
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS |Volume IX Issue XXVI October 2025 | Special Issue on Education
www.rsisinternational.org
This prophetic wisdom has contemporary relevance in today’s conflicts, where civil wars, sectarian violence,
and political instability devastate Muslim societies. Arms trading—often fueled by external actors—exacerbates
these crises, as weapons flow indiscriminately into Muslim lands, prolonging conflict and weakening unity.
Modern scholars (As-Salqini, 2012) stress that prohibiting the sale of arms during tribulations remains a vital
application of prophetic guidance to prevent exploitation by profiteers and adversaries. By adhering to the
Prophetic model, Muslims can counter the destructive cycle of violence, protect communities, and preserve the
sanctity of life.
Contemporary Relevance: This principle is a direct ethical response to the crises of civil wars and sectarian
violencethat plague many Muslim societies today. It mandates that Muslims refrain from factionalism and
prohibits activities like arms trading during internal conflicts (As-Salqini, 2012), actively working to counter the
cycle of violence and exploitation.
Fifth: Avoiding People and Steering Clear of Places of Tribulations
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) repeatedly emphasized withdrawal from tribulations as a means
of spiritual and physical safety. Abu Musa reported that the Prophet said: “Break your bows, cut your strings,
stay in the interior of your homes, and be like the son of Adam” (At-Tirmidhi, 1975). This instruction illustrates
the importance of detachment from violent conflict. Commentators such as As-Sindi argued that “patience in
death during such times is better than movement, as movement increases the fitnah” (As-Sindi, 1725), while Al-
Qari stressed that disengagement becomes obligatory in periods of widespread and indiscriminate turmoil (Al-
Qari, 2002).
Similarly, Ibn Mas‘ud narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “All the slain in those tribulations are
in the Fire.” When asked about the proper response during such times, the Prophet replied: “Keep your tongue
and hand from harm and be like a mat in your house” (As-Sijistani, 2009). The metaphor of being like a “mat”
underscores complete neutrality, passivity, and withdrawal from escalating hostilities.
In the contemporary context, this guidance carries significant weight. In times of political polarization, sectarian
conflict, or civil unrest, aligning with factions often results in the loss of life, trust, and communal harmony.
Modern scholars argue that detachment is not a sign of weakness but rather a moral stance that prevents
individuals from being complicit in bloodshed and societal collapse (Al-Mashhur, 2015). In practical terms,
Muslims are encouraged to prioritize self-preservation, focus on their families, safeguard their faith, and avoid
falling into the cycle of retaliatory violence that often consumes communities in times of fitnah.
Contemporary Relevance: In times of intense political polarization, civil unrest, or sectarian conflict, this
advice urges Muslims to prioritize self-preservation, family security, and safeguarding their faith over
aligning with factions. Detachment is presented not as weakness, but as a moral position that prevents complicity
in societal collapse (Al-Mashhur, 2015).
Sixth: Restraining the Tongue in Times of Tribulations
The tongue, though small, can cause destruction greater than weapons. During periods of unrest, rumours,
inflammatory rhetoric, and misinformation can escalate violence faster than physical weapons. Ibn Mas‘ud
advised: “Control your tongue and your hand” (As-Sijistani, 2009). Similarly, the Prophet (peace be upon him)
warned: “Beware of tribulations, for the tongue in them is like the impact of a sword” (Ibn Majah, n.d.).
This prophetic teaching is remarkably relevant in the digital age. With the rise of social media, the spread of
rumours and fake news during political crises has amplified divisions and fueled conflicts across the Muslim
world. Words—whether spoken in public forums or shared online—have the potential to incite violence,
delegitimize leaders, or destabilize communities. Hence, the Prophetic command to “restrain the
tongue” extends beyond speech to include responsible use of digital communication.
Al-Mashhur (2015) observed that the path of safety lies in “guarding the tongue from blame and the hand from
bloodshed.” This position mirrors the conduct of the Prophet’s Companions, who often chose silence and