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Hadith on Killing: The First Murder and Communal Responsibility

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 3335
Narrated `Abdullah: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whenever a person is murdered unjustly, there is a share from the burden of the crime on the first son of Adam for he was the first to start the tradition of murdering.”

  • The first son of Adam, Cain, committed the first recorded act of murder by killing his brother Abel out of envy. This act established a precedent of violence that has continued to this day. The hadith implies that all humans bear a portion of the responsibility for the ongoing cycle of violence in the world, as we all live in a society that tolerates and sometimes even glorifies violence. Therefore, the hadith serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a just and peaceful society. We must work towards preventing violence and promoting the sanctity of life. This requires not only individual efforts but also collective action to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. By doing so, we can help to reduce the burden of the crime of murder on ourselves and on future generations. Regarding the question of why Allah did not stop the murder in the first place, it is essential to understand that Allah has granted free will to human beings. They have the choice to act in any way they want, whether good or bad. Allah has also provided guidance to humans through prophets and holy scriptures to help them distinguish between right and wrong. However, Allah does not intervene directly in the actions of individuals and instead grants them the freedom to make choices and face the consequences of their actions. Moreover, it is crucial to note that Allah condemns the act of murder and considers it a severe sin. Therefore, individuals who commit such crimes will be held accountable for their actions and will face punishment in this world or the hereafter.