Punishment for Disobedience to the Prophet (ﷺ)

Authored by: Maulana Abu al-Hasan Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafidhahullah)

Question:

Is there any hadith that mentions an individual who, after refusing to eat with his right hand in disobedience to the Prophet (ﷺ), had his hand paralyzed?

Answer:

Yes, there is a narration from Salamah bin Akwa’ (رضي الله عنه) that a man began eating with his left hand in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Prophet (ﷺ) advised him: "Eat with your right hand." The man arrogantly responded, "I cannot." The Prophet (ﷺ) then said: "May you never be able to," because nothing but arrogance had prevented the man from obeying. After that, the man was never able to lift his right hand to his mouth.
(Sahih Muslim, Book of Drinks, Chapter on Etiquettes of Eating and Drinking: 2021)

This hadith is authentic and emphasizes the importance of complete obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Disobedience, especially out of arrogance, can lead to consequences, as demonstrated in this incident. A Muslim attains success only when they follow the Prophet (ﷺ) both in word and action.
 
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