Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon one another and do not feel envy with the other, and nurse no malice, and nurse no aversion and hostility against one another. And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah.
Hadith Text & Reference
"Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon one another and do not feel envy with the other, and nurse no malice, and nurse no aversion and hostility against one another. And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah."
Source: The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship, Sahih Muslim 2563 a
Prohibition of Suspicion (Ḍann)
The command to "avoid suspicion" refers to negative assumptions about fellow Muslims without clear evidence. Scholars explain this as the gravest form of lying in speech because it involves constructing false narratives in one's heart about others, which then manifests in words and actions. This prohibition protects both individual spirituality and community harmony.
Forbidden Inquisitiveness (Tajassus)
The prohibition against being "inquisitive about one another" forbids probing into others' private matters and seeking out their hidden faults. Classical commentators emphasize that this violates the Islamic principle of preserving dignity and privacy. A Muslim should rather concern themselves with self-reformation than investigating others' conditions.
Prohibition of Spying (Tahassus)
"Do not spy upon one another" extends the previous prohibition to actively seeking information through surveillance or eavesdropping. Scholars clarify that this includes both physical spying and investigating others' digital communications. The only exception recognized is when there is legitimate concern about clear wrongdoing that affects public welfare.
Elimination of Envy (Ḥasad)
The command to "not feel envy" addresses the destructive nature of wishing for the removal of blessings from others. Traditional scholars explain that envy corrodes faith and severs brotherhood. The proper Muslim response to others' blessings is to feel happiness for them and make supplication for similar blessings.
Purification of Heart from Malice
"Nurse no malice" refers to harboring ill-will and resentment in the heart. Commentators emphasize that maintaining malice prevents spiritual growth and damages social relations. The Islamic teaching requires Muslims to purify their hearts through forgiveness and seeking reconciliation.
Prohibition of Hostility & Aversion
The instruction to "nurse no aversion and hostility" completes the purification of interpersonal relations. Scholars explain that turning away from fellow Muslims without legitimate religious cause violates the brotherhood of faith. The final command to "be fellow-brothers" establishes the positive alternative to all these prohibitions.
The Ultimate Purpose: Brotherhood in Allah
The concluding instruction to "be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah" provides the comprehensive solution. Classical commentators stress that recognizing our shared servitude to Allah naturally leads to treating one another with compassion, mercy, and respect. This brotherhood transcends worldly considerations and creates the foundation for a harmonious Muslim community.