Daily Posts
DAILY POST #63
Imaam Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalaani – rahimahullaah – said:
It is reported from An-Nu’man Ibn Bashir Radiyallaahu anhumah- who said – I heard the Messenger of Allah salallaahu alayhi wasallam saying:
(An Nu’man pointed with his two fingers to his ears) “verily,both lawful(Halal) and unlawful things (Haram) are apparent, but in between them there are unclear things; and most people have no knowledge concerning them(I.e those unclear things). So, he who safeguards himself from these doubtful things, safeguards his religion and his honor. And he who indulges in these unclear things, is liable to fall into Haraam( proscribed things): its similitude is like that of a shepherd, who pastures ( I.e his animals) near the Hima (boundary areas of someone else), and at any moment he is liable to fall into it(I.e into the boundary). Verily, every king has a Hima and verily, the Hima of Allah(on earth) is what He declared unlawful (Haram). Behold!indeed In the body there is a piece of flesh, if it becomes sound(I.e secured from evil deeds), the whole body becomes sound and healthy, but if it gets corrupted, the whole body gets corrupted; behold! that is the heart.” Agreed upon.
Transmitted and recorded by Imaam Bukhaari in his “Sahih”#53 and Imam Muslim in his “Sahih”#1599.
COMMENTARY
The hadith shows the importance of the following:
1. It indicates that in Islam, the lawful and unlawful things are evident. For this reason, one have no excuse to be confused about them.
2. It shows that the doubtful things are between the lawful and unlawful things. This implies, the doubtful things is neither lawful nor unlawful things.
3. It also shows that the doubtful things are not well known by most people unless the people of knowledge( I.e the scholars).
4. It indicates that is better one should safeguard himself from unclear things so that he does not fall into Haraam.
5. It encourages that one should distance himself from anything that might lead to Haraam things.
6. Lastly, it indicates that in the body there is a piece of flesh, if it is sound, the whole body becomes healthy. And if it becomes corrupt, the whole body acts in the same direction.
This flesh is the heart. The heart controls the whole body, it is the steer that directs one to lawful or unlawful things. For this reason, we should hasten to rectify and purify our hearts from any form of diseases like rancor, envy,arrogance, self conceit and selfishness etc.
Allaahu A’alam!
Baarakallaahu feekum!
