The Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: There are three to whom Allah will not speak and at whom He will not look on the Day of Resurrection, and whom He will not declare pure, and they will have a painful punishment. I asked: Who are they, Messenger of Allah, they are losers and disappointed ? He repeated it three times. I asked: Who are they. Messenger of Allah, they are losers and disappointed ? He replied: The one who wears a trailing robe, the one who takes account of what he gives, and the one who produces a ready sale of a commodity by false swearing.
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There are three to whom Allah will not speak and at whom He will not look on the Day of Resurrection, and whom He will not declare pure, and they will have a painful punishment." I asked: "Who are they, Messenger of Allah, they are losers and disappointed?" He repeated it three times. I asked: "Who are they, Messenger of Allah, they are losers and disappointed?" He replied: "The one who wears a trailing robe, the one who takes account of what he gives, and the one who produces a ready sale of a commodity by false swearing."
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud 4087 contains a severe warning against three specific sins that incur Allah's wrath. The punishment described - Allah not speaking to them, not looking at them, and not purifying them - represents complete divine rejection, which is more severe than physical punishment alone.
The first category: "One who wears a trailing robe" refers to men who let their garments drag below the ankles out of pride and arrogance (isbal). This demonstrates excessive pride and violation of the Prophetic command to maintain modesty in dress.
The second: "One who takes account of what he gives" describes those who remind recipients of their charity, either explicitly or implicitly, thereby nullifying the reward of their charity through showing off and hurting the recipient's dignity.
The third: "One who produces ready sale by false swearing" refers to merchants who swear falsely to make their merchandise appear more desirable, thus deceiving buyers and violating multiple trusts through lying and exploiting Allah's name.
Legal Rulings & Implications
Wearing garments below the ankles is strictly prohibited for men when done out of pride, and disliked even without pride according to most scholars. The prohibition applies specifically to the izaar (lower garment) and qamees (shirt).
Reminding others of charity is forbidden as it destroys the spirit of sincere giving and humiliates the recipient. True charity should be given seeking only Allah's pleasure.
False oaths in business transactions constitute major sins that violate trust, deceive others, and misuse Allah's name. Such practices destroy the blessing in one's wealth and livelihood.
Spiritual Lessons
This hadith teaches the importance of purifying one's intentions in all actions - whether in dress, charity, or business. External actions must align with internal sincerity.
The repetition of the question emphasizes the gravity of these sins and serves as a warning to the Muslim community to avoid these destructive behaviors.
The comprehensive nature of the punishment - encompassing speech, sight, and purification - indicates the comprehensive nature of divine displeasure that these sins incur.