Question
Regarding this Hadith, what is one ‘protected’ from when they perform Fajr Salah in congregation? Does it protect one from capital punishment and diseases?
Answer
The Muhaddithun have explained that the word ذمة, translated as protection, signifies a pact similar to a covenant ensuring safety and protection.
They have explained that this pact/covenant is such that Allah Ta’ala will exact retribution from the one who dares harm His servant.
Some of the Muhaddithun have further elucidated that this protection does not necessarily ensure that one will remain unscathed and unharmed throughout the entirety of the day. Rather, similar to when a tribe grants security to particular individuals and exacts retribution on their behalf [when members of another tribe harm them], Allah Ta’ala does the same.
The Muhaddithun have also clarified that this does not protect a person from capital punishment.
(Refer: Mirqat, Hadith: 627, Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 8790, and Dalilul Falihin, Hadith: 389)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar