The Hadith
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Leave me with what I have left you. Those who came before you were destroyed because of their many questions and their disagreements with their prophets. When I command you with something, do of it what you are able. And when I forbid you from something, then avoid it.”
Reference
Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Explanation (From Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan)
In this hadith the Prophet instructed the Muslims to avoid unnecessary questioning and to follow his commands and prohibitions.
The Prophet said:
“Leave me with what I have left you.”
This means that the people should not burden themselves with questions about matters that have not been mentioned or legislated, because such questioning may lead to difficulty or hardship.
The Prophet then explained that previous nations were destroyed because of their excessive questioning and their disagreements with their prophets.
They asked unnecessary questions and argued with their messengers, which led them to disobedience and destruction.
The Prophet then laid down an important principle regarding obedience.
He said:
“When I command you with something, do of it what you are able.”
This shows that obligations in Islam are connected to a person’s ability. A person performs what he is able to perform, and Allah does not burden a person beyond his capacity.
Then the Prophet said:
“When I forbid you from something, then avoid it.”
This means that when the Prophet prohibits something, it must be completely avoided. The exception is absolute necessity, where a concession applies, such as eating what is prohibited in order to preserve life.
The scholars mention that there is a difference between commands and prohibitions. Commands are performed according to one’s ability, whereas prohibitions must be completely avoided.
This hadith establishes an important principle in the religion: the Muslim should follow the commands of the Prophet and stay away from what he has forbidden, without unnecessary questioning that leads to hardship or disagreement.
References
The Explanation of Imam an-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith: Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan. Dar Makkah International.
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: The Explanation of Imam an-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith (Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan), Hadith 9.