that attacks him while he is in a state of ihram, then no expiation is due from him, because it attacked him and he is excused.

If someone were to ask: Is it obligatory to kill an assailant when he attacks? That is, must a person defend himself or not? The answer is that he must defend his family, his honour, and his life. As for property, there is a difference of opinion; but the correct view is that he must defend his property. Although property is less serious than honour and life, the humiliation a person suffers by allowing this criminal to destroy, steal, or otherwise violate his property entails that defending it is obligatory.

A man asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: “Messenger of Allah, what if a man comes intending to take my property?” He said, “Do not give it to him.” He asked, “What if he fights me?” He said, “Fight him.” He asked, “What if I kill him?” He said, “He will be in the Fire.” He asked, “What if he kills me?” He said, “Then you are a martyr.” (1)

His statement, “and breaking a wind instrument,” means that one is likewise not liable for breaking a wind instrument, because this falls under removing an evil. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand.” (2) Moreover, it is not permissible to leave such an instrument intact, and breaking it is a means to that end. However, destroying it entirely entails liability, since total destruction differs from merely breaking it. Breaking it prevents its use for what is unlawful, while the material of the instrument remains: if it is made of wood, it may be used to kindle a fire; and if it is made of iron, it may be used to make pots and utensils. Destroying it altogether, however, means eliminating the very substance of the object, and eliminating its substance goes further than removing the attribute by which it can be