Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:

When one has already looked without permission, then what need remains for seeking permission?

From this hadith, it is derived that if a person peeps into someone’s house and the householder throws something and blinds his eye, then the householder will not be liable to pay any compensation. However, these matters pertain to the era of Islamic governance; for an individual to act in such a manner nowadays is to put oneself in harm’s way.

Hadith Commentary:
Madri is a wooden instrument used for grooming hair and scratching the body.
It is similar to a comb, and sometimes it is used for combing as well.
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has established the practice of combing from this hadith.
It is mentioned in the hadith that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said:
“Whoever has hair should take care of it and keep it well-groomed.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Tarajul, Hadith: 4163)
This means that if one keeps hair, it is necessary to maintain and groom it, but it is prohibited to wash it with regularity and to comb and part it every single day with strict routine.
(Fath al-Bari: 10/450)

Hadith Commentary:
From this hadith, it is understood that peeking into or entering someone’s house without permission is prohibited; however, if permission is granted, then there is no harm in it.
One should enter one’s own house or someone else’s house after giving salam (greeting of peace).

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
It is necessary to seek permission before entering someone’s house or gathering. The method is that one should first offer salam (greeting of peace), then request permission to enter. Entering someone’s house suddenly without this is not allowed, because it is unknown in what state the person may be at that time or what work he may be engaged in. It is possible that meeting him at that moment may be a cause of discomfort for him.

(2)
Once, a person entered the house of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) bringing gifts without seeking permission. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) sent him back, saying: “Go back, and after saying ‘as-salamu alaykum’ (peace be upon you), seek permission to enter. When permission is granted, then come in.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Al-Isti’dhan, Hadith: 2710) The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) did not suffice with merely explaining the method of seeking permission verbally, but also made it a practical lesson. Clearly, a person who learns a lesson in this manner does not forget it.

Hadith Commentary:
Vocabulary of the Hadith:
(1)
Juḥr:
A round hole.
(2)
Madri:
An iron comb for arranging hair.
Benefits and Issues:
From this hadith, it is understood that standing at the door and peeking inside is not permissible, and this is contrary to the wisdom behind seeking permission. According to the narration of Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu, it is permissible to injure the eye of such a person,
but this is in the case
when there is no other option and the one who is peeking does not desist except by this means.

Explanation:
1:
It is understood from this that peeking into someone’s house and looking around before seeking permission is prohibited.
Even in the case of one’s own parents’ house, entering without seeking permission is not allowed.
If seeking permission were not necessary, the privacy of many would be violated and there would be a risk of looking at non-mahram women.
These are the very harms due to which seeking permission has been made necessary.

Benefit:
In this hadith, it is mentioned that a person should not peek inside from someone’s house door, because the purpose of the door is to provide privacy. If a person peeks inside through the door or through a hole in the wall, and the household becomes aware of it and, in response, throws something and injures his eye, then there will be no penalty upon them for this.