Translation

On the authority of an-Nu’man ibn Basheer (ra), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, “That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor, but he who falls into doubtful matters [eventually] falls into that which is unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah’s sanctuary is His prohibitions. Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh, which, if it be whole, all the body is whole, and which, if it is diseased, all of [the body] is diseased. Truly, it is the heart.”

Explanation

This hadith establishes the principle of avoiding doubtful matters. Just as a shepherd who grazes near forbidden land may fall into it, one who engages with doubtful matters may fall into the haram.

Key Lessons

• 1Clear distinction between halal and haram exists
• 2Doubtful matters should be avoided
• 3The heart is the center of righteousness
• 4Protecting oneself leads to peace of mind

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