55/14. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 3002b — Do Not Overpraise People
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
Do Not Overpraise People in Islam
Sahih Muslim : 3002b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 3002b
وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لاِبْنِ الْمُثَنَّى - قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ هَمَّامِ بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، أَنَّ رَجُلاً، جَعَلَ يَمْدَحُ عُثْمَانَ فَعَمِدَ الْمِقْدَادُ فَجَثَا عَلَى رُكْبَتَيْهِ - وَكَانَ رَجُلاً ضَخْمًا - فَجَعَلَ يَحْثُو فِي وَجْهِهِ الْحَصْبَاءَ فَقَالَ لَهُ عُثْمَانُ مَا شَأْنُكَ فَقَالَ إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " إِذَا رَأَيْتُمُ الْمَدَّاحِينَ فَاحْثُوا فِي وُجُوهِهِمُ التُّرَابَ " .
Hammam b. al-Harith Narrated from:
A person began to praise 'Uthman and Miqdad sat upon his knee; and he was a bulky person and began to throw pebbles upon his (flatterer's) face. Thereupon 'Uthman said: What is the matter with you? And he said: Verily, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: When you see those who shower (undue) praise (upon others), throw dust upon their faces.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 3002bIn-book reference : Book 55, Hadith 88USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 42, Hadith 7143
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 3002b
This narration gives a clear example of a hadith about undue praise. A man began praising 'Uthman, and Miqdad threw pebbles upon the flatterer's face. When 'Uthman asked what he was doing, Miqdad quoted the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم): when you see those who shower undue praise, throw dust in their faces. The hadith focuses on praise that becomes too much, not ordinary respect or truthful appreciation. It teaches that the tongue can create spiritual danger when words are used to flatter, impress, or lift someone beyond a safe level. The phrase “undue praise” is important because it points to praise that is excessive. A believer should speak truthfully and avoid praise that may feed pride or serve personal gain.
What we learn from this hadith
- Undue praise is discouraged when it goes beyond safe and truthful speech.
- The Companions corrected harmful speech even when respected people were present.
- Praise should not become a tool for flattery or personal benefit.
- A Muslim should choose words that protect both the speaker and the one being praised.
