I have not seen a thing resembling 'lamam' (minor sins) than what Abu Huraira 'narrated from the Prophet who said "Allah has written for Adam's son his share of adultery which he commits inevitably. The adultery of the eyes is the sight (to gaze at a forbidden thing), the adultery of the tongue is the talk, and the inner self wishes and desires and the private parts testify all this or deny it."
Hadith Commentary: The Nature of Minor Sins (Lamam)
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (6243) through the esteemed companion Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) requires careful scholarly understanding. The term "lamam" refers to minor sins that do not constitute major immorality (fawahish).
The Decree and Human Responsibility
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) states "Allah has written for Adam's son his share," this refers to Allah's divine knowledge (ilm) of what each person will choose, not compulsion (jabr). The divine decree encompasses Allah's foreknowledge of human actions while preserving human free will and accountability.
The Categories of Spiritual Adultery
Adultery of the Eyes: The deliberate gazing at forbidden things, which plants seeds of corruption in the heart. Scholars like Imam Nawawi explain this includes looking at non-mahram women with desire or viewing obscene images.
Adultery of the Tongue: This encompasses foul speech, lying, backbiting, and engaging in conversations that lead to or describe immoral acts. Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this includes any speech that transgresses Islamic boundaries.
Adultery of the Inner Self: The heart's desires and intentions that incline toward sin. Scholars distinguish between involuntary thoughts (which are forgiven) and dwelling upon and nurturing evil desires.
The Final Testimony
"The private parts testify all this or deny it" means the actual commission of physical adultery either confirms what the eyes, tongue, and heart have already committed spiritually, or the person's restraint causes these organs to testify to their purity on Judgment Day, as explained by classical commentators including Al-Qurtubi.
Spiritual Lessons
This hadith teaches Muslims to guard all avenues to sin, not merely the physical act. True piety involves controlling one's gaze, speech, and thoughts. The categorization shows the progressive nature of sin - beginning with the eyes, then tongue, then heart, before manifesting in action. This understanding allows believers to intercept sin at its earliest stages.