The Hadith

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah said:

“Do not envy one another.

Do not artificially raise prices against one another.

Do not hate one another.

Do not turn away from one another.

Do not undercut one another in trade.

Be servants of Allah as brothers.

A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim.

He does not wrong him, nor abandon him, nor lie to him, nor look down upon him.

Taqwa is here.”

And he pointed to his chest three times.

“It is enough evil for a person to look down upon his Muslim brother.

Every Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth, and his honor.”  

Reference

Reported by Muslim.  

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Explanation (From Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan)

In this hadith the Prophet clarified many manners that Muslims must observe with one another.  

The Prophet forbade several behaviors that cause harm and division between Muslims, such as envy, hatred, turning away from one another, and undercutting one another in trade.  

He then commanded the believers to be servants of Allah as brothers, meaning that Muslims should maintain brotherhood, cooperation, and mutual care.  

The Prophet explained that a Muslim does not oppress his brother, abandon him, lie to him, or treat him with contempt.  

He then pointed to his chest and said:

“Taqwa is here.”

This indicates that true righteousness begins in the heart.  

The Prophet also warned that it is sufficient evil for a person to despise his Muslim brother.  

Finally, the Prophet explained that the blood, wealth, and honor of a Muslim are sacred and must be protected.  

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 35.