15th Hadith - Islamic Manners (Bukhari: 6018 & Muslim: 47)

الحديث الخامس عشر 

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْراً أًوْ لِيَصْمُتْ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَاْليَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ جَارَهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ

[رواه البخاري ومسلم]

15th Hadith Translation

Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:

"Let whosoever believes in Allah and in the Last Day either speak good or be silent. Let whosoever believes in Allah and in the Last Day honour his neighbour. Let whosoever believes in Allah and in the Last Day honour his guest." (Bukhari: 6018 & Muslim: 47)

Brief Narration

This hadith contains the rulings concerning the tongue and the behavior of Muslims towards others. It also emphasizes that we are responsible for what we say.

When we meet people who are sick, sad, feeling down, in a low frame of mind, etc., we should say things that will make these people feel better, have patience in facing their calamity, be positive, be strong, etc. This is known as 'Al-Muasah' (to say good things of encouragement to help those facing problems). The scholars have defined 'Sabr' (patience) as 'to refrain from panicking' - to refrain from being out of control - and to refrain the tongue from complaining.

There are also other hadiths which state that the Muslim should be careful about what he says. This hadith teaches us the proper manners pertaining to speech and entertaining guests. Following the advice given by the Prophet (S.A.W.) will lead to a more peaceful life and harmonious Islamic society in this life, and attaining the pleasure of Allah in the Hereafter.

(Reference: Commentary of Forty Hadiths of An-Nawawi by Dr. Jamal Ahmed Badi)