Security is a basic need for humanity. Without an atmosphere of stability and security, no development, civilization, or scientific advancement can be conceived. Hence, it is not strange that Islam deems security one of the greatest blessings endowed by Allah. In the Qur’an, for example, Almighty Allah reminds the Quraish tribe that He bestowed upon them two great favors: He [has fed them against hunger and secured them from fear] (Quraish 106:4). The same meaning is repeated in Surat Al-Qasas 28:57. Emphasizing this perspective, the Messenger of Allah said, “Whosoever begins the day secured in his home, healthy in his body, and possessing provision for his day is as though he possessed the whole world” (At-Tirmidhi; authenticated by Al-Albani).

This perception of security goes in line with the Islamic view of the position and role of the humans on earth. A human being, according to Islam, is the vicegerent of Allah and is supposed to develop it and make use of its resources (Al-Baqarah 2:30; Hud 11:61). To do this, security is an inevitable prerequisite. Islam approaches the issue of security from different angles, laying down the solid bases for a secure and stable world.

[Whosoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.] (Al-Ma’idah 5:32)

[And he who kills a believer his reward is Hell, to abide therein (for ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a tremendous torment is prepared for him.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:93)

This prohibition of killing innocent people is not restricted to Muslims only. `Abdullah ibn `Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever killed a mu`ahid (a non-Muslim having a treaty with the Muslims, or a non-Muslim citizen) shall not smell the (fragrant) smell of Paradise though it can be smelled from a distance of forty years (of traveling)” (Al-Bukhari).

`Abdul-Rahman ibn Abi Layla said that the Companions of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) narrated that they were traveling with the Prophet when one of them slept. So a person took a rope of the sleeping man who, when he woke up, got frightened (because he thought that he had lost the rope). The Prophet said, “It is impermissible for a Muslim to frighten (another) Muslim” (Abu Dawud; authenticated by Al-Albani).

In another hadith reported by Imam Muslim, the Prophet tells us that one who just points a weapon to his fellow Muslim will be cursed by the angels. This prohibition of terrorizing innocent people applies, of course, to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Fudalah ibn `Ubaid narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said “A (true) believer is one from whom people feel secure in their souls and properties (from any offensive on his part)” (Ibn Majah; authenticated by Al-Albani). Here the word “people” is a general term including both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Indeed, the comprehensive sense of security in Islam extends even to animals and insects.

`Abdullah ibn Mas`ud reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) on a journey. … We saw a bird which had two young ones with it. We caught them and the mother bird came, beating the earth with its wings. In the meantime the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) returned and said, “Who has put this bird to distress on account of its young? Return them to her.’’ He (peace and blessings be upon him) also noticed a mound of ants which we had burned up. He asked, “Who has set fire to this?’’ We replied, “We have done so.’’ He said, “None should chastise with fire except the Lord of the fire’’ (Abu Dawud; authenticated by Al-Albani).

Abu Hurairah reported that Allah’s Messenger said “An ant stung one of the (previous) prophets, so he ordered the (whole) ants’ village to be burned. Allah, hence, revealed to him ‘have you destroyed a whole nation that glorified Allah, only because of an ant’s sting?’” (Abu Dawud; authenticated by Al-Albani).

[When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not mischief. When it is said to him, “Fear Allah,” he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell—an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!] (Al-Baqarah 2:205–206)

[Let not hatred towards any people incite you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to piety.] (Al-Ma’idah 5:8)

[O ye who believe! Be ye staunch in justice, witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or (your) parents or (your) kindred.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:135)

[The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loves not those who do wrong.] (Ash-Shura 42:41)

[Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.] (Al-Baqarah 2:190)

[To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged; and verily, Allah is most indeed Able to give them victory.] (Al-Hajj 22:39)

[Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice. Allah only forbids you respecting those who made war upon you on account of (your) religion, and drove you forth from your homes and backed up (others) in your expulsion, that you make friends (and ally) with them, and whoever makes friends with them, these are wrong-doers.] (Al-Mumtahanah 60:8–9)