A True Muslim Harms No One by Words or Actions

📖Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 11, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 42
Abu Musa reported: They said, “O Messenger of Allah, whose Islam is best?” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “One from whose tongue and hand Muslims are safe.”

This hadith highlights that the best form of Islam is reflected not only in acts of worship but also in ethical conduct toward others. A person whose speech (tongue) and actions (hands) do not harm others exemplifies the highest standard of faith. It emphasizes safety, respect, and compassion as hallmarks of a true believer.

Explanation:

• Tongue (speech): Words can heal or hurt, guide or mislead. The hadith reminds believers to use their speech responsibly:

  • Avoid lying, slander, gossip, or insults.

  • Speak kindly, truthfully, and beneficially.

  • Promote peace and justice through dialogue.

• Hands (actions): Actions reflect faith as much as words. A believer should avoid causing harm physically, socially, or economically:

  • Avoid hurting others physically.

  • Refrain from stealing, cheating, or exploiting others.

Practical Lessons for Today:

1. Ensure your words do not harm, deceive, or insult anyone.
2. Use your hands to help, support, and protect rather than harm.
3. Prioritize kindness and respect in interactions at home, work, and community.
4. Reflect before speaking or acting, asking if your words or deeds might hurt someone.
5. Teach and guide others gently, ensuring safety and trust in your relationships.

Quranic Context:

📖Quran 49:11-12
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Avoid suspicion; indeed some suspicion is sin. And do not spy or backbite one another.

📖Quran 4:36
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

📖Quran 2:263
Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.