The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence, and tell others the stories of Bani Israel (which have been taught to you), for it is not sinful to do so. And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire."
Hadith Text and Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence, and tell others the stories of Bani Israel (which have been taught to you), for it is not sinful to do so. And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire."
Book: Prophets
Author: Sahih al-Bukhari
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 3461
Commentary on the Command to Convey Knowledge
This noble hadith contains two fundamental commands and one severe warning. The first command emphasizes the obligation of conveying Islamic knowledge, even if it consists of just one sentence. This demonstrates that every Muslim capable of teaching must do so according to their ability, and no one should consider any portion of sacred knowledge too small to share.
The Prophet (ﷺ) specifically mentioned "a single sentence" to emphasize that the quantity of knowledge transmitted is not what matters most, but rather the act of conveying beneficial knowledge itself. This encourages even those with limited knowledge to participate in the preservation and dissemination of Islamic teachings.
The Permission Regarding Stories of Bani Israel
The second command permits narrating stories from the previous nations, particularly Bani Israel (the Children of Israel), provided these narrations do not contradict Islamic principles. Scholars explain that this permission applies specifically to accounts that have reached us through reliable chains of transmission and contain beneficial lessons.
Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) stated that these narrations serve as warnings, lessons, and examples of both righteous and evil conduct. However, scholars caution that one must verify such stories do not contain elements contrary to Islamic creed or law before relating them.
The Grave Warning Against Fabrication
The concluding portion contains one of the most severe warnings in the prophetic tradition. The phrase "whoever tells a lie on me intentionally" refers to attributing false statements, actions, or approvals to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This constitutes a major sin that threatens one's faith.
Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explained that this warning applies to anyone who deliberately fabricates hadith, whether for personal gain, to promote innovation, or for any other reason. The certainty of the punishment ("will surely take his place in the Fire") underscores the sanctity of prophetic tradition and the grave responsibility of those who transmit religious knowledge.
Practical Implications for Muslims
This hadith establishes the principle that conveying authentic Islamic knowledge is a collective responsibility (fard kifayah) upon the Muslim community. It encourages learning and teaching while simultaneously warning against the grave sin of fabrication.
Scholars derive from this that Muslims should: 1) Seek authentic knowledge from reliable sources, 2) Share beneficial knowledge according to their capacity, 3) Exercise caution in transmitting narrations, and 4) Maintain the highest standards of honesty in religious matters. The balance between encouraging transmission and prohibiting fabrication ensures the preservation of Islam's authentic teachings.