: عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ النُّعْمَانِ بْنِ بَشِيرٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ
"إِنَّ الْحَلَالَ بَيِّنٌ، وَإِنَّ الْحَرَامَ بَيِّنٌ، وَبَيْنَهُمَا أُمُورٌ مُشْتَبِهَاتٌ لَا يَعْلَمُهُنَّ كَثِيرٌ مِنْ النَّاسِ، فَمَنْ اتَّقَى الشُّبُهَاتِ فَقْد اسْتَبْرَأَ لِدِينِهِ وَعِرْضِهِ، وَمَنْ وَقَعَ فِي الشُّبُهَاتِ وَقَعَ فِي الْحَرَامِ، كَالرَّاعِي يَرْعَى حَوْلَ الْحِمَى يُوشِكُ أَنْ يَرْتَعَ فِيهِ، أَلَا وَإِنَّ لِكُلِّ مَلِكٍ حِمًى، أَلَا وَإِنَّ حِمَى اللَّهِ مَحَارِمُهُ، أَلَا وَإِنَّ فِي الْجَسَدِ مُضْغَةً إِذَا صَلَحَتْ صَلَحَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ، وَإِذَا فَسَدَتْ فَسَدَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ، أَلَا وَهِيَ الْقَلْبُ."
[رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ وَمُسْلِمٌ]
On the authority of Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir رضي الله عنهما, he reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Indeed, the lawful is clear, and the unlawful is clear, and between the two are doubtful matters which many people do not know. Whoever avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and honor, but whoever falls into doubtful matters falls into the unlawful, like a shepherd grazing near a sanctuary, nearly grazing within it. Truly, every king has a sanctuary, and the sanctuary of Allah is His prohibitions. Verily, in the body, there is a piece of flesh: if it is sound, the entire body is sound; but if it is corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart."
[Source: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi]
This timeless hadith offers comprehensive guidance on leading a life of righteousness by adhering to clear boundaries, exercising caution in ambiguous matters, and purifying the heart for spiritual success.
The hadith is the sixth of Imam An-Nawawi’s Arba’in (Forty Hadith) collection. It is a treasure trove of lessons encompassing matters of faith, fiqh (jurisprudence), tazkiyah (self-purification), and practical guidance for navigating ambiguous situations in life. In this hadith, Rasulullah ﷺ employs a powerful analogy to clarify its meaning, allowing the listener to grasp and internalize its wisdom more effectively.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal remarked that three narrations form the foundation of the Islamic religion:
1. Hadith #1: "Deeds are judged by intentions" (إنما الأعمال بالنيات)
2. Hadith #5: "Religious innovation" (Al-Bid'ah)
3. Hadith #6: "The lawful and the unlawful are clear" (الحلال بين والحرام بين)
In addition to these, Imam Abu Dawud included Hadith #7: "Religion is sincere counsel" (الدين النصيحة).
The Narrator: Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir رضي الله عنهما
Nu’man ibn Bashir رضي الله عنهما, a companion of Rasulullah ﷺ, belonged to the noble tribe of Bani Khazraj from the Ansar. He was born in 622 CE, the same year as Rasulullah’s ﷺ Hijrah to Madinah. According to some scholars, Nu’man was the first Ansari child born after the Hijrah. He was only 13 years old when Rasulullah ﷺ passed away.
His father, Bashir ibn Sa’d, was a notable companion of Rasulullah ﷺ, while his mother, Amra bint Rawaha, was the sister of the celebrated poet and companion, Abd Allah ibn Rawaha رضي الله عنهما.
This hadith was narrated in connection with a familial incident within Nu’man’s household. Nu’man’s mother, Amra bint Rawaha, asked her husband, Bashir ibn Sa’d, to donate a gift to their son. She insisted that the gift be witnessed by Rasulullah ﷺ.
When Bashir approached Rasulullah ﷺ to witness the gift, he was asked, "Do you have other children?" He replied, "Yes."
Rasulullah ﷺ then asked, "Have you given similar gifts to all of them?". Bashir said, "No."
Rasulullah ﷺ responded: "Then do not call me to witness an injustice." [Sahih Muslim]
This incident highlights the principles of fairness and justice within familial relationships, which align with the broader themes of the hadith.
Approaching the Doubtful Matters: Lessons and Guidance
The hadith on doubtful matters offers profound lessons on piety, knowledge, and trust in Allah. By understanding the concept of مُشْتَبِهَات and adhering to the principles of Shari’ah, Muslims can protect their faith and integrity while navigating the complexities of life. This hadith serves as a timeless reminder to always seek clarity, prioritize the known over the unknown, and trust in Allah’s wisdom and guidance.
