عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم "مِنْ حُسْنِ إسْلَامِ الْمَرْءِ تَرْكُهُ مَا لَا يَعْنِيهِ"
حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ، رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِيُّ [رقم: 2318] ، ابن ماجه [رقم:3976]
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah RA who said:
The Messenger of Allah SAW said, “Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.”
Hadith #12, themed around the principle of "Leaving what does not concern the Muslim”. It serves as a timeless guide encompassing various facets of life. The authenticity of this narration has been a subject of scholarly debate, yet it holds significant merit in Islamic ethical discourse. While Imam Nawawi classifies the narration as 'Hasan' or acceptable, the grading by Imam at-Tirmidhi remains unspecified.
The majority of narrations present a mursal chain, where there is a break in the chain of narrators where one or more narrators in the chain did not directly hear or receive the hadith from the previous narrator. Instead, they skip one or more generations and attribute the hadith directly to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. This break in the chain can raise questions about the reliability of the hadith, as the missing links could potentially introduce errors or inaccuracies in the transmission. However, scholars have developed various criteria and methodologies to assess the authenticity and reliability of mursal hadith, considering factors such as the credibility of the narrators and the consistency of the content with other established sources of Islamic knowledge. The convergence of multiple narrations reinforces its credibility, suggesting a collective validation despite the broken chain.
Notably, Abu 'Amar ibn Salah, following the insights of the esteemed Maliki scholar Abu Muhammad ibn Abi Zayd, elevates this hadith among four universal teachings governing manners, morals, and ethics. The ijtihad of Abu ‘Amar on the four narrations are:
1. Abu Hurairah RA reported; The Prophet ﷺ said, "He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain good relation with kins; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent."
2. “Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.”
3. Abu Hurairah RA reported; A man asked the Prophet ﷺ for an advice and he ﷺ said, "Do not get angry". The man repeated that several times and he replied, "Do not get angry".
4. Anas narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said; "None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
Thus, this hadith encapsulates timeless wisdom, offering guidance for believers in navigating the complexities of life with grace and mindfulness.
Narrator of the Hadith #12: Abu Hurayrah RA
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:
The narrator of this hadith, Abu Hurayrah RA has narrated a lot of hadith and undoubtedly the most prolific narrator of hadith, one of the most notable companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ . His profile has been discussed in previous sessions.
Cultivating Perfection
"مِنْ حُسْنِ إسْلَامِ الْمَرْءِ تَرْكُهُ مَا لَا يَعْنِيهِ"
“Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.”
This narration encapsulates a profound aspect of Islamic ethics, emphasising the holistic nature of one's faith. The phrase "مِنْ حُسْنِ إسْلَامِ الْمَرْءِ" denotes that the completeness of an individual's Islam comprises multiple components, of which this teaching forms an integral part, contributing to the enhancement and refinement of one's faith.
The phrase "تَرْكُهُ مَا لَا يَعْنِيهِ" highlights the importance of abstaining from matters that hold no relevance or significance to an individual. It encompasses the notion of forsaking permissible actions that do not contribute to one's spiritual or moral development. While avoiding prohibited actions is fundamental to Islam and faith (iman), this narration underscores the additional dimension of abstaining from the unnecessary, thereby cultivating a sense of mindfulness and discernment in one's actions.
Moreover, this hadith transcends temporal and spatial boundaries, applicable across diverse contexts and situations. Whether during sacred times such as Ramadan or significant locations like Makkah or Madinah, the principle of leaving what does not concern oneself remains pertinent. It underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with the appropriate time and place, thereby manifesting a conscientious adherence to Islamic teachings.
The presence of "لَا" in "تَرْكُهُ مَا لَا يَعْنِيهِ" signifies a necessary negation, urging individuals to exercise utmost care and discretion in discerning what is truly relevant to them. This linguistic feature, known as "al-inayah" in Arabic grammar, denotes a profound sense of attentiveness and vigilance, akin to the meticulous care observed in critical settings such as intensive care units (ICUs).
In essence, this narration serves as a guiding principle for believers, advocating a mindful approach to their actions and interactions. By prioritising what is essential and beneficial, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual fulfilment and contribute positively to their communities and society at large.
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When to Cross the Boundaries
Ibn Qayyim, in his book "Sickness and its Cures," expounds upon the profound implications of this hadith, asserting that the most effective remedy for self-improvement lies in directing one's focus and energy towards matters that directly pertain to oneself. He underscores the detrimental consequences of diverting one's attention to affairs unrelated to personal growth and well-being. According to Ibn Qayyim, indulging in concerns about others at the expense of neglecting oneself is a default repercussion, leading to a neglect of one's own needs and priorities.
