A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) asking how the Prophet (ﷺ) worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from the Prophet (ﷺ) as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers).
Commentary on Hadith: The Danger of Religious Extremism
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5063 serves as a profound warning against religious extremism and innovation. The three companions, despite their good intentions, fell into the error of creating supererogatory acts that contradict the balanced nature of Islamic law.
Their statements - perpetual night prayer, continuous fasting without break, and complete celibacy - represent deviations from the prophetic practice. Islam encourages moderation in worship, as excessive practices often lead to burnout and abandonment of religious duties altogether.
The Prophetic Methodology: Balance and Moderation
The Prophet's response establishes the golden mean in worship. His statement "I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you" demonstrates that true piety lies not in extreme practices but in consistent, balanced worship that aligns with divine guidance.
The Prophet's clarification that he fasts but breaks his fast, sleeps but prays at night, and marries women establishes the comprehensive nature of Islamic worship that encompasses all aspects of human life without neglecting legitimate human needs.
The Serious Consequences of Deviation
The severe declaration "he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me" underscores the critical importance of adhering to the prophetic way. This statement serves as a protection for the Muslim community against extremism and innovation.
Scholars explain that this warning applies to those who deliberately abandon the prophetic practice, considering it insufficient, not to those who strive to follow it but occasionally fall short due to human weakness.
Legal Rulings Derived from this Hadith
This hadith establishes the prohibition of monasticism in Islam and confirms the legitimacy and virtue of marriage. It also invalidates the practice of continuous fasting without breaks during Ramadan nights.
The narration demonstrates that the best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and that any worship not sanctioned by Islamic law, even if performed with good intention, is rejected.