The blessing of stable security is among the greatest divine favors upon which human happiness and the integrity of both religion and state are built. In this article, we provide a deep theological and practical review of the importance of security in Islam and how the Sharia has guaranteed its preservation as an utmost necessity for mankind.
Sharia Objectives and Preserving the Five Necessities
All divinely revealed laws have undertaken the care and preservation of the Five Necessities (Al-Daruriyyat al-Khams) or the “Five Universals.” There is no doubt regarding their essential rank and status through reason, revelation, and consensus.
The great scholar Al-Shatibi stated:
“The Ummah—indeed, all faiths—agreed that Sharia was established to preserve the five necessities, which are: Religion, Life, Progeny, Property, and Intellect. Knowledge of this among the Ummah is considered self-evident.”[1]
Sharia texts, along with their general and specific objectives, prohibit any violation of these pillars. They block every path that leads to tampering with or neglecting them. However, the preservation of these necessities cannot be realized except under the shade of stable security and peace. Al-Asfahani defined security (Amn) in his book Al-Mufradat as: “Tranquility of the soul and the disappearance of fear.”[2]
Prioritizing Security Over Sustenance: The Prayer of Ibrahim
The preservation of religion, life, progeny, property, and intellect is strictly contingent upon the existence of security. This is one of the secrets behind Prophet Ibrahim (AS) asking Allah for security before asking for sustenance, as recorded in the Quran:
“And [mention] when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits’” (Al-Baqarah: 126).
This is because when security is stripped away, chaos inevitably takes its place. Public interests are disrupted, and societies are unsettled. Fear takes over, followed by hunger, transgression, injustice, and the loss of rights. Security is the fundamental prerequisite for a happy life and a functioning state.
Prophetic Guidance in Seeking Well-being and Security
Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ never neglected these supplications in the evening and morning:
“O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my faults and calm my fears…”[3]
Furthermore, when the Prophet ﷺ saw the new moon, he would say: “O Allah, bring it over us with security and faith, and safety and Islam.”[4] These terms express the vital status of this blessing in both the religious and worldly lives of people.
How is Lasting Security Achieved?
The most important factor in achieving stable security is faith in Allah, both in heart and action, and staying away from polytheism (Shirk). Allah reminds people of this blessing in many places in the Quran, explaining that gratitude for security is shown through worshipping Him alone and avoiding disbelief.
4 Key Manifestations of Security and Stability
In a country governed by security, positive effects appear in all aspects of life:
- Freedom of Worship: One can practice religious duties and perform rituals with tranquility (Tamanina), as Allah says: “Let them worship the Lord of this House, Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear” (Quraysh: 3-4).
- The Good Life: Security allows for a natural daily rhythm—peaceful sleep at night and active work during the day—moving from place to place without anxiety or fear of aggression.
- Family and Social Stability: A secure environment fosters affection and mercy between family members. It aids in raising children with sound morals, contributing to a righteous future for the nation.
- Economic and Trade Prosperity: Under stable security, people can innovate, invest, and engage in trade. Security is the foundation of all strong civilizations; it creates the environment necessary for science, work, and creativity.
Types of Security in Islam
The importance of security in Islam is a broad concept with several layers:
- Religious Security: This is the foundation. A Muslim who holds a sound creed derived from the Quran and Sunnah and feels safe from doubt has achieved a great victory (Al-An’am: 82).
- Psychological Security: Stemming from faith, it brings peace of mind and distances the soul from anxiety (Ar-Ra’d: 28).
- Social Security: Ensuring the safety of blood, honor, and wealth. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe.”[5]
- Family Security: A family living in stability and mutual respect, fulfilling the Quranic goal of “tranquility” (Sakan) (Ar-Rum: 21).
- Economic and National Security: The state’s ability to provide basic needs continuously and face economic crises. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever wakes up secure in his property, healthy in his body, and has his food for the day, it is as if the whole world has been given to him.”[7]
- Intellectual Security: Protecting the community from extremism, deviation, or blind imitation of harmful behaviors.
The Prohibition of Terrorizing Others
Islam strictly forbids frightening others, even as a joke. Al-Tahawi commented on the Hadith where a man was startled by his companions taking his arrows: “It is not lawful for a Muslim to terrorize a Muslim.”[8] This includes any form of psychological or physical intimidation.
The Prophet ﷺ warned against even pointing a weapon at another:
“Whoever points a piece of iron at his brother, the angels curse him until he puts it down, even if he is his full brother.”[10]
Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) explained that this is an emphatic prohibition that applies even if the act is done in jest or play, because it could lead to unintended harm or death.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
If Islam has prohibited the mere act of terrorizing a Muslim or pointing a weapon at them, then actual aggression or killing is an even greater crime. This highlights the sanctity of a person’s security. Protecting the stability of society is an authentic religious objective and a collective responsibility for everyone—each according to their position.
By Luqman Abdul Salam
