I heard Abu Shuraih al-Khuzill saying: My ears heard and my eyes saw and my mind retained it, when Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) spok this, and he then narrated the hadith and made mention of this:" It is not permissible for any one of you to stay with his brother until he makes him sinful."
The Book of Lost Property - Sahih Muslim 48 d
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions.
Textual Analysis
The noble hadith transmitted by Abu Shuraih al-Khuzā'ī (may Allah be pleased with him) states: "It is not permissible for any one of you to stay with his brother until he makes him sinful." The wording indicates a strong prohibition, using the expression "lā yaḥillu" (it is not permissible), which carries the force of religious prohibition in Islamic legal terminology.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawī (may Allah have mercy on him) explains in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that this hadith prohibits causing harm or inconvenience to one's Muslim brother through prolonged sitting or staying that leads to sin. The sin mentioned could be of various types: it could be the sin of the host feeling burdened while concealing it, or the guest overstaying his welcome, or the occurrence of backbiting, lying, or other prohibited speech during extended gatherings.
Ibn Ḥajar al-'Asqalānī (may Allah have mercy on him) adds that the prohibition applies when the stay leads to any form of sin, whether major or minor. The wise legislator seeks to protect the Muslim community from the causes of discord and to preserve the purity of brotherly relations.
Practical Application
The scholars derive from this hadith the importance of being mindful of others' rights and feelings. A Muslim should be sensitive to not burden others with his presence beyond what is comfortable and appropriate. This applies to visits, gatherings, and all forms of social interaction.
The hadith teaches us the principle of preventing the means to sin (sadd al-dharā'i'). Even if the initial sitting is permissible, if it leads to sinful consequences, it becomes prohibited. This reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic ethics that considers both actions and their potential outcomes.
Spiritual Dimensions
This prohibition serves to protect the heart from resentment and to preserve the bonds of brotherhood. When people overstay their welcome, it can lead to hidden annoyance that damages relationships. The Prophet (ﷺ) guided us to interactions that maintain love and respect among believers.
The hadith also teaches us to be conscious of how our actions affect others' spiritual state. A true believer avoids being the cause of sin for himself or his brother, striving always to be a source of benefit and goodness in all interactions.