Gatherings - Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1144

A man came to 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr when there were some people sitting with him. He stepped over them in order to reach him. They stopped him and 'Abdullah said, 'Leave the man.' He approached until he sat with him and then said, 'Tell me something which you heard from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.' 'Abdullah said, 'I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, "A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe. An emigrant (muhajir) is someone who abandons what Allah has forbidden."'"

Commentary on the Narration

This profound hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad contains two essential definitions that form the foundation of Islamic conduct. The first part defines a true Muslim as one whose tongue and hands cause no harm to fellow Muslims. This encompasses both verbal and physical safety, emphasizing that faith manifests through protecting others from one's speech and actions.

The second part redefines hijrah (emigration) not merely as physical relocation, but as the spiritual journey of abandoning what Allah has prohibited. This elevates the concept from geographical movement to internal transformation, where the true muhajir is one who migrates from disobedience to obedience.

Scholarly Insights

The companions' initial reaction to the man stepping over others reflects proper adab (etiquette) in gatherings. However, 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr's leniency demonstrates the priority of seeking knowledge and the importance of making religious instruction accessible.

This narration teaches that the essence of Islam lies in practical conduct toward others and personal purification from sins. The comprehensive nature of these definitions makes them accessible to all Muslims regardless of their circumstances, emphasizing that true Islamic identity is measured by one's impact on others and one's distance from prohibited matters.