Avoiding harm in public places
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 2465
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri: The Prophet ﷺ said: Beware! Avoid sitting on the roads (ways). The people said, “There is no way out of it as these are our sitting places where we have talks.” The Prophet ﷺ replied: “If you must sit there, then observe the rights of the way.” They asked, “What are the rights of the way?” He said: “Lowering the gaze (on seeing what is illegal to look at), refraining from harming people, returning greetings, advocating good, and forbidding evil.”
What This Teaches Us Today:
This hadith gives clear guidance for how Muslims should behave in public:
- Respect public space: Don’t turn open walkways or busy corners into your private sitting spot. The Prophet ﷺ discouraged this unless necessary.
- Lowering the gaze: Especially today, lowering your gaze in public – and online — protects you and others from harm and temptation.
- Avoid causing harm: Don’t annoy, block, or hurt anyone physically or emotionally, whether it’s on the road or social media.
- Return greetings: Be kind, polite, and spread peace – a simple “Salam” has great value.
- Promote good, forbid evil: Don’t just live silently – you should be a source of guidance and moral clarity for those around you.
Important Addition:
A Muslim can pray anywhere that is clean, public areas that cause disruption or inconvenience to others – like sidewalks, roads, or building entrances – should be avoided. Islam does not allow a person to turn a public path into a prayer spot if it blocks people or creates discomfort.
Example:
If your prayer blocks people from walking or causes frustration on a busy footpath or market, then it’s you who is violating Islamic manners – not the one who is walking by.
📖Quran 4:94
“And do not say to one who gives you [a greeting of] peace, ‘You are not a believer,’ seeking the goods of worldly life…”
→ Islam teaches to avoid suspicion and harshness. Causing harm while doing good nullifies the reward – like blocking a path during prayer and annoying others.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 24:30
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.”
📖Quran 3:104
“Let there arise from you a nation inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who will be successful.”
📖Quran 2:185
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”
→ Even in worship, Islam forbids causing hardship to others. You gain no reward by turning your act of prayer into a burden for those around you.
This hadith and these verses remind us: Islam is a religion of balance – your rights stop where others’ discomfort begins. Public space belongs to everyone. Be a believer who leaves behind comfort and peace, not frustration.