78/100. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 6179 — Choose Better Words
One should not say 'Khabuthat nafsi'
Hadith About Choosing Better Words for Yourself
Sahih Bukhari : 6179
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 6179
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ هِشَامٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " لاَ يَقُولَنَّ أَحَدُكُمْ خَبُثَتْ نَفْسِي. وَلَكِنْ لِيَقُلْ لَقِسَتْ نَفْسِي ".
A'isha Narrated from:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "None of you should say Khabuthat Nafsi, but he is recommended to say 'Laqisat Nafsi."
[1] Both expressions give the same meaning, but the first one ( Khabuthat nafsi ) has other meanings as well, e.g., I have become wicked. ' Laqisat nafsi ' means only 'I have been overcome by nausea because of a full stomach.' This is why the Prophet ﷺ recommended the last expression which has no unpleasant connotations.Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 6179In-book reference : Book 78, Hadith 203USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 8, Book 73, Hadith 198
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 6179
This hadith is often searched as Khabuthat Nafsi hadith, Laqisat Nafsi meaning, and hadith about careful speech. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said that none of you should say “Khabuthat Nafsi,” but should say “Laqisat Nafsi.” The hadith is short, yet it teaches a strong lesson about words. Even when speaking about one’s own state, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) guided people away from a harsher expression and toward a better one. The text does not give a long ruling or background, so the explanation should stay simple: a believer should choose cleaner and more suitable words. Speech matters, even in small phrases. This hadith helps Muslims think before speaking, especially when describing themselves.
What we learn from this hadith
- A Muslim should be careful even with words used about oneself.
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) guided people to use a better phrase.
- Small expressions can carry meaning, so they deserve care.
- Good manners include the way a person speaks.
