67/46. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 5144 — Guard Hearts and Respect Engagement
None should ask for the hand of a lady who is already engaged to his brother (Muslim)
Hadith About Avoiding Suspicion and Honoring a Brother’s Proposal
Sahih Bukhari : 5144
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 5144
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ بُكَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ رَبِيعَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، قَالَ قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ يَأْثُرُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " إِيَّاكُمْ وَالظَّنَّ، فَإِنَّ الظَّنَّ أَكْذَبُ الْحَدِيثِ، وَلاَ تَجَسَّسُوا، وَلاَ تَحَسَّسُوا، وَلاَ تَبَاغَضُوا، وَكُونُوا إِخْوَانًا ". وَلَا يَخْطُبُ الرَّجُلُ عَلَى خِطْبَةِ أَخِيهِ حَتَّى يَنْكِحَ أَوْ يَتْرُكَ
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Beware of suspicion (about others), as suspicion is the falsest talk, and do not spy upon each other, and do not listen to the evil talk of the people about others' affairs, and do not have enmity with one another, but be brothers. And none should ask for the hand of a girl who is already engaged to his (Muslim) brother, but one should wait till the first suitor marries her or leaves her."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5143, 5144In-book reference : Book 67, Hadith 79USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 62, Hadith 74
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 5144
This Hadith is a strong reminder about how Muslims should treat one another. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم warned against suspicion and called it the falsest talk. He also told people not to spy, not to search out hidden matters, not to hold hatred, and to live as brothers. The final part applies this spirit to marriage. A person should not propose to a woman already engaged to his Muslim brother. He should wait until the first suitor either marries her or leaves the proposal. This hadith about suspicion, spying, and proposal manners teaches that faith is not only prayer; it also shows in how we respect others.
What we learn from this hadith
- Suspicion should not become the basis of speech or action.
- Spying and listening for others’ private matters are harmful manners.
- Brotherhood requires avoiding hatred and rivalry.
- A person should wait when another Muslim’s proposal is still active.
