Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert each other, and O, Allah's worshipers! Be brothers. Lo! It is not permissible for any Muslim to desert (not talk to) his brother (Muslim) for more than three days."
Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 6065
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert each other, and O, Allah's worshipers! Be brothers. Lo! It is not permissible for any Muslim to desert (not talk to) his brother (Muslim) for more than three days."
Commentary on Prohibitions
The Prophet (ﷺ) begins with three prohibitions: hatred, envy, and abandonment. Hatred corrupts the heart and prevents unity. Envy causes one to resent Allah's blessings upon others. Abandonment violates the brotherhood of faith. These are diseases of the heart that destroy communal harmony.
The Call to Brotherhood
"O, Allah's worshipers! Be brothers" emphasizes that Islamic brotherhood transcends tribal and racial ties. This brotherhood is based on faith in Allah and requires mutual love, mercy, and support. The believers are described in Quran as brothers (49:10), and this hadith gives practical implementation.
The Three-Day Limit
Scholars explain that avoiding a Muslim brother for more than three days is prohibited unless for legitimate religious reasons. This time limit prevents minor disputes from becoming permanent ruptures. The one who initiates reconciliation receives greater reward. Ibn Hajar notes that this applies to disputes without valid religious cause.
Practical Implementation
Imam Nawawi states that reconciliation is obligatory when Muslims disagree. The better person should initiate peace. This hadith teaches that maintaining relationships takes precedence over personal grievances. The three-day period allows for cooling off while preventing prolonged estrangement that weakens the Muslim community.