The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "None of you should point out towards his Muslim brother with a weapon, for he does not know, Satan may tempt him to hit him and thus he would fall into a pit of fire (Hell)"
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "None of you should point out towards his Muslim brother with a weapon, for he does not know, Satan may tempt him to hit him and thus he would fall into a pit of fire (Hell)"
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 7072
Commentary on the Prohibition
This noble hadith establishes a profound prohibition against pointing weapons at fellow Muslims, even in jest. The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in the grave consequences that may follow from such an action, which the human being cannot foresee.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentions Satan's role in tempting one to actually discharge the weapon, transforming a seemingly harmless act into a major sin leading to Hellfire. This demonstrates how Shaytan exploits moments of carelessness to lead believers into destruction.
Scholarly Explanation
Islamic scholars explain that this prohibition applies regardless of one's intention, as the outward action itself carries inherent danger. The weapon's pointer assumes a responsibility he cannot guarantee - that his finger will not slip, that his emotions will not overcome him, or that Satan will not whisper to him at that moment.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this hadith emphasizes the sanctity of Muslim life and the importance of avoiding all paths that could lead to harming others. The phrase "pit of fire" vividly illustrates the severity of the consequence for taking a Muslim's life unjustly.
Practical Applications
This teaching extends beyond literal weapons to anything that can cause harm when pointed at others. Modern scholars include pointing laser pointers at eyes, aiming fireworks at people, or even mock-threatening with any dangerous object.
The hadith teaches Muslims to maintain constant awareness of their actions' potential consequences and to avoid placing themselves in situations where they might commit grave sins due to momentary lapses or external temptations.