Asking Permission - Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1068

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If a man looks into your house and you take some pebbles and gouge out his eye, there is no fault in you."

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad establishes the sanctity of private dwellings in Islamic law. The Prophet's severe wording emphasizes the gravity of violating someone's privacy by peeping into their home without permission.

The permission to physically harm the trespasser serves as a deterrent, demonstrating that protecting one's privacy and family honor takes precedence over the intruder's safety when they deliberately violate boundaries. This ruling applies specifically to intentional peeping, not accidental glances.

Scholars explain this is a figurative expression highlighting the seriousness of the offense, though actual physical retaliation would require proper legal process. The core principle is that Muslims must seek permission before entering private spaces, respecting the Islamic concept of hijab (privacy and modesty) in all aspects of life.