By Mustafa Makumba

In March alone, Malawi witnessed a devastating toll on its roads with 80 people losing their lives, and 284 getting injured in traffic accidents. According to Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Harry Namwaza, many of these incidents were caused by excessive speeding and reckless overtaking in undesignated areas. In response, the Malawi Police Service has acquired additional surveillance cameras and launched public education campaigns to address road safety.

To some, this may appear to be merely a public policy issue, however, this carries important moral and values of raising an upright society.

The Qur’an says: “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right…”
(Qur’an 17:33)

This verse is not limited to intentional acts of violence as it also encompasses indirect actions that endanger life. Driving recklessly, ignoring traffic regulations, or acting with negligence behind the wheel can all fall into this category when such behavior leads to the loss of innocent lives.

In an ethical society like Malawi, life is sacred, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this through countless teachings. He stated:

“There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.”
(Ibn Majah)

This narration forms a general legal and moral principle that anything that causes harm to oneself or others must be avoided. Speeding on the road, overtaking recklessly, or ignoring signs is not only dangerous but also unethical, and a sin for a believer, which is the case for a majority of Malawians.

The decision by the Malawi Police to invest in cameras and public road safety education is very important and needs all support it deserves. This is so as it will foster the safety and prevention of road-related accidents by curbing reckless driving among motorists.

Furthermore, our community leaders and the general public can play a vital role by incorporating messages of road safety in their interaction with community members. Reminding the community that reckless driving is not only a crime but also a sin could have a powerful impact in reducing these tragic incidents.

The rising number of road accidents is not just a statistic—it is a wake-up call to the general public. Each number represents a soul, a family, a future cut short. Qur’an teaches that saving one life is as if saving all of humanity (Qur’an 5:32). If by slowing down or driving responsibly we can protect even one life, then we are fulfilling a noble act, fostering a safe and secure environment.