39/4. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2165a — Allah Loves Kindness in Every Matter
The Prohibition Of Initiating The Greeting With The People Of The Book, And How To Respond To Them
Allah Loves Kindness: Hadith on Replying With Calm Words
Sahih Muslim : 2165a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2165a
وَحَدَّثَنِي عَمْرٌو النَّاقِدُ، وَزُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لِزُهَيْرٍ - قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، بْنُ عُيَيْنَةَ عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتِ اسْتَأْذَنَ رَهْطٌ مِنَ الْيَهُودِ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالُوا السَّامُ عَلَيْكُمْ . فَقَالَتْ عَائِشَةُ بَلْ عَلَيْكُمُ السَّامُ وَاللَّعْنَةُ . فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " يَا عَائِشَةُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الرِّفْقَ فِي الأَمْرِ كُلِّهِ " . قَالَتْ أَلَمْ تَسْمَعْ مَا قَالُوا قَالَ " قَدْ قُلْتُ وَعَلَيْكُمْ " .
A'isha Narrated from:
A group of Jews came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and sought his audience and said: As-Sam-u-'Alaikum. A'isha said in response: As-Sam-u-'Alaikum (death be upon you) and curse also, whereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: 'A'isha, verily Allah loves kindness in every matter. She said: Did you bear what they said? Thereupon he said: Did you not hear that I said (to them): Wa 'Alaikum.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2165aIn-book reference : Book 39, Hadith 11USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 26, Hadith 5384
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2165a
This Hadith shows a moment where a group of Jews came to the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and said as-Sam-u-Alaikum. A'isha responded strongly, but the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) corrected her and said that Allah loves kindness in every matter. When she asked whether he had heard what they said, he answered that he had already replied: Wa Alaikum. The main lesson is clear from the text. Even when offensive words are heard, the response should not become harsh beyond what is needed. This Hadith about Allah loves kindness teaches calm speech, controlled reply, and not letting anger shape the tongue.
What we learn from this hadith
- Allah loves kindness in every matter, as stated in the Hadith.
- A harmful greeting was answered with a short reply.
- Anger should not lead to harsh words beyond what is needed.
