Nasai

(1) From this hadith, it is understood that there are different ranks among Muslims. Some of them have reached the level of perfection, while others have not attained this perfection but are somewhat below it.

(2) In matters of life and property, the fundamental principle is sanctity, meaning they cannot be violated without a legitimate (shar‘i) reason. However, when the requirements of the Shari‘ah are violated through life or property, or a person becomes the cause of such violation, then their sanctity is also lost. For example: if someone cuts off another’s hand, then in retribution (qisas), the hand of the one who cut will also be cut off, or he will be required to pay fifty camels as compensation (diyah). On the other hand, if someone steals a shield or steals three dirhams, the thief’s hand will be cut off, and that too the right hand. Now, the value of one hand is set at fifty camels, while the other is cut off for just three dirhams. The reason for this is that the first hand, for which the value of fifty camels was set, was innocent, whereas the other was sinful. It violated the requirements of the Shari‘ah, so its sanctity was automatically lost. And so on by analogy.

(3) Here, by “Muslim” and “Mu’min” is meant a perfect Muslim and a perfect believer (Mu’min); otherwise, even a person in whom these qualities are not found will still be called a Muslim and a believer. In reality, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has drawn attention to the literal meanings of the words. Islam is derived from “salamah” (peace/safety) and iman from “amn” (security), therefore every Muslim and believer should be an embodiment of peace and security.