Killing an oppressor

Question

There is enmity between ‘Umar and Niranjan over a plot of land. The one in the wrong is Niranjan, a non-Muslim; he is a great troublemaker and a thug, while ‘Umar is a decent and religious man. Once he started beating ‘Umar with sticks, and another time he beat him with fists and shoes. This man is also a police informer, so the police take no action against him. In such a situation, is it permissible in the Shari‘a, to protect one’s own life, to have Niranjan killed, or not?

Answer

Protecting one’s own life is necessary, and every suitable measure may be adopted for it. Taking the life of another must not be the aim: its outcome is evil in this world and in the Hereafter.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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