Principle of ’No Harm’

Samura b. Jundub had a date-palm tree in the garden of a man from the Ansar, and the house of the Ansari was adjoined with the door to the garden, and he (Samura) used to pass by it on his way to the date-palm tree without asking for permission, so the Ansari talked to him about seeking permission when he comes through, but Samura refused, so when he had refused the Ansari came to the messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وآله and complained to him and informed him of the matter, so the messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وآله sent for him (i.e. Samura) and relayed to him what the Ansari had said and his complaint and then said: if you want to enter then ask permission first, but he refused, so when he had refused he (the messenger) bargained with him (to buy the tree from him) until he increased his offer to the the price that Allah wished – but he continued to refuse to sell it, so he said: you will get a palm tree to support you in heaven in return for it [if you give it up], but he refused to accept that, then the messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وآله said to the Ansari: go and uproot it and throw it at him for there is no [causing] harm [in and of itself] nor harming with intent [in Islam].