Hadith Reference:
Mu‘awiyah bin Suwayd bin Muqarrin narrated:*"I visited Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib (رضي الله عنه), and I heard him say: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded us to do seven things and forbade us from seven things.
He commanded us to:
Visit the sick.
Follow the funeral procession.
Respond to a sneezer (by saying 'Yarhamuk Allah').
Fulfill oaths (or help someone fulfill their oath).
Support the oppressed.
Accept invitations.
Spread greetings of peace (Salam).
He forbade us from:
Wearing gold rings.
Drinking from silver utensils.
Wearing silk garments.
Wearing Qissi fabric (a type of silk).
Wearing Istabraq (thick silk).
Wearing Dibaj (brocade).
Wearing Mayathir (silk cushions used as saddle cloths)."*
(Sahih Bukhari: 5635, 5175, 2445, 1239; Sahih Muslim: 2066)
Key Teachings from This Hadith:
① Seven Actions That Are Encouraged
These acts strengthen social bonds and fulfill rights between Muslims:✔ Visiting the sick shows empathy and care for others.
✔ Attending funerals is a duty towards fellow believers.
✔ Responding to a sneezer spreads kindness and recognition.
✔ Fulfilling oaths promotes honesty and commitment.
✔ Supporting the oppressed ensures justice in society.
✔ Accepting invitations fosters brotherhood and unity.
✔ Spreading Salam increases love and goodwill among Muslims.
② Seven Actions That Are Prohibited
These prohibitions help avoid extravagance, arrogance, and resemblance to disbelievers:Wearing gold rings is forbidden for men.
Drinking from silver utensils is an act of luxury and arrogance.
Wearing silk garments is not allowed for men, as Islam encourages simplicity.
Silk fabrics like Qissi, Istabraq, and Dibaj are also prohibited for men.
Using silk cushions (Mayathir) for horses or other purposes is discouraged.
③ Prohibition of Gold and Silver Utensils
- Using gold and silver for eating and drinking is haram because it resembles the disbelievers' luxurious lifestyle.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) stated that these are for disbelievers in this world, while believers will have them in Jannah.
Conclusion
This hadith outlines seven virtues that promote social harmony and seven prohibitions that prevent materialism and arrogance. By following these teachings, a Muslim upholds the values of compassion, justice, humility, and brotherhood.
Reference: This content is derived from the book "Diya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi-Ahadith al-Ahkam" by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.