I visited al-Bara' b. 'Azib and heard him say: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) commanded us to do seven things and forbade us to do seven (things). He commanded us to visit the sick, to follow the funeral procession, to answer the sneezer, to fulfil the vow, to help the poor, to accept the invitation and to greet everybody, and he forbade us to wear rings or gold rings, to drink in silver (vessels), and to use the saddle cloth made of red silk, and to wear garments made of Qassi material, or garments made of silk or brocade and velvet.
Narrated by Mu'awiya b. Suwaid b. Muqarrin reporxed:
Context
This hadith recounts the instructions given by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding certain actions he commanded and prohibited. He emphasized the importance of visiting the sick, following funeral processions, and greeting others, while forbidding specific practices like wearing gold rings and drinking from silver vessels. This guidance serves as a moral compass for interpersonal conduct.
Modern Application
In modern life, the teachings about visiting the sick and greeting others can strengthen community bonds and promote compassion. Simple acts like checking on a friend who is unwell or saying hello to neighbors can foster a sense of belonging and care.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Respectful Communication and Prophetic Etiquette because it outlines essential social behaviors that promote kindness and respect in interactions.
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.
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.
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,
Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason."
This hadith is #5250 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Clothes and Adornment. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Mu'awiya b. Suwaid b. Muqarrin reporxed:.