From the discussion above, it becomes clear that the doubtful matters (مُشْتَبِهَات) are neither entirely halal nor entirely haram, and their obscurity stems from the perspective of those who encounter them. Scholars have differed on the precise definition of مُشْتَبِهَات, which reflects the nuanced and multi-faceted nature of this concept in Islamic jurisprudence.
Islamic scholars play a crucial role in resolving these ambiguities. They do so by:
1. Returning to the Quran and Sunnah:
The primary sources of Islamic law provide clarity through principles and precedents.
2. Using Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning):
Scholars apply reasoning to derive rulings for contemporary issues that were not explicitly addressed in the primary texts.
3. Consensus (Ijma’):
Where scholarly agreement exists, it reduces the scope of doubt.
4. Contextual Understanding:
Scholars consider the circumstances and potential implications of a ruling before providing guidance.
Despite this process, some matters remain unresolved due to varying interpretations of evidence or differences in methodology. For the general Muslim population, the best course of action is to seek guidance from trustworthy and knowledgeable scholars and avoid engaging in matters that might lead to harm or sin.
The Principle of Caution (ورع)
The hadith advises caution when dealing with doubtful matters, highlighting the principle of wara’ (piety and scrupulousness). A person who refrains from doubtful matters:
>> Protects their faith (دين): Avoiding what is unclear ensures that one does not accidentally fall into what is haram.
>> Preserves their honor (عرض): Public perception matters in Islam; refraining from grey areas prevents people from questioning one’s integrity.
This principle aligns with the hadith's wisdom that a person who avoids doubtful matters protects their deen and their honor.
The Quran and Sunnah provide important context for understanding the term مُشْتَبِهَات. While the hadith refers specifically to halal and haram, the Quran uses similar terms, such as مُتَشَابِهَات (ambiguous verses), as found in Surah Ali Imran. This comparison offers insights into the broader application of the concept.
هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ مِنۡهُ ءَايَٰتٌ مُّحۡكَمَٰتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَٰبِهَٰتٌۖ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمۡ زَيۡغٞ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَٰبَهَ مِنۡهُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ ٱلۡفِتۡنَةِ وَٱبۡتِغَآءَ تَأۡوِيلِهِۦۗ وَمَا يَعۡلَمُ تَأۡوِيلَهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُۗ وَٱلرَّٰسِخُونَ فِي ٱلۡعِلۡمِ يَقُولُونَ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ كُلّٞ مِّنۡ عِندِ رَبِّنَاۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّآ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ
He is the One who has revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ the Book, of which some verses are precise—they are the foundation of the Book—while others are allegorical. As for those whose hearts are deviant, they follow the allegorical ˹verses˺, seeking ˹to spread˺ doubt through their ˹false˺ interpretations. But none grasps their ˹true˺ interpretation except Allah. And those well-grounded in knowledge say, 'We believe in it—all is from our Lord.' But none will be mindful except people of reason. [Ali Imran 3:7]
This verse discusses the nature of the Qur'an, differentiating between clear and allegorical verses and highlighting the importance of sound hearts and sincere understanding.
In the Quran (Mutashabihat) refers to verses that have multiple interpretations and require deeper understanding or are intended as tests of faith. Allah distinguishes between clear verses (محكمات) and ambiguous verses (متشابهات) to test the sincerity and intellectual efforts of believers. Ambiguity here is not due to contradictions but rather to the depth of meaning and the context of revelation.
In the Hadith (Mushtabihat), refers to actions or rulings that are unclear in their permissibility due to a lack of explicit evidence. Ambiguity arises from human limitations, such as insufficient knowledge or misunderstanding, rather than inherent vagueness in the Shari’ah.
The methodology for addressing ambiguity, whether in Quranic verses or rulings on halal and haram, involves:
1. Consulting people of knowledge (الراسخون في العلم): Those firmly grounded in knowledge can discern the correct meaning or ruling.
2. Adhering to clear evidence: When faced with ambiguity, rely on what is clear and avoid speculation.
Practical Application: How to Deal with Doubtful Matters
Seek Knowledge:
Many doubts arise from ignorance. Continuous learning and seeking guidance from credible scholars help reduce confusion.
Practice Piety:
When in doubt, refrain from engaging in the matter until clarity is achieved. This aligns with the advice of the Prophet (ﷺ): “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” (Tirmidhi)
Assess the Consequences:
Evaluate the potential harm of engaging in a doubtful matter. The Shari’ah aims to minimize harm and maximize benefit.
