The Hadith
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.
Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his neighbor.
Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest.”
Reference
Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Explanation (From Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan)
In this hadith the Prophet mentioned several matters of good conduct and linked them with faith in Allah and the Last Day.
The Prophet said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.”
This means that a person should only speak words that contain goodness and benefit. If a person does not have something beneficial to say, then he should remain silent.
Guarding the tongue is an important part of good character, because many sins occur through speech.
The Prophet then said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his neighbor.”
This means treating the neighbor with kindness and avoiding harming him. The neighbor has rights that must be respected in Islam.
The Prophet also said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest.”
Honoring the guest includes welcoming him, showing kindness to him, and treating him with generosity.
These instructions show that good manners and proper treatment of others are connected with true faith.
This hadith teaches the Muslim to guard his speech, respect his neighbors, and treat guests with generosity and kindness.
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 15.