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Hadith on Mistakes: Following the ways of the predecessors

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 3456
Narrated Abu Sa`id: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “You will follow the wrong ways, of your predecessors so completely and literally that if they should go into the hole of a mastigure, you too will go there.” We said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Do you mean the Jews and the Christians?” He replied, “Whom else?” (Meaning, of course, the Jews and the Christians.)

  • This Hadith Sahih al-Bukhari 3456 does not imply that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) predicted that Muslims would inevitably follow the wrong ways of their predecessors. Instead, it suggests that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had knowledge of the past and understood that people in the past had chosen to follow the wrong ways of their predecessors. He warned his followers to avoid repeating those same mistakes because he knew that doing so would lead to negative consequences. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of learning from history and making conscious choices based on what is right, rather than blindly following the traditions of one’s ancestors. It is a reminder that individuals have the responsibility to make their own choices, and that they can use their free will to make decisions that will benefit themselves and others. In short, the Hadith highlights the importance of individual responsibility, knowledge of the past, and making informed choices for a better future.