Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying. Allah fixed the very portion of adultery which a man will indulge in. There would be no escape from it. The adultery of the eye is the lustful look and the adultery of the ears is listening to voluptuous (song or talk) and the adultery of the tongue is licentious speech and the adultery of the hand is the lustful grip (embrace) and the adultery of the feet is to walk (to the place) where he intends to commit adultery and the heart yearns and desires which he may or may not put into effect.
The Book of Destiny - Sahih Muslim 2658a
This profound hadith from Sahih Muslim addresses the divine decree (qadar) and the comprehensive nature of sin, particularly focusing on adultery (zinā) in its various forms. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) begins by establishing that Allah has foreknowledge of all human actions, including the very portion of adultery a person will commit. This affirms the Islamic doctrine of divine preordainment while preserving human responsibility.
The Five Faculties and Their Transgressions
The hadith enumerates five types of adultery beyond the physical act: 1) The adultery of the eyes (zinat al-ʿayn) - casting lustful glances; 2) The adultery of the ears (zinat al-udhun) - listening to tempting speech or songs; 3) The adultery of the tongue (zinat al-lisān) - engaging in lewd conversation; 4) The adultery of the hands (zinat al-yad) - inappropriate touching or embracing; 5) The adultery of the feet (zinat al-rijl) - walking toward places of sin.
The Heart's Role in Sin and Intentions
The final component mentioned is the heart's desires and yearnings. Scholars explain that the heart is the commander of all faculties - what the heart intends, the limbs execute. The Prophet distinguishes between desires that remain in the heart and those acted upon. While sinful thoughts are not recorded as complete sins unless pursued, they serve as warnings to seek Allah's protection and redirect one's intentions.
Scholarly Commentary on Divine Decree
Classical commentators emphasize that Allah's foreknowledge doesn't compel humans to sin. Rather, He knows what choices we will make with our free will. The "fixed portion" refers to Allah's eternal knowledge, not forced predestination. This teaching encourages vigilance over all body parts and intentions, recognizing that sin begins in the heart before manifesting through the limbs. The comprehensive nature of this teaching serves as a spiritual protection system, urging believers to guard all pathways to transgression.