Avoid Overburdening Yourself:
While striving to avoid doubtful matters, it is essential to remember that Islam is a religion of ease. Do not let excessive caution lead to unnecessary hardship or waswas (baseless doubts).
Allah’s wisdom in allowing the existence of ambiguous matters lies in testing the sincerity and effort of believers. Those with pure intentions will:
1. Turn to Allah for guidance:
Recognizing their limitations, they seek clarity through dua and reliance on Allah.
2. Respect the boundaries of Shari’ah:
They prioritize the clear over the obscure and trust in the justice and mercy of Allah.
As stated in Surah Al-Mulk
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلۡمَوۡتَ وَٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ أَيُّكُمۡ أَحۡسَنُ عَمَلٗاۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡغَفُورُ
He is the One Who created death and life in order to test which of you is best in deeds. And He is the Almighty, the All-Forgiving.[Al-Mulk 67:2]
This verse emphasizes the purpose of life and death as a test for humanity, highlighting the attributes of Allah as the Most Mighty and the Most Forgiving.
Refrain from the Doubtful Matters
The hadith continues with, “Thus, he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour” highlights the importance of avoiding ambiguous actions or behaviors that may jeopardize one’s deen and 'irdh (honour or reputation). The guidance of Rasulullah ﷺ is clear: steering clear of doubtful matters ensures spiritual safety and preserves one’s dignity. Engaging in such matters, on the other hand, risks leading a person toward the forbidden, either directly or indirectly, which is sinful because it reflects a disregard for this divine counsel.
On the Day of Qiyamah , Allah SWT will not question a person about why they refrained from something that was neither obligatory nor necessary. However, one will be held accountable for actions they chose to undertake, especially if these actions fell into doubtful or forbidden areas. By avoiding doubtful matters, one fulfills the command of Allah SWT and safeguards themselves from unnecessary questioning in the Hereafter.
The concept of innocence, expressed through the word اسْتَبْرَأَ (i’stibra’), emphasizes clearing oneself of potential wrongdoing by abstaining from doubtful acts. This proactive approach protects one’s religion and honour. If a person avoids doubtful matters, they adhere to the guidance of the hadith and shield themselves from harm in both this world and the Hereafter.
Conversely, engaging in doubtful matters without seeking the counsel of knowledgeable scholars can lead to sin. However, if a trustworthy, God-fearing scholar permits an act after due diligence, the individual is not considered sinful, even in cases of legitimate differences of opinion.
Honour ('irdh) is explicitly mentioned in the hadith because it is closely linked to how others perceive a person’s actions. Doubtful actions, even if not inherently haram, can tarnish a person’s reputation and societal standing. For example, Rasulullah ﷺ once clarified to his companions that the woman accompanying him was his wife, Safiyyah RA, setting a precedent for avoiding suspicion and safeguarding one’s honour. In modern contexts, situations such as a man driving a stranded woman home at night, even with pure intentions, may lead to unwarranted speculation and harm to his reputation.
A narration by Abu Hurairah further reinforces this principle: “Indeed, for everything, there is zeal, and for every zeal, there is slackening. If the practitioner behaves properly and is moderate, then hope for his success. But if the fingers are pointed at him, do not count him among the worthy” [At-Tirmidhi].
This hadith emphasizes moderation and proper behavior as keys to success. When a person becomes the subject of negative scrutiny, it reflects potential damage to their honour and credibility. Reputation plays a significant role in trust, especially in social matters like marriage, making it essential to preserve one’s standing in society.
Practically, Islam provides a holistic framework for preserving both deen and honour. Avoiding doubtful matters is a fundamental part of this guidance. When faced with a doubtful situation, one should seek clarity from knowledgeable and trustworthy scholars and err on the side of caution to avoid falling into haram or damaging their reputation. Additionally, it is vital to avoid actions that could be misconstrued, even if they are permissible, as this helps protect against gossip, mistrust, or dishonour.
Ultimately,
refraining from doubtful matters is an act of obedience to Allah SWT and adherence to the teachings of Rasulullah ﷺ. This approach ensures a balanced and practical application of Islamic principles while safeguarding both spiritual and social integrity.
Rasulullah ﷺ's analogy of the shepherd teaches us a deeper spiritual lesson. Just as a shepherd must exercise caution near the protected sanctuary to avoid trespassing, a believer must remain vigilant in safeguarding their heart and actions from encroaching on doubtful matters. The sanctum of Allah, represented by His prohibitions, is an area where no believer should venture carelessly.
