19/1. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1498b — Four Witnesses Rule
Chapter
Four Witnesses Hadith: Restraint Before Action
Sahih Muslim : 1498b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1498b
وَحَدَّثَنِي زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنِي إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ عِيسَى، حَدَّثَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ سُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ سَعْدَ بْنَ عُبَادَةَ، قَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنْ وَجَدْتُ مَعَ امْرَأَتِي رَجُلاً أَأُمْهِلُهُ حَتَّى آتِيَ بِأَرْبَعَةِ شُهَدَاءَ قَالَ " نَعَمْ " .
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Sa'd b. Ubada (Allah be pleased with him) said: Messenger of Allah, if I were to find with my wife a man, should I wait until I bring four witnesses? He said: Yes.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1498bIn-book reference : Book 19, Hadith 20USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 9, Hadith 3570
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1498b
This Hadith reports that Sa'd b. 'Ubada asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) a direct question. If he found a man with his wife, should he wait until he brought four witnesses? The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, 'Yes.' The report is short, but its meaning is plain. Even in a situation filled with anger and jealousy, the answer given was to wait for four witnesses. The narration does not discuss all details of law, but it clearly places evidence before personal action. For people searching four witnesses hadith, adultery accusation hadith, or Sahih Muslim 1498b, this Hadith teaches restraint and respect for the process set by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) affirmed the need to wait for four witnesses.
- Jealousy does not replace evidence.
- A painful situation still requires restraint.
- The narration warns against acting before the required proof.
