Sahih al-Bukhari 52
Narrated An-Nu’man bin Bashir: I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying, ‘Both legal and illegal things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these suspicious things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allah on the earth is His illegal (forbidden) things. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.
- This Hadith is a reminder from Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) about the importance of being cautious and avoiding doubtful or suspicious matters in one’s actions and decisions. The Prophet emphasizes that while lawful and unlawful things are clear, there are grey areas in between that may be doubtful to many people. He advises that one should strive to stay away from such doubtful matters to safeguard their religion and honor. The analogy of a shepherd grazing his animals near someone else’s private pasture highlights the risk of indulging in doubtful matters, as it may lead to unintentional trespassing into forbidden territory. The Prophet also emphasizes that just as a king has a protected sanctuary, Allah has His own prohibitions on earth that should be respected. Furthermore, the Hadith highlights the importance of the heart, as it is referred to as a piece of flesh that can impact the entire body. A sound heart leads to a sound body, while a corrupt heart can lead to corruption in one’s actions and decisions. Thus, the Hadith emphasizes the significance of purifying and reforming the heart for a righteous and honorable life.
