Muhammad bin Ja’far narrated to us, Shu’bah narrated to us, on authority of Mansūr, on authority of Rab’iy ibn Hirāsh, that he heard Alī, may Allah be pleased with him, giving a Khutbah and he said that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah upon him, said: ‘Do not lie upon me; indeed whoever lies upon me will enter the Fire’.
Introduction - Sahih Muslim 1
This narration from Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) contains one of the most fundamental principles in Islamic scholarship. The Prophet's warning "Do not lie upon me" establishes the rigorous methodology required in transmitting hadith.
Textual Analysis
The phrase "lying upon me" refers to attributing false statements to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This includes both intentional fabrication and negligent transmission without verification.
The severe consequence "will enter the Fire" demonstrates the gravity of this sin in Islamic law, as it corrupts religious knowledge and misguides the community.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that this hadith formed the basis for the science of hadith criticism (Mustalah al-Hadith). It compelled Muslim scholars to develop rigorous chains of transmission (isnad) and biographical evaluation (al-jarh wa al-ta'dil).
Imam al-Nawawi comments that this prohibition applies to all forms of religious innovation falsely attributed to the Prophet, emphasizing that truthfulness in narration is a collective responsibility of the ummah.
Practical Implications
This teaching requires Muslims to verify any claimed Prophetic saying before accepting or transmitting it. Scholars established that only authenticated narrations from reliable sources may be cited as evidence in Islamic law.
The warning serves as protection for the purity of Islamic teachings, ensuring that the Sunnah remains preserved from alteration and fabrication throughout generations.