Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and follows the ways and traditions of the Days of Ignorance is not one of us."

Source Reference

Book: Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

Author: Sahih al-Bukhari

Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 1294

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith prohibits excessive displays of grief that were characteristic of the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah). Slapping cheeks and tearing clothes represent extreme emotional outbursts that contradict Islamic teachings of patience (sabr) and submission to divine decree.

The phrase "is not one of us" indicates severe disapproval and distance from such behavior, though scholars interpret this as meaning the person is not following our complete way, not necessarily complete exclusion from the Muslim community.

Islamic tradition permits moderate mourning and natural grief, but forbids the dramatic, destructive expressions common in pre-Islamic Arabia. This teaching emphasizes maintaining dignity and faith during trials.

Legal Rulings

The majority of scholars consider slapping cheeks and tearing clothes to be prohibited (haram) acts based on this hadith.

Some scholars make exceptions for initial shock upon hearing news of death, but prohibit continued practice.

This prohibition extends to other similar excessive mourning practices like shaving heads, loud wailing, and professional mourners.

Spiritual Wisdom

This teaching cultivates patient acceptance of Allah's decree and strengthens faith in divine wisdom.

It distinguishes Islamic civilization from pre-Islamic ignorance, emphasizing rational conduct over emotional excess.

The prohibition preserves human dignity and prevents harmful practices that contradict Islamic values of moderation.