The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If anyone resorts to a diviner and believes in what he says (according) to the version of Musa), or has intercourse with his wife (according to the agreed version) when she is menstruating, or has intercourse with his wife through her anus, he has nothing to do with what has been sent down to Muhammad (ﷺ) - according to the version of Musaddad.
Hadith Text Analysis
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 3904 contains profound warnings against three major sins that sever one's connection with the guidance revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Scholarly Commentary on Divination
Consulting diviners (kahin) constitutes shirk (polytheism) as it attributes knowledge of the unseen to other than Allah. The scholars explain that merely consulting a diviner is forbidden, but believing their claims constitutes greater disbelief.
Ibn al-Qayyim states: "Whoever goes to a diviner and asks him has his prayer rejected for forty days." This demonstrates the gravity of seeking knowledge from unlawful sources.
Menstrual Intercourse Prohibition
The prohibition of intercourse during menstruation is established in Quran (2:222). Scholars emphasize this prohibition protects women's health and maintains purity in marital relations.
Al-Nawawi comments: "This prohibition is based on the harm it causes to both spouses and the violation of the sanctity of marital relations as prescribed by Islamic law."
Anal Intercourse Condemnation
This practice is strictly forbidden in Islam, as it violates the natural purpose of marital relations and resembles the behavior of the people of Lut (Lot).
Ibn Kathir explains: "This act is among the major sins and constitutes disobedience to Allah and His Messenger, requiring sincere repentance."
Spiritual Consequences
The phrase "has nothing to do with what has been sent down to Muhammad" indicates that these sins distance one from the guidance of Islam.
Al-Qurtubi states: "This severe wording demonstrates that such actions contradict the very essence of Islamic teachings and require immediate repentance and return to Allah's commandments."