The First Hadith:
This hadith emphasizes the serious sin of slander (known in Arabic as namīmah), which refers to spreading harmful or malicious gossip between people to cause conflict, hatred, or division.
Arabic text
الْحَدِيثُ الأَوَّل
عَنْ حُذَيْفَةَ بْنِ الْيَمَانِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ((لاَ يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ نَمَّامٌ)). رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ وَمُسْلِم
Translation(Meaning)
The First Hadith
On the authority of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ((A slanderer will not enter Paradise)). Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Brief Explanation:
The hadith narrated by Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“A slanderer will not enter Paradise”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This hadith emphasizes the serious sin of slander (known in Arabic as namīmah), which refers to spreading harmful or malicious gossip between people to cause conflict, hatred, or division.The phrase “will not enter Paradise” may mean permanent exclusion, or temporary punishment if the person is still a believer but has committed this major sin without repentance.The Prophet (SAW) strongly condemned slander, indicating that it can lead to eternal punishment or at least bar entry to Paradise unless forgiven.
Qur’anic verse
- Surah Al-Humazah (104:1): “Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.”
This verse condemns both slander (nammam) and backbiting (gheebah), showing the severity of such actions. - Surah Al-Qalam (68:10–11): “And do not obey every worthless habitual swearer—A scorner, going about with malicious gossip.”
Here, Allah describes slanderers (nammām) as people not to be followed or respected due to their corrupt nature. - Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12): “O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other…”
Although this focuses on backbiting, it relates to how Islam protects the honor of others and forbids spreading harmful speech.
Some other related hadith:
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“The best among you are those who, when entrusted, do not betray; when they speak, they tell the truth; and when they are told something in confidence, they do not disclose it.”
(Related by Ahmad)
He also said:
“Do you know what backbiting is?” They said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said: “It is to mention about your brother something he dislikes.” It was said: “What if what I say is true?” He said: “If what you say about him is true, you have backbitten him. But if it is not true, you have slandered him.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Some reasons why is slander so dangerous?
- It breaks relationships, fuels hatred, and creates enmity.
- It corrupts society by encouraging suspicion and distrust.
- It is a form of betrayal, especially when done behind people’s backs.
- It often involves lies, exaggerations, or breaches of trust.
Allah(SWT) knows best!
