"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordered us with seven things and he forbade us from seven. He ordered us to follow the funeral, visit the ill, reply to the sneezing person, accept the invitation, assist the oppressed, to help the one who made an oath, and to return the Salam. And he forbade us from seven things: From the gold ring, or ringlets of gold, silver vessels, wearing silk, Ad-Dibaj, Al-Istabraq, And Al-Qassi."
Narrated by Narrated Al-Bara bin 'Azib:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes the importance of certain social responsibilities and ethical behaviors. He instructs his followers to engage in acts of kindness such as attending funerals, visiting the sick, and responding to greetings. Conversely, he prohibits the use of certain luxurious items like gold and silk, highlighting a balance between social duties and modesty in personal adornment.
Modern Application
Today, this hadith encourages us to prioritize community and family connections, such as visiting elderly relatives and helping those in need. Engaging in these acts fosters a sense of belonging and support within our communities.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Hospitality in Islam and Funeral Rites because it outlines essential social duties and the importance of attending to the deceased and the sick.
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.
O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.
Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord. And permitted to you are the grazing livestock, except what is recited to you. So avoid the uncleanliness of idols and avoid false statement,