The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales; and do not look for the others' faults and do not spy, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert (cut your relation with) one another, and do not hate one another; and O Allah's worshipers! Be brothers (as Allah has ordered you!")
Hadith Commentary: Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6064 contains comprehensive guidance for perfecting one's character and maintaining harmonious social relations, which are fundamental aspects of Islamic teachings.
The Prohibition of Suspicion
The Prophet (ﷺ) begins by warning against suspicion (dhann), which scholars define as negative assumptions about others without clear evidence. This is described as "the worst of false tales" because suspicion often leads to false conclusions that damage relationships and communities.
Imam al-Nawawi explains that this refers specifically to negative suspicion about righteous Muslims, while taking necessary precautions in worldly matters remains permissible. The heart should be kept pure from baseless doubts about fellow believers.
Avoiding Fault-Finding and Spying
"Do not look for others' faults" (tajassasu) prohibits actively searching for people's hidden shortcomings. Scholars distinguish this from noticing apparent wrongs that require correction for the sake of enjoining good and forbidding evil.
"Do not spy" (tahassasu) refers to investigating people's private matters without legitimate cause. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this protects individual dignity and prevents unnecessary exposure of sins.
Overcoming Jealousy and Estrangement
The prohibition of jealousy (tanajush) refers to wishing for the removal of blessings from others. True believers should instead feel happiness for their brothers' blessings and seek similar goodness through lawful means.
"Do not desert one another" prohibits cutting relations for more than three days without legitimate religious cause. Scholars emphasize that maintaining family and community ties is among the greatest obligations in Islam.
The Call to Brotherhood
The concluding address "O Allah's worshipers! Be brothers!" establishes the foundation of Muslim society. This brotherhood transcends ethnic, social, and national boundaries, uniting believers through their shared faith and submission to Allah.
Al-Qurtubi explains that this comprehensive guidance removes the spiritual diseases that corrupt individual hearts and destroy social harmony, replacing them with love, mercy, and genuine concern for one another's wellbeing.