He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should do good to his neighbour and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to the guest and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should either speak good or better remain silent.
The Book of Faith - Sahih Muslim 48
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim contains profound guidance connecting true faith with practical social conduct. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) links belief in Allah and the Last Day with three essential social obligations.
Commentary on Neighborly Rights
The command to "do good to his neighbour" encompasses all forms of kindness, including financial assistance, physical help, kind words, and protecting their honor. Scholars explain that the neighbor's rights extend to forty houses in every direction.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani states: "The rights of the neighbor are so emphasized that some early Muslims thought they would inherit from their neighbors." This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic neighborly rights.
The Duty of Hospitality
Hospitality to guests is a characteristic of true faith, reflecting generosity and recognition that all provision comes from Allah. The guest has the right to be honored for three days, with anything beyond being charity.
Al-Nawawi comments: "This hospitality includes welcoming guests with a cheerful face, providing comfortable accommodation, and offering food according to one's capacity."
Guarding the Tongue
The instruction to "either speak good or better remain silent" protects against the numerous sins of the tongue. Good speech includes remembrance of Allah, beneficial knowledge, kind words, and truthfulness.
Imam Al-Ghazali explains: "Silence is safer than speech, for most sins originate from the tongue. When speech contains no benefit, silence becomes an act of worship." This teaching cultivates mindfulness in communication.
Spiritual Connection
These three injunctions demonstrate that Islamic faith is not merely theological but transforms into ethical action. Belief in Allah and the Hereafter naturally produces social consciousness and moral responsibility.
As Qadi Iyad observes: "The Prophet connected these social duties with fundamental beliefs to show that true faith must manifest in upright conduct toward Allah's creation."