Hadith Text and Transmission

Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, "When a fly alights in anyone's vessel he should plunge it all in and then throw it away, for in one of its wings there is a cure and in the other disease." Bukhari transmitted it.

Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 4115 | Book: Game and Animals Which May Be Slaughtered

Lexical Analysis

The term "vessel" (in'ā') refers to any container for food or drink. "Plunge it all" (fal-yaghmis-hu kullahu) means to completely immerse the fly in the liquid. The dual form "wings" (janāḥayn) indicates two distinct wings with opposing properties.

Medical Wisdom and Divine Design

This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's knowledge of unseen realities. Modern science confirms that flies carry both pathogens and antibacterial substances. The immersion allows the curative wing to neutralize the harmful one, illustrating Allah's perfect balance in creation where He places antidotes alongside poisons.

Juridical Ruling

Scholars consider this a recommended practice (mustahabb) rather than obligatory. The liquid remains pure and permissible after this action. This ruling applies specifically to flies, not other insects, due to the particular divine wisdom mentioned in the text.

Spiritual Lessons

This teaching encourages trust in prophetic guidance even when its wisdom isn't immediately apparent. It teaches Muslims to seek blessings in apparent hardships and demonstrates that Allah's mercy encompasses even the smallest creatures, providing built-in protections within His creation.