Introduction: A Blessing Realized Only Upon Its Loss
The grace of Allah upon His servants is immense, His kindness is vast, and His blessings are innumerable. Among the most distinguished of these blessings—and the most impactful on the lives of individuals and nations—is the blessing of security and safety. It is a priceless grace, the true value of which is only known by those who have lost it, and its greatness is only felt by those who have tasted the bitterness of its absence.
Allah the Almighty said: {Let them worship the Lord of this House * Who has fed them against hunger and secured them against fear} [Quraish: 3-4].
In a Hadith narrated by Imam At-Tirmidhi, on the authority of Ubaydullah bin Mihsan al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever among you wakes up secure in his property (or among his people), healthy in his body, and has his daily bread, it is as if the whole world were brought to him.”
The Concept of Security: Linguistic and Technical Meanings
1. Linguistic Meaning:
- Security (Amn): Is the opposite of fear. Ma’man is a place of safety, and the Aamin is the one seeking refuge to be safe. (See: Lisan al-Arab, Ibn Manzur, [1/107]).
- Safety (Aman) and Trustworthiness (Amanah): Carry similar meanings. To be “secure” (Aminta) means to be in a state of safety. (See: Mukhtar al-Sahah, Al-Razi, [5/2071]).
- Amanah: According to Al-Qamus al-Muhit, a person who is an “Amanah” is someone everyone trusts with everything. (See: Al-Fayruzabadi, [4/197]).
From these linguistic roots, “Security” encompasses several meanings: tranquility, the absence of fear, psychological calm, and the assurance that one will not be subjected to treachery or betrayal by others.
2. Technical Meaning:
- Al-Munawi defined it as: “The absence of expecting harm in the future; its origin is the tranquility of the soul and the disappearance of fear.” (See: Al-Tawqif, Al-Munawi, [p. 63]).
- Al-Raghib al-Isfahani said: “The root of security is the tranquility of the soul and the cessation of fear.” (See: Al-Mufradat, [p. 90]).
Security in the Holy Qur’an
The Qur’an highlights the immense blessing of security as a primary favor from Allah. Allah says: {Who has fed them against hunger and secured them against fear} [Quraish: 4]. Regarding the people of Makkah, He says: {Have they not seen that We have made [Makkah] a safe sanctuary, while people are being snatched away all around them?} [Al-Ankabut: 67]. Furthermore, Allah makes security a fruit of correct faith and the avoidance of injustice: {Those who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice—those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided} [Al-An’am: 82].
The Sunnah’s Emphasis on Achieving Security
The Prophetic Sunnah confirms the importance of safety for individuals and society.
- Comprehensive Wealth: The Prophet ﷺ described having security, health, and daily food as possessing the entire world. (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi [2346] and Ibn Majah [4141]).
- Sanctity of the Individual: “Every Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth, and his honor.” (Narrated by Muslim [2564]).
- Prohibition of Terrorizing: “It is not lawful for a Muslim to frighten another Muslim.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud [5004] and Ahmad [23064]).
Scholars on the Importance of Stability
Islamic scholars have long explained that security is the foundation of a prosperous life.
- Fudayl ibn Iyad: “If I had a prayer that would be answered, I would make it for the ruler.” This highlights that a righteous leader ensures the community’s security.
- Ibn Taymiyyah: “Allah establishes the just state even if it is disbelieving, and He does not establish the oppressive state even if it is Muslim.” Justice is the bedrock of stability.
- Al-Mawardi: “If security is established, souls find rest and people turn to their livelihoods.” Security stimulates economic and social activity.
- Ibn al-Qayyim: Justice is the purpose of divine laws, through which security and tranquility are achieved.
- Ibn Khaldun: “Injustice signals the destruction of civilization.”
Security as the Foundation of Civilization
In an environment of security, lives are preserved, honor is protected, and rights are respected. Acts of worship are performed with tranquility, markets thrive, and sciences flourish. Security is not a social luxury; it is a fundamental necessity.
The “Five Essentials” of Sharia—Religion, Life, Intellect, Lineage (Honor), and Wealth—cannot be preserved except in a secure environment. As Al-Ghazali and Al-Shatibi noted, the entire purpose of the law is to protect these five pillars. History shows that every great renaissance was preceded by a stage of stability.
The Consequences of Disrupted Security
When security fails, chaos spreads, rights are lost, and construction turns to ruin. Education regresses into ignorance, and production stops, leading to poverty. Allah warns of this loss in the Qur’an: {And Allah presents an example: a city which was safe and secure, its provision coming to it in abundance from every location, but it denied the favors of Allah. So Allah made it taste the envelopment of hunger and fear for what they had been doing} [An-Nahl: 112].
How to Preserve the Blessing of Security
Security is preserved through gratitude and integrity. Allah promised: {If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe} [Ibrahim: 7].
Key Pillars for Preserving Security:
- Adhering to Allah’s Religion: Unity and holding fast to the Qur’an and Sunnah prevent misguidance and discord.
- Maintaining Obligatory Worship: Allah promises succession on earth and the exchange of fear for security to those who believe and do good works [An-Nur: 55].
- Avoiding All Forms of Injustice: Shirk (associating partners with Allah) is the greatest injustice. Pure monotheism is the foundation of internal and external peace.
- Unity and Obedience: Avoiding unnecessary disputes and following the community and its leadership in what is right [An-Nisa: 59].
- Avoiding Fitna (Strife): The Prophet ﷺ advised avoiding civil strife and staying away from places of turmoil. As Al-Nawawi explained, the best approach during such times is detachment.
Security is a Collective Responsibility
Security starts with individual behavior, family upbringing, and societal awareness. It is not just a national duty; it is an act of worship. By maintaining it, we preserve the interests of all people.
Conclusion: The Crown of Blessings
While nations compete in material and economic power, the greatest pride for any nation is its stability. Many nations possess wealth but lack tranquility. Security is the crown of blessings and the pillar of homelands. Without it, no civilization can stand, and no structure can remain firm.
ByAbdullah Mohammed Al-Hammadi