The hadith serves as a guiding principle for discerning the appropriate allocation of one's attention and efforts. By prioritising self-care and focusing on matters within one's domain, individuals can navigate life with clarity, purpose, and mindfulness, thereby enriching their personal development and contributing positively to their communities.
It presents a profound insight into the essence of Islamic ethics, guiding believers on the principle of involvement in matters that concern them and abstention from those that do not. It delineates a fundamental aspect of Islamic conduct, highlighting the completeness of one's faith through selective engagement. It asserts that active participation in endeavours that align with Islamic principles is essential for the fulfilment of one's religious duties.
Conversely, abstaining from involvement in matters unrelated to one's sphere of influence is also integral to the practice of Islam, as it safeguards against unnecessary distractions and ensures a focused commitment to what truly matters.
However, a misinterpretation of this hadith often arises, particularly in situations where individuals attempt to evade their responsibility to promote righteousness and discourage wrongdoing. Some misuse this Hadith as a pretext to avoid intervening in situations that demand their moral intervention, such as inviting towards good and forbidding evil. They erroneously interpret the Hadith to absolve themselves of any obligation to address societal issues or correct wrongful behaviour, citing that such matters do not concern them personally.
This misrepresentation stems from a lack of understanding of the broader implications of the Hadith and the ethical responsibilities incumbent upon believers.
In reality, it does not advocate passivity or indifference towards societal concerns; rather, it underscores the importance of discernment and prioritisation in one's actions. While it encourages individuals to refrain from unnecessary involvement in trivial matters or gossip, it equally emphasises the duty to actively engage in endeavours that promote virtue and discourage vice. Therefore, the Hadith serves as a call to action, urging believers to exercise discernment in determining where to direct their efforts, ensuring that their actions are aligned with the principles of Islamic ethics and contribute positively to the welfare of society.
The misapplication of this hadith underscores a broader issue of selective adherence to religious teachings. While individuals may conveniently invoke this Hadith to justify their reluctance to intervene in matters of societal importance, they often overlook its implications in other aspects of their lives. It admonishes against indulging in idle chatter, gossip, and frivolous pursuits, urging believers to prioritise actions that uphold the values of Islam. Thus, it is incumbent upon individuals to approach the Hadith with a nuanced understanding, recognizing its overarching message of mindfulness and ethical responsibility in all aspects of life. By embodying the spirit of the Hadith and actively engaging in endeavours that promote goodness and righteousness, believers can contribute to the betterment of society and uphold the timeless teachings of Islam.
The hadith emphasises the importance of leaving what does not concern oneself encapsulates profound wisdom that transcends time and context. Its significance lies not only in Islamic ethical discourse but also in the broader realm of human behaviour and interaction.
By advocating mindfulness and discernment in one's actions and thoughts, the hadith guides believers towards a path of self-awareness, self-care, and responsible engagement with the world around them.
Moreover, the teachings derived from this hadith underscore the holistic nature of Islamic ethics, which prioritise both individual well-being and communal welfare. By encouraging individuals to focus on matters directly relevant to their own development and responsibilities, the hadith fosters a sense of accountability and empowerment. It reminds believers that self-improvement and societal progress are intrinsically linked, and that each individual has a role to play in contributing positively to the collective good.
Ultimately, the hadith serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of intentionality and mindfulness in all aspects of life. Whether navigating personal relationships, professional endeavours, or communal affairs, believers are called upon to exercise wisdom and restraint, ensuring that their actions align with the values and principles of their faith. In embodying the spirit of this hadith, individuals not only fulfil their obligations to themselves and their communities but also honour the teachings of Islam and the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thus, may we strive to embody the essence of this hadith in our daily lives, seeking to leave what does not concern us and prioritising that which truly matters in the journey towards spiritual fulfilment and societal harmony.
Disclaimer:
Hadith #12 - Leaving What Does Not Concern The Muslim
Sheikh Dr. Sajid Umar | STEPS TO JANNAH S3 | Forty Hadith Imam Nawawi
These are notes sharing from the Steps of Jannah classes online taught by Sheikh Dr Sajid Umar focusing on Hadith 40 an-Nawawi. The classes are still ongoing, every Monday 8pm UK time. If you would like to join, please email stepstojannah12@gmail.com
The notes written are from a student’s personal notes transcribed from the sessions. Should there be any error, May Allah forgive us, and do feedback (ain1810@gmail.com) so that it can get amended, and may it be beneficial to all of us and may Allah reward Jannah to Sh Sajid and his team for the beneficial ‘ilm being shared and to all of the students Steps to Jannah, Ameen.