Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ordered us to do seven things and forbade us from seven. He ordered us to visit the sick, to follow funeral processions, (to say) to a sneezer, (May Allah bestow His Mercy on you, if he says, Praise be to Allah), to accept invitations, to greet (everybody), to help the oppressed and to help others to fulfill their oaths. He forbade us to wear gold rings, to drink in silver (utensils), to use Mayathir (silken carpets placed on saddles), to wear Al-Qissi (a kind of silken cloth), to wear silk, Dibaj or Istabraq (two kinds of silk).
Hadith Commentary: The Seven Commands & Prohibitions
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5635 contains profound guidance encompassing both affirmative duties and preventive prohibitions, establishing a comprehensive framework for Muslim conduct.
The Seven Commands: Social Responsibilities
Visiting the sick demonstrates compassion and strengthens communal bonds, reminding us of mortality and divine mercy.
Following funeral processions honors the deceased and serves as contemplation on the afterlife's reality.
Responding to sneezers with "Yarhamukallah" acknowledges Allah's blessing in the sneeze's relief.
Accepting invitations fosters brotherhood and maintains social harmony within the community.
Greeting others with "Assalamu Alaikum" spreads peace and reinforces Islamic identity.
Helping the oppressed fulfills the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil.
Assisting in oath fulfillment prevents broken promises and maintains trustworthiness.
The Seven Prohibitions: Spiritual Refinement
Gold rings for men are forbidden due to their association with feminine adornment and potential arrogance.
Silver utensils for drinking represent extravagance and imitation of arrogant rulers, contrary to prophetic simplicity.
Mayathir (silken saddle covers) and other silk items for men cultivate softness incompatible with masculine dignity and jihad spirit.
Al-Qissi, Dibaj, and Istabraq (varieties of silk) are prohibited for men to prevent vanity and maintain distinction from non-Muslim practices.
Wisdom Behind the Legislation
These commandments balance individual piety with social responsibility, creating a cohesive community based on mutual care and spiritual purity.
The prohibitions safeguard against materialism and pride while preserving gender distinctions essential for Islamic social order.