The hadith emphasizes that acting upon doubtful matters risks spiritual degradation. A heart that frequently indulges in uncertainties becomes desensitized to the sanctity of the divine boundaries, weakening its ability to discern Halal from Haram. Over time, this negligence can lead to a heart clouded by sin, where clarity in faith and actions is lost.
The Role of Taqwa in Navigating Doubtful Matters
Taqwa, or God-consciousness, is key to staying away from doubtful matters. Rasulullah ﷺ’s directive serves as a reminder that true piety lies not only in avoiding clear Haram but also in steering clear of the grey areas that may lead to it. The Prophet ﷺ taught:
"Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt." [An-Nasa’i]
This narration aligns with the hadith under discussion, encouraging believers to prioritize certainty over doubt in their actions and choices. When faced with doubt, a believer must prioritize seeking clarity through proper knowledge, consultation with scholars, and reliance on Allah’s guidance.
The topic of wealth with mixed sources (Halal and Haram) is an important aspect of this hadith. It reflects the broader principle of avoiding doubtful matters while considering practicality and context:
1. Majority Halal Wealth:
If the majority of a person’s wealth is Halal and only a minor portion Haram, scholars generally permit interaction, emphasizing that the doubt does not make the entirety Haram.
2. Majority Haram Wealth:
If Haram dominates, then interaction with such wealth is discouraged or prohibited, aligning with the hadith’s guidance to avoid doubtful matters.
3. Uncertainty Without Knowledge of Specific Haram:
Scholars allow consumption or interaction as long as the specific item consumed is not definitively known to be Haram. This view accommodates real-life complexities while maintaining adherence to Islamic principles.
The hadith of Aisha RA concerning Barirah demonstrates how context and intent can influence rulings. It involves the incident of Barirah RA, a freed slave, and the meat that was given as sadaqah. Since sadaqah is not permissible for Rasulullah ﷺ to consume, he initially did not partake in it. However, Aisha (RA) later gave the meat to Rasulullah ﷺ as a gift.
In response, Rasulullah ﷺ clarified the ruling, saying, “It (the meat) was given to her as charity, but it is a gift for us.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1494; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1070]
This incident demonstrates the nuanced nature of Islamic rulings, as the context and intent of the transaction changed the categorization of the meat from sadaqah to a permissible gift. It highlights how Islamic law takes both circumstances and intentions into account. While sadaqa is not permissible for Rasulullah ﷺ, once it was gifted, the ruling changed, highlighting the nuanced nature of Islamic law.
A key takeaway from the hadith is the importance of following scholars who are reputable, knowledgeable, and sincere in their approach to Islamic jurisprudence. Their ijtihad (juristic effort) provides clarity in areas where individual knowledge may fall short. However, this must be accompanied by sincerity and an avoidance of seeking leniency purely to satisfy personal desires. Cherry-picking rulings without regard for authenticity or responsibility is akin to disregarding the sanctity of Allah’s prohibitions. This undermines the purpose of the Shariah, which seeks to protect faith, life, intellect, wealth, and lineage.
The Roles of the Heart
Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Verily, in the body is a piece of flesh which, if sound, the entire body is sound, and if corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.”
The heart is the epicenter of spiritual health, influencing the body, mind, and actions. A sound heart is one connected to taqwa through obedience to Allah and the avoidance of sin. By guarding the heart, seeking Allah’s help, and fostering righteous environments, we protect ourselves from spiritual decay and align our hearts with the will of Allah SWT.
This profound Hadith highlights the centrality of the heart in a believer’s life. It serves as the first line of defense against doubtful matters, the whispers of Shaytan, and the challenges of spiritual struggles. A heart enriched with taqwa and iman is essential for navigating life in accordance with Allah’s commands.
In Hadith#35 of Imam An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith, it is narrated that Rasulullah ﷺ said, pointing to his chest: “Taqwa is here.”
A heart infused with taqwa becomes a guiding force, leading a person toward clarity and righteousness. Conversely, a heart devoid of taqwa becomes susceptible to doubts and spiritual decline, expanding the “grey areas” in one’s perception and weakening one’s ability to overcome challenges.
The Quran establishes the heart as the center of spiritual understanding,
أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونُ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَا أَوْ آذَانٌ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَكِنْ تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ"
Have they not traveled through the land so that their hearts may reason, or ears may hear? Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearts that are within the breasts." [Al-Hajj 22:46]
This verse reflects on the importance of having insight in the heart to truly understand the signs of Allah, rather than merely relying on physical sight.
