Asking Permission - Sahih al-Bukhari 6237

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "It is not lawful for a Muslim to desert (not to speak to) his brother Muslim for more than three days while meeting, one turns his face to one side and the other turns his face to the other side. Lo! The better of the two is the one who starts greeting the other."

Commentary on the Prohibition of Desertion

This noble hadith establishes a crucial Islamic principle regarding maintaining brotherhood and avoiding division within the Muslim community. The three-day limit demonstrates Islam's wisdom in allowing temporary emotional cooling periods while preventing permanent estrangement.

The turning of faces symbolizes the spiritual and social rupture that occurs when Muslims abandon communication. This physical manifestation reflects the internal state of hearts that have turned away from one another.

Virtue of Initiating Reconciliation

The Prophet's declaration that "the better of the two is the one who starts greeting" establishes a spiritual hierarchy where initiating reconciliation carries greater reward. This encourages Muslims to overcome pride and take the first step toward healing relationships.

Scholars explain that this initiative demonstrates stronger faith (iman) and greater fear of Allah, as it requires suppressing ego for the sake of maintaining Islamic brotherhood, which Allah has made sacred.

Legal and Social Implications

Islamic jurists derive from this hadith that desertion beyond three days without legitimate religious excuse is prohibited (haram). Legitimate excuses include situations where maintaining communication would lead to greater harm or facilitate sin.

The greeting mentioned refers to the Islamic salutation "Assalamu alaikum" (peace be upon you), which serves as both a spiritual blessing and practical means of restoring broken relations within the Muslim community.