Aman (Safe Conduct)

**Definition:** - Linguistically: The opposite of fear - Legally: Giving a disbeliever security for his life and property for a limited period **Legality:** - **Quran:** "And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, grant him protection so he may hear the word of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety" [9:6] **Who May Grant Aman:** Any Muslim may grant aman, provided they are: - Sane and adult (not valid from insane or child) - Acting voluntarily (not valid from one coerced, drunk, or unconscious) **Evidence:** - **Hadith of Umm Hani' رضي الله عنها:** The Prophet ﷺ said: "We grant protection to those you have granted protection, O Umm Hani'" [Muslim] - **Hadith:** "The protection of the Muslims is one; even the lowest of them can grant it" [Bukhari & Muslim] **Valid from Women:** - Based on the hadith of Umm Hani' **Valid from Slaves:** - Based on "even the lowest of them can grant it" **Types of Aman:** | Type | Given By | Scope | |------|----------|-------| | General Aman | Imam | To all polytheists, or by governor to people of his region | | Specific Aman | Individual Muslims | To one individual from the enemy | **Note:** General aman is from the authority of the Imam; no one else may do this without his approval. **How Aman is Established:** - By any statement indicating it, such as: "You are safe," "I grant you protection," "No harm upon you" - Or by a clear gesture **The Musta'min:** - One who seeks aman to hear Allah's word and learn Islamic law - Must be granted protection by the verse - Then returned to his place of safety **Rulings of Aman:** - Fulfilling the aman contract is obligatory - Forbidden to kill, capture, or enslave the musta'min - All agreed conditions must be upheld - If treachery is feared from enemies, the aman may be revoked after informing them