Never did Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) make a choice between two things but adopting the easier one as compared to the difficult one, but his choice for the easier one was only in case it did not involve any sin, but if it involved sin he was the one who was the farthest from it amongst the people.
The Book of Virtues - Sahih Muslim 2327 d
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim reveals the blessed character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in matters of choice and preference. The text demonstrates that when presented with two permissible options, the Messenger of Allah consistently chose the path of ease and facility over hardship and difficulty.
The Arabic phrasing "lam yakhtur" indicates this was a consistent practice, not an occasional occurrence. The Prophet's methodology reflects the fundamental Islamic principle of removing hardship from the Ummah, as Allah says in the Qur'an: "He has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty" (Surah al-Hajj, 78).
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, explains that this hadith establishes the principle of choosing ease in worldly matters and acts of worship that are optional. However, this applies only when both options are lawful and virtuous.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the Prophet's avoidance of sin was absolute - he was the farthest from it among all people. This demonstrates the perfect balance in the Prophet's character: ease in permissible matters, but strict adherence to righteousness when sin was involved.
The scholars derive from this that Muslims should adopt facilitation in their dealings and worship, following the Sunnah of choosing the easier path when no religious prohibition is involved. This reflects the mercy and practicality of Islamic teachings.
Practical Application
This teaching guides Muslims to avoid unnecessary hardship and complexity in their religious and worldly affairs. It encourages a balanced approach to life, avoiding both extreme austerity and unlawful indulgence.
The hadith also teaches us to distinguish between matters of personal preference and matters of religious obligation. In permissible choices, ease is recommended; in matters of sin, absolute avoidance is required.
May Allah grant us the ability to follow the Sunnah of His Messenger in choosing ease where permissible and avoiding sin where prohibited. And Allah knows best.