Sunan Abi Dawud 4788
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu’minin: When the Prophet (ﷺ) was informed of anything of a certain man, he would not say: What is the matter with so and so that he says? But he would say: What is the matter with the people that they say such and such?
- This hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud 4788 highlights the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) wisdom and tact when dealing with individuals who may have made mistakes or been accused of wrongdoing. Instead of singling out the person and asking about their behavior, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would inquire about the general state of the people or the community. This approach is a subtle way of addressing the issue without shaming or accusing anyone directly. It also helps to foster a sense of collective responsibility and encourages everyone to work together to improve the situation. This hadith serves as a reminder to be mindful of our words and actions, especially when dealing with others. We should strive to be tactful, wise, and compassionate in our interactions with people, and to focus on finding solutions rather than blaming or shaming others.
