Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Sahih. Sahih hadiths are considered the most authentic grade in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sahih Muslim, which contains 7,459 hadiths across 57 books. It is hadith number 7320 in the Book of The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts.

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#7319

#7320

Sahih Muslim

#7321

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Sahih Muslim #7320

Q: What is Sahih Muslim 7320 about?

This hadith from Sahih Muslim (Book of The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts), narrated by Hammam b. al-Harith reported that a person began to praise 'Uthman and Miqdad sat upon his knee; and he was a bulky person and began to throw pebbles upon his (flatterer's) face. Thereupon 'Uthman said:, states: "What is the matter with you? And he said: Verily, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: When you see those who shower (undue) praise (upon others), throw dust upon their faces."

The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts

Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لاِبْنِ الْمُثَنَّى - قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ هَمَّامِ بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، أَنَّ رَجُلاً، جَعَلَ يَمْدَحُ عُثْمَانَ فَعَمِدَ الْمِقْدَادُ فَجَثَا عَلَى رُكْبَتَيْهِ - وَكَانَ رَجُلاً ضَخْمًا - فَجَعَلَ يَحْثُو فِي وَجْهِهِ الْحَصْبَاءَ فَقَالَ لَهُ عُثْمَانُ مَا شَأْنُكَ فَقَالَ إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا رَأَيْتُمُ الْمَدَّاحِينَ فَاحْثُوا فِي وُجُوهِهِمُ التُّرَابَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

What is the matter with you? And he said: Verily, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: When you see those who shower (undue) praise (upon others), throw dust upon their faces.

Narrated by Hammam b. al-Harith reported that a person began to praise 'Uthman and Miqdad sat upon his knee; and he was a bulky person and began to throw pebbles upon his (flatterer's) face. Thereupon 'Uthman said:

Context

In this hadith, Miqdad throws pebbles at a flatterer of Uthman, referencing the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ instruction to reject undue praise. This illustrates the ethical stance against flattery and the importance of sincerity in speech.

Modern Application

In today's context, this teaches us to be mindful of how we praise others and to ensure our compliments are genuine. It encourages a culture of honesty rather than superficial flattery.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Ethics of Speech because it addresses the importance of sincerity and the ethical implications of how we communicate.

Ethics of Speech