The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah has forbidden for you, (1) to be undutiful to your mothers, (2) to bury your daughters alive, (3) to not to pay the rights of the others (e.g. charity, etc.) and (4) to beg of men (begging). And Allah has hated for you (1) vain, useless talk, or that you talk too much about others, (2) to ask too many questions, (in disputed religious matters) and (3) to waste the wealth (by extravagance).
Hadith Commentary: Sahih al-Bukhari 2408
This profound narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) enumerates major prohibitions and detested actions in Islam, serving as a comprehensive guide for moral and financial conduct.
Divine Prohibitions (Harām)
Undutifulness to Mothers: The Prophet specifically mentions mothers, highlighting their supreme status in Islam. Scholars explain this includes disobedience, harsh speech, neglect of care, or any form of disrespect toward parents.
Burying Daughters Alive: This references the pre-Islamic Arabian practice of infanticide. Contemporary scholars extend this prohibition to all forms of abortion without legitimate Islamic justification, gender-based discrimination, and neglect of children's rights.
Withholding Others' Rights: This encompasses financial obligations like debts, wages, charity (zakāh), and fulfilling contracts. Islamic jurisprudence emphasizes that withholding due rights is among the gravest sins, potentially preventing entry to Paradise.
Begging: The prohibition applies to those who beg despite having sufficient means. Scholars permit begging in genuine necessity but emphasize earning lawful livelihood through work as superior.
Divinely Detested Actions (Makrūh)
Vain Talk and Gossip: This includes backbiting (ghībah), slander, false speech, and idle chatter that provides no benefit. Scholars classify gossip as spiritually destructive, damaging community harmony.
Excessive Questioning: Referring to probing into unnecessary religious complexities or disputed matters that may lead to confusion or division. Classical commentators advise focusing on essential religious knowledge rather than speculative issues.
Wealth Waste: Extravagance (isrāf) in spending, whether on lawful or unlawful matters. Islamic economics teaches moderation - neither miserliness nor extravagance. This includes wasteful consumption and negligent financial management.
Scholarly Insights
Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith combines family ethics, social justice, and financial responsibility - covering one's duties toward Allah, society, and oneself.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes the progression from gravest sins (harām) to disliked actions (makrūh), showing Islam's comprehensive moral framework that addresses both major transgressions and subtle spiritual diseases.