The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "An adulterer, at the time he is committing illegal sexual intercourse is not a believer; and a person, at the time of drinking an alcoholic drink is not a believer; and a thief, at the time of stealing, is not a believer." Ibn Shihab said: `Abdul Malik bin Abi Bakr bin `Abdur-Rahman bin Al- Harith bin Hisham told me that Abu Bakr used to narrate that narration to him on the authority of Abu Huraira. He used to add that Abu Bakr used to mention, besides the above cases, "And he who robs (takes illegally something by force) while the people are looking at him, is not a believer at the time he is robbing (taking).
Hadith Commentary: The Temporary Suspension of Faith During Major Sins
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (5578) addresses the relationship between major sins and the state of faith (iman). The Prophet (ﷺ) specifies three grave offenses: adultery, drinking alcohol, and theft - stating that during the actual commission of these acts, the perpetrator is "not a believer."
Scholarly Interpretation of "Not a Believer"
Classical scholars explain this does not mean the person exits Islam entirely, but rather that the perfection of their faith is suspended during the sinful act. As Imam An-Nawawi states: "It means the complete faith that necessitates salvation, not the foundational faith that prevents eternal damnation."
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani clarifies in Fath al-Bari that this indicates the deficiency of faith during sin, not its complete negation. The believer's faith is diminished but not eradicated.
The Additional Narration About Robbery
The supplementary report through Abu Bakr adds public robbery to these grave sins. This emphasizes the particular severity of committing crimes openly, which demonstrates brazen disregard for divine law and public morality.
Practical Implications and Spiritual Lessons
This hadith serves as a powerful deterrent, reminding Muslims that faith is not merely a label but a state that can be compromised by actions. It teaches that true faith must manifest in obedience to Allah's commands and avoidance of His prohibitions.
The temporary nature of this suspension also contains the mercy of Allah - once the sinful act ceases, the believer can repent and restore their spiritual state through sincere tawbah (repentance).