From this verse, scholars deduce that the heart is the seat of spiritual intelligence. Matters of faith, the unseen, and ultimate truths do not require elaborate intellectual reasoning but a sincere and progressive relationship with Allah. A heart strengthened by iman and taqwa accepts divine truths with conviction, even amidst trials.
Rasulullah ﷺ teaches that life management begins with the state of the heart. Intellectual arguments alone cannot heal spiritual illnesses. When the heart is sound, it naturally reflects in righteous actions and speech. The tongue refrains from swearing or falsehood. The hands avoid dishonesty.The mind resists assuming the worst of others.
Actions are a mirror of the heart’s condition. A heart imbued with iman serves as a protective shield, while a diseased heart succumbs to sin and doubt.
Anas ibn Malik RA reported:
“The faith of a servant is not upright until his heart is upright, and his heart is not upright until his tongue is upright. A man will not enter Paradise if his neighbor is not secure from his evil.” [Ahmad]
Impacts of Sin on the Heart
Sin desensitizes the heart, gradually making it resistant to righteousness. The eyes, ears, and tongue follow the heart’s lead, growing accustomed to sins once deemed intolerable. If left unchecked, sins accumulate, leaving dark marks on the heart.
Hudhaifa RA narrated:
“Temptations will be presented to men’s hearts as a reed mat is woven stick by stick. Any heart impregnated by them will have a black mark, but any heart that rejects them will have a white mark. Over time, hearts will become either white like a stone, unharmed by tribulations, or black and dust-colored, resembling an overturned vessel, unable to recognize good or reject evil.” [Sahih Muslim]
To safeguard the heart, several precautionary steps can be taken:
1. Control Input Devices:
Evil influences infiltrate the heart through the eyes, ears, and tongue. Guarding these “input devices” is critical for maintaining a sound heart.
2. Seek Allah’s Help:
Rasulullah ﷺ frequently supplicated, يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ، ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَىٰ دِينِكَ
“O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion.” [At-Tirmidhi]
This du’a serves as a reminder that only Allah has control over the heart. Constant reliance on Him is vital for strength and guidance.
3. Maintain a Righteous Environment:
Surrounding oneself with environments conducive to iman helps avoid influences that desensitize the heart.
4. Enjoin Good and Forbid Evil:
Correcting blameworthy actions is not only a duty to the Ummah but also a means to purify one’s own heart.
Let us take the advice of Rasulullah ﷺ and remain vigilant about the state of our hearts, ensuring they remain upright and steadfast on the path of faith. A healthy heart is not just a personal asset but a source of goodness for the entire Ummah.
In conclusion, the hadith about doubtful matters (مُشْتَبِهَات) provides vital guidance for Muslims seeking to lead a life of piety and integrity. The Prophet ﷺ emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between what is clearly permissible (halal) and clearly forbidden (haram), and exercising caution in the grey areas that lie between the two. By avoiding doubtful matters, a person protects both their religion (deen) and their honor (irdh), ensuring that they do not inadvertently fall into sin. The hadith uses the analogy of a shepherd grazing near a sanctuary, highlighting the risk of crossing boundaries unknowingly. This profound wisdom reminds us of the significance of maintaining vigilance in our actions, as the heart (qalb) is central to the purity of the body and the soul.
In practical terms, the hadith encourages seeking knowledge from qualified scholars, understanding the clear principles of Islam, and applying them with care. It also underscores the value of piety (wara')—avoiding what might lead to harm, even if the matter itself is not explicitly forbidden. Furthermore, it invites Muslims to recognize that the existence of ambiguous matters in life is a test of sincerity and faith, requiring a constant reliance on Allah's wisdom and mercy. Ultimately, by adhering to the guidance of this hadith, one not only safeguards their relationship with Allah but also ensures their conduct remains upright, free from doubts that could lead to spiritual or societal harm. The act of refraining from doubtful matters is a step toward purifying the heart and strengthening one’s commitment to Allah's commands, both in this world and the Hereafter.
Disclaimer:
Hadith #6: The Lawful and Unlawful Are Clear
Instructor: Sheikh Dr. Sajid Umar | STEPS TO JANNAH S2 | 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 for the beneficial ‘ilm being shared and to all of the students Steps to Jannah, Ameen.
📌Hadith #6 - Lawful And Unlawful Are Clear |
Steps to Jannah Session 2 - EP12, 15.11.23 |
Steps to Jannah Session 2 - EP13, 21.11.23 |
Steps to Jannah Session 2 - EP14, 11.12.23 |
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