Is it permissible for a third party to assist someone being unjustly attacked for their property, life, or a woman being sought for illicit relations?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Beverages (Intoxicants)
Primary text
It is permissible for non-aggressed parties to assist the victim in repelling an aggressor seeking their property, life unjustly, or a woman for the purpose of fornication. This applies to assisting a caravan under attack by thieves. The justification rests upon the saying of the Prophet, 'Support your brother whether he is an oppressor or oppressed,' and another narration stating that believers support one another against strife ('Fitna'). Failure to cooperate in defense would lead to the loss of everyone's wealth and lives, as highwaymen would proceed to take from everyone individually if no collective defense occurred.