When I was taken on an ascent to heaven, I passed by a group of people (in Hellfire) with …

Islam > Hadiths > Virtues and manners > Virtues and Manners

Hadith narrated by Narrated by Abu Dāwūd

Authenticity grade : Hasan

Hadith text: When I was taken on an ascent to heaven, I passed by a…

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رَضيَ اللهُ عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «لَمَّا عُرِجَ بِي مَرَرْتُ بِقَوْمٍ لَهُمْ أَظْفَارٌ مِنْ نُحَاسٍ يَخْمُشُونَ بها وُجُوهَهُمْ وَصُدُورَهُمْ، فَقُلْتُ: مَنْ هَؤُلَاءِ يَا جِبْرِيلُ، قَالَ: هَؤُلَاءِ الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ لُحُومَ النَّاسِ، وَيَقَعُونَ فِي أَعْرَاضِهِمْ».

Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When I was taken on an ascent to heaven, I passed by a group of people (in Hellfire) with copper nails scratching their faces and chests. I asked: O Gabriel, who are these? He replied: These are the ones who eat the flesh of people (by backbiting) and slander them."

Explanation of the hadith: When I was taken on an ascent to heaven, I passed by a…

Lessons: When I was taken on an ascent to heaven, I passed by a…

• A stern warning against backbiting, with the backbiter likened to one who eats human flesh.
• Violating people's honor through backbiting and similar acts is among the major sins.
• At-Tībi, commenting on the Prophet's word "scratching”, said: Since scratching the face and chest is a trait of wailing women, it was made the punishment for those who backbite and slander Muslims-to indicate that such behavior is unbefitting of men and is instead from the traits of women in their most disgraceful and distorted state.
• It is obligatory to believe in the unseen and in everything that Allah and His Messenger (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) have informed us of.

Categories : Condemning Sins