the enemy; but when you encounter them, be firm." [4]

Footnotes

[1] Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1421. Accessed from: https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2012/05/13/defending-life-family-shahid/ 

[2] Sahīh Muslim, 2664. Translation amended. Accessed from: https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2012/04/20/allah-loves-strong-weak-believers/

[3] 40 Hadīth Qudsi, Hadīth 6. Accessed from: https://sunnah.com/qudsi40:6 

[4] Sahīh Muslim 1741. Accessed from: https://sunnah.com/muslim:1741