What is the solution to violence by Muslims against Muslims?

The solution lies in truly being Muslim again. A Muslim is one who leaves his brother's life, property and honour untouched. Whoever takes up arms against other Muslims abandons this standard.

Violence between Muslims, especially between different sects, is one of the most painful realities of our time. The answer begins with a simple question. What actually is a Muslim?

The first hadith above gives the answer. A true Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe. The life, property and honour of others are inviolable for him. Violence by Muslims against Muslims can therefore only happen when people have abandoned this standard. Whoever raises the sword against his brother is not acting as a Muslim, even if he calls himself one.

The judgement about a person's faith remains with God. The point is not to deny others their Islam. The point is that everyone measures their own conduct against this standard. The second hadith shows how serious this is. Even someone who was merely ready to kill bears guilt.

The Holy Qur’an shows the way out. Believers are brothers, and where conflict arises others should make peace instead of taking sides. It also recalls that the first Muslims were once enemies and that God joined their hearts in love. What was possible then is possible today.

The solution, then, is not a political formula but a return to the heart of faith. When Muslims live again in such a way that their neighbours are safe from them, violence among them loses its ground.