55/14. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 3002a — Warning Against Excessive Praise
The Prohibition Of Praising if It Involves Exaggeration And There Is The Fear That It May Be A Source Of Temptation (Fitnah) For The One Who Is Praised
Hadith About Excessive Praise and Flattery
Sahih Muslim : 3002a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 3002a
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، جَمِيعًا عَنِ ابْنِ مَهْدِيٍّ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لاِبْنِ الْمُثَنَّى قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ حَبِيبٍ، عَنْ مُجَاهِدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي مَعْمَرٍ، قَالَ قَامَ رَجُلٌ يُثْنِي عَلَى أَمِيرٍ مِنَ الأُمَرَاءِ فَجَعَلَ الْمِقْدَادُ يَحْثِي عَلَيْهِ التُّرَابَ وَقَالَ أَمَرَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنْ نَحْثِيَ فِي وُجُوهِ الْمَدَّاحِينَ التُّرَابَ .
Abu Ma'mar Narrated from:
A person lauded a ruler amongst the rulers and Miqdad began to throw dust upon him and he said: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) commanded us that we should throw dust upon the faces of those who shower too much praise.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 3002aIn-book reference : Book 55, Hadith 87USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 42, Hadith 7142
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 3002a
This hadith about excessive praise teaches a strong lesson about the danger of flattering people too much. The report says that a man praised a ruler, and Miqdad responded by throwing dust upon him. He explained that Allah's Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) commanded them to throw dust in the faces of those who shower too much praise. The main point is not about normal thanks or respectful words. The warning is about overpraise, flattery, and praise that goes beyond what is safe or balanced. In simple words, Islam teaches us to be careful with our tongue. Praise can affect the person being praised and can also show weakness in the one praising. Honest words are good, but empty flattery is not.
What we learn from this hadith
- Avoid showering people with too much praise, especially when it becomes flattery.
- Praise of rulers or powerful people should be kept honest and balanced.
- The Companions took the Prophet's command seriously, even in public situations.
- A Muslim should guard the tongue from words that may cause harm or temptation.
