Does Allah Almighty's statement in the story of Adam's two sons, "If you extend your hand to kill me, I will not extend my hand to kill you, for I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds," mean that a believer is not permitted to defend himself when subjected to killing, injustice, or abuse?

The noble verse removes blame from one who surrenders to his killer, so that the killer alone bears the sin. The verse may not negate self-defense, but rather the initiation of aggression. Scholars have differed in interpreting the verse: some say that not defending oneself was prescribed for Adam and for our Prophet in the beginning, and others say it was a surrender seeking reward. Imam Shafi'i held the view that surrender is permissible. It might also mean that Abel would not initiate killing.

The verse does not indicate that a believer is forbidden from defending himself. Indeed, the Prophet, peace be upon him, permitted fighting in defense of property, promised martyrdom to those killed (in such a defense), and threatened the killer with Hellfire. So, a Muslim's self-defense is permissible, but sometimes it is better to refrain from killing the aggressor, following Abel's example. It is reported in the Sunnah (definition): "Be like the son of Adam" during times of fitna (strife) if one is intended for killing.