The Meaning and Implication of “Laysa Minnā” in Hadith
Source: Fatawa Ameenpuri — Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Ameenpuri
❖ Question
What is the meaning of the phrase “Laysa minnā” (ليس منا) that appears in some Ahadith?
❖ Answer
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
The scholars have explained the meaning of “Laysa minnā” according to its context in Hadith.
◈ Explanations from the Scholars
- Imam al-Tirmidhi (279 AH) رحمه الله
"Some scholars said: The meaning of the Prophet’s statement ‘Laysa minnā’ is: ‘He is not upon our Sunnah, nor upon our manners.’"
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1921)
- Imam Ibn Hibban (354 AH) رحمه الله
"The meaning of ‘Laysa minnā’ in these reports is: he is not like us in practicing this action, for we do not do it. Whoever does it is not like us."
(Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith 120)
- Hafiz al-Khattabi (388 AH) رحمه الله
"Its meaning is: he is not upon our way and method."
(Maʿalim al-Sunan 3/118)
- Hafiz al-Bayhaqi (458 AH) رحمه الله
"The meaning of ‘Laysa minnā’ is: he is not upon our Sunnah."
(Shuʿab al-Iman, Hadith 2375)
- Imam al-Nawawi (676 AH) رحمه الله
"The scholars said: Its meaning is that he is not upon our guidance and noble way, just as a man says to his son: ‘You are not from me,’ meaning: you are not following my way."
(Sharh Sahih Muslim 2/50)
- Hafiz Ibn al-Mulaqqin (804 AH) رحمه الله
"The meaning of ‘Laysa minnā’ is: he is not among those who follow our Sunnah or our guidance. It does not mean that he is completely out of Islam, for sins alone do not expel one from faith according to Ahl al-Sunnah, unless he believes the sin to be lawful."
(al-Tawdih 9/537)
- Hafiz Ibn Hajar (852 AH) رحمه الله
"The meaning of ‘Laysa minnā’ is: he is not upon our way or not following our way."
(Fath al-Bari 13/24)
◈ Note
- It is reported regarding Imam Sufyan ibn ʿUyaynah (198 AH) رحمه الله that he disliked interpreting “Laysa minnā” as “not like us”.
(Sunan Abi Dawud 3453, with authentic chain)
◈ Conclusion
The phrase “Laysa minnā” in Hadith means:
✔ The person has acted contrary to the Sunnah and noble way of the Prophet ﷺ.
✔ It indicates a severe warning but does not necessarily expel a person from Islam, unless he considers the forbidden act to be lawful.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
