Hadith Text and Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who slaps the cheeks, tears the clothes and follows the traditions of the Days of Ignorance is not from us." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1298)

This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari's "Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)" chapter addresses prohibited mourning practices that contradict Islamic teachings.

Prohibited Actions Explained

Slapping the cheeks: This refers to excessive physical displays of grief that harm oneself, demonstrating lack of patience and submission to Divine decree.

Tearing the clothes: Destroying one's garments in grief imitates pre-Islamic customs and shows rebellion against Allah's judgment.

Following traditions of Ignorance: Any practice resembling Jahiliyyah customs in mourning, including wailing, shaving heads, or invoking misfortune.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi explains that "is not from us" means such a person does not follow our way in this matter, though they remain Muslim. The prohibition emphasizes maintaining dignity in grief.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this hadith teaches Muslims to distinguish themselves from pre-Islamic practices, affirming sabr (patience) as the proper response to calamity.

Permissible Mourning

Islam permits natural grief with tears and sadness, but forbids excessive lamentation. The Prophet (ﷺ) wept when his son Ibrahim died, demonstrating balanced emotional expression.

Proper Islamic mourning includes seeking reward through patience, making du'a for the deceased, and accepting Allah's decree with the phrase "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un."