What are you doing? They said: We are grafting them, whereupon he said: It may perhaps be good for you if you do not do that, so they abandoned this practice (and the date-palms) began to yield less fruit. They made a mention of it (to the Holy Prophet), whereupon he said: I am a human being, so when I command you about a thing pertaining to religion, do accept it, and when I command you about a thing out of my personal opinion, keep it in mind that I am a human being. 'Ikrima reported that he said something like this.
The Book of Virtues
Sahih Muslim 2362 - Commentary by Imam An-Nawawi
Contextual Analysis
This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's humility and distinction between divine revelation and personal judgment. The incident occurred when the Prophet observed date palm pollination in Medina and suggested an alternative approach based on his agricultural observation.
Scholarly Interpretation
The Prophet's statement "I am a human being" establishes a crucial principle in Islamic jurisprudence. Matters pertaining to religion (deen) are binding as they come through revelation, while worldly matters allow for human reasoning and experience.
Scholars note this hadith provides evidence that the Prophet's infallibility ('ismah) applies specifically to religious matters, not necessarily to worldly expertise where he functioned as other humans do.
Legal Implications
This narration forms the basis for distinguishing between the Prophet's roles as Messenger and as a community leader. In matters of worship, creed, and religious law, his commands are obligatory. In technical, medical, agricultural, or strategic matters, his opinions may be followed or reconsidered based on evidence.
Spiritual Lessons
The Prophet's transparency in clarifying the nature of his instruction teaches humility and honesty in leadership. It prevents blind following in non-religious matters while maintaining absolute authority in religious guidance.