KITAB ARBA'IN AN-NAWAWI
by: Imam An-Nawawi
Good Speech, Honoring Neighbors and Guests
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ جَارَهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ».
[رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ (6018)، وَمُسْلِمٌ (47)]Translation:
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his neighbor. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest.” — Narrated by Al-Bukhari: 6018, and Muslim (47)
Benefits and Points of Learning from the Hadith:
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1
Deep Connection Between Creed and Actions:
• The Link Between Faith and Action: This Hadith serves as evidence for the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah that actions are an integral part of faith (Iman).
• Mindfulness and Sincerity: By mentioning "belief in Allah and the Last Day" prior to the moral rulings, the Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that every action of a believer must be grounded in sincerity, mindfulness of Allah (Muraqabah), and the hope of reward in the Hereafter. -
2
Guarding the Tongue and Etiquettes of Speech:
• Goodness or Silence: A believer's speech is always constructive and beneficial. He evaluates the benefits and harms prior to speaking. If the speech contains goodness (such as enjoining good), he speaks; otherwise, he remains silent.
• Avoiding Futile Speech: Backbiting, calumny, lying, slander, mockery, and spreading unnecessary arguments or fake news on social media run completely contrary to this Hadith.
• Obligation to Speak Truth: Remember that silence is not always required; remaining silent when stating the truth is necessary is a sin. -
3
Rights of People and Social Harmony:
This Hadith rectifies all three dimensions of human relationships (with Allah, society, and individuals):
• Rights of the Neighbor: Whether a neighbor is Muslim or non-Muslim, good treatment and honoring them is obligatory. Angel Jibril (peace be upon him) repeatedly emphasized the rights of the neighbor to establish peace and stability in society.
• Hospitality to Guests: Honoring guests is a Sunnah of the Prophets, particularly Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). It encompasses good manners, greeting them warmly, fulfilling their needs, concealing their shortcomings, and making them feel comfortable, all of which serve as means of mutual love. -
4
The Moral System and the Comprehensiveness of Islam:
• Comprehensive Fulfillment of Rights: Islam is not merely the name of ritual acts of worship; social reform is also one of its vital objectives. This Hadith unites the rights of Allah (guarding the tongue) and the rights of people (honoring neighbors and guests).
• Condemnation of Miserliness and Unity: The repeated command to honor others negates miserliness and materialism. Fulfilling these rights eliminates satanic whisperings and transforms Islamic society into a strong, united unit.
• Concise Speech (Jawami' al-Kalim): This Hadith is among the most comprehensive statements of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), upon which the entire Islamic moral system is founded.
