44/48. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2526a — People Are Like Mines
The Best Of People
People Are Like Mines Hadith and Double-Faced Character
Sahih Muslim : 2526a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2526a
حَدَّثَنِي حَرْمَلَةُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي يُونُسُ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، حَدَّثَنِي سَعِيدُ بْنُ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " تَجِدُونَ النَّاسَ مَعَادِنَ فَخِيَارُهُمْ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ خِيَارُهُمْ فِي الإِسْلاَمِ إِذَا فَقُهُوا وَتَجِدُونَ مِنْ خَيْرِ النَّاسِ فِي هَذَا الأَمْرِ أَكْرَهُهُمْ لَهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَقَعَ فِيهِ وَتَجِدُونَ مِنْ شِرَارِ النَّاسِ ذَا الْوَجْهَيْنِ الَّذِي يَأْتِي هَؤُلاَءِ بِوَجْهٍ وَهَؤُلاَءِ بِوَجْهٍ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: You would find people like those of mine, the good amongst you in the Days of Ignorance would be good amongst you in the days of Islam, provided they have an understanding of it and you will find good amongst people the persons who would be averse to position of authority until it is thrust upon them, and you will find the worst amongst persons one who has double face. He comes with one face to them and with the other face to the others.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2526aIn-book reference : Book 44, Hadith 283USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 31, Hadith 6135
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2526a
This famous hadith, "people are like mines," speaks about character, understanding, leadership, and honesty. Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said that the good among people in the Days of Ignorance would be good among them in Islam if they gained understanding. He also said that among the best people in the matter of authority are those who dislike it before it comes to them. Then he warned that among the worst people is the double-faced person, who comes to one group with one face and another group with another face. The hadith is practical because it links natural qualities with religious understanding. It also warns against shifting speech and loyalty to please different sides.
What we learn from this hadith
- Good qualities become stronger when joined with understanding of Islam.
- The hadith praises reluctance toward authority before it is placed on a person.
- The double-faced person is strongly warned against in this narration.
