"I heard the Messenger of Allah say: 'That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, but between them there are matters which are doubtful.'" And sometimes he said: "But between them are matters that are not as clear. I will describe the likeness of that for you. Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has a sanctuary and the sanctuary of Allah is that which He has forbidden. Whoever grazes around the sanctuary will soon transgress into the sanctuary. And whoever approaches a matter that is unclear, he will soon wind up in the sanctuary." And sometimes he said: "He will soon transgress, and indeed whoever mixes in doubt, he will soon cross into it."
Narrated by It was narrated that An-Nu'man bin Bashir said:
Context
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasizes the clarity of what is lawful and unlawful, while also acknowledging the existence of ambiguous matters. This hadith serves as a guide for Muslims to navigate moral complexities, urging caution in areas that are not clearly defined.
Modern Application
In daily life, this principle encourages individuals to be mindful of their choices, especially in situations that may not have clear guidelines. It promotes a thoughtful approach to decision-making, urging people to avoid actions that may lead to doubt or uncertainty.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Dietary Laws and Drinking Etiquette because it addresses the distinctions between clear and ambiguous matters related to consumption and behavior.
Allah wants to make clear to you [the lawful from the unlawful] and guide you to the [good] practices of those before you and to accept your repentance. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.
Say, "My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know."
Say, "Obey Allah and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon him is only that [duty] with which he has been charged, and upon you is that with which you have been charged. And if you obey him, you will be [rightly] guided. And there is not upon the Messenger except the [responsibility for] clear notification."
[He sent] a Messenger [Muhammad] reciting to you the distinct verses of Allah that He may bring out those who believe and do righteous deeds from darknesses into the light. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness - He will admit him into gardens beneath which rivers flow to abide therein forever. Allah will have perfected for him a provision.
This hadith is #5720 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Drinks. It is graded Da'if and narrated by It was narrated that An-Nu'man bin Bashir said:.