Sunan an-Nasa'i 5711

Overview & Central Theme

This profound hadith, transmitted by Al-Hasan bin 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and recorded in Sunan an-Nasa'i under The Book of Drinks, encapsulates a foundational principle of Islamic jurisprudence and spiritual discernment: the imperative to prefer certainty over doubt. The Prophet ﷺ instructs the believer to abandon that which engenders uncertainty (rayb) in favor of that which is free from doubt (la rayba fihi), thereby establishing a universal ethical and legal maxim. This guidance transcends the immediate context of beverages and permeates all spheres of life—transactions, worship, interpersonal relations, and inner spiritual states. It teaches a proactive, cautious approach to faith, where the heart is trained to seek clarity and tranquility, avoiding the psychological and spiritual unrest caused by ambiguous matters. The hadith is a beacon of wisdom, urging the believer to cultivate taqwa (God-consciousness) by prioritizing the halal (lawful) and leaving the doubtful, as a means of safeguarding one's religion and worldly affairs.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith was narrated by Al-Hasan bin 'Ali, the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, who was known for his wisdom and eloquence. The context of the narration is significant: Al-Hasan was asked about what he memorized from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and he responded with this concise yet comprehensive advice. The Arabic phrase "da' ma yuribuka ila ma la yuribuka" employs the verb "yuribuka," derived from the root "r-y-b," which denotes doubt, suspicion, or uncertainty. This root is also used in the Qur'an (e.g., Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2, "La rayba fihi" – no doubt therein), emphasizing the contrast between certainty and doubt. The command "da'" (leave) is imperative, indicating an active, deliberate abandonment. The phrase "ila ma la yuribuka" (to that which does not make you doubt) underscores a positive redirection toward clarity. Scholars note that this hadith complements the famous narration in Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim: "Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt," and it aligns with the principle of wara' (scrupulousness) practiced by the early Muslims. Linguistically, the hadith is a masterpiece of brevity, encapsulating a complete moral philosophy in a few words.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• Jurisprudential Principle: This hadith establishes the legal maxim "al-yaqinu la yazulu bi al-shakk" (certainty is not removed by doubt). In Islamic law, when a person is uncertain about the validity of an act (e.g., whether water is pure or impure), they must base their ruling on the original state of certainty (istishab al-hal), not on the doubt. This principle is applied across all fiqh chapters, from purification to contracts.
• Ethical Principle of Wara': The hadith encourages the believer to adopt a heightened level of scrupulousness (wara') by avoiding not only the clearly forbidden but also the doubtful matters. This protects the individual from falling into the haram and cultivates a deep sense of Allah-consciousness. Imam Al-Ghazali in Ihya' Ulum al-Din discusses this as a station of the righteous, where the heart becomes sensitive to even the slightest ambiguity.
• Consensus of Scholars: The majority of classical scholars (jumhur) agree that this hadith is authentic (sahih) and serves as a foundational text for the concept of "sadd al-dhara'i" (blocking the means to evil). It is also cited in the context of the Prophet's statement in Sahih Muslim: "The halal is clear and the haram is clear, and between them are doubtful matters..." This hadith complements that narration by providing a practical directive for the believer.

"This hadith is one of the great principles of the religion, for it commands one to prefer certainty and to abandon doubt. It is a comprehensive guide for the believer in all his affairs, both worldly and religious." — Imam An-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim.

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

In contemporary life, this hadith serves as a spiritual compass amidst the noise of ambiguity and moral relativism. For the Muslim, it means: in matters of halal food and drink, choose the clearly permissible over the questionable; in financial transactions, avoid contracts or dealings that involve uncertainty (gharar) or interest (riba); in speech, abstain from gossip and slander when in doubt about its truthfulness; in worship, ensure that one's actions are based on authentic knowledge rather than conjecture. On a deeper level, the hadith calls for inner clarity—when the heart feels uneasy about a decision, it is a sign from Allah to pause and seek the path of certainty. This requires sincerity (ikhlas) and a conscious effort to align one's intentions with the divine will. Practically, one can implement this by: (1) seeking knowledge before acting, (2) consulting scholars and people of wisdom when uncertain, (3) developing a habit of istikhara (prayer for guidance) in ambiguous situations, and (4) cultivating a heart that finds peace in obedience and restlessness in disobedience. By adhering to this prophetic counsel, the believer attains tranquility of the soul, protection from sin, and a life marked by integrity and excellence (ihsan).