Hadith Text

Some people asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), "Whose Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?" He replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands."

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari establishes the fundamental principle that the excellence of Islam is measured by one's conduct toward fellow Muslims. The Prophet (ﷺ) defined the best Muslim not through lengthy prayers or fasting alone, but through safeguarding others from harm.

The "tongue" represents verbal harm - backbiting, slander, insults, false accusations, and harsh speech. The "hands" signify physical harm - assault, theft, destruction of property, and any physical transgression against another's rights.

Imam al-Nawawi explains that this hadith demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic excellence, where outward conduct reflects inner faith. A true believer's faith manifests in protecting others from both verbal and physical injury.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the specification of "Muslims" indicates the special rights of the believing community upon one another, though the general principle of avoiding harm extends to all of humanity.

Practical Application

This teaching reminds us that Islamic perfection lies in social responsibility and ethical conduct. The believer must constantly guard their speech and actions, ensuring they bring benefit or at least cause no harm to others.

The hadith establishes a hierarchy of Islamic excellence where basic rights of others take precedence over supererogatory acts of worship. One cannot claim spiritual superiority while harming fellow believers.