What are the Seven Ordained and Seven Forbidden - Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Islam is not restricted to reciting Al Qur'an and the Hadith books for unless what is ordained and directed, the life of a Muslim cannot be complete. In fact Qur'an and Sunnah guide us in our personal development and community ethics as per the Divine directions. These two aspects and many related facets of our lives determine the level of morality both at individual level and at the community / tribe or national level.

Before we proceed with the Hadith we are going to discuss, let us hurriedly see what morality really means:

Morality is a personal or social system of beliefs and principles that distinguishes between right and wrong, good and bad, and appropriate and improper behavior. Derived from the Latin word for "manner" or "character," morality involves standards for thoughts and actions, enabling individuals to live cooperatively and peacefully within a society by promoting trust, fairness, and empathy. Morality serves as a code of conduct, though its specific principles can vary across cultures, religions, and individuals, and may evolve over time. 

Let’s now explore a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as mentioned in Sahīh al-Bukhārī 1239 in depth that guides us in personal development and community ethics.

The Hadith

Narrated Al-Barāʾ ibn ʿĀzib (raḥimahullāh), the Prophet ﷺ ordered us to do seven things and forbade us from seven things. 

He ordained to:

• Follow the funeral processions
• Visit the sick
• Accept invitations
• Help the oppressed
• Fulfill oaths
• Return greetings (as-salām)
• Respond to a sneezer who says “Al-ḥamdu lillāh” with “Yarḥamukallāh”

He prohibited from:

• Using silver utensils and dishes
• Wearing gold rings
• Wearing silk, as well as dibāj, qissī, and istabrāq (luxurious fabrics) 

Qur'anic Foundations & Related Sunnah

• Social Ethics & Community Solidarity
• Following funerals & visiting the sick: While there's no direct Qurʾānic verse on this, the importance of compassion and community support is emphasized throughout. The Prophet ﷺ also framed these acts among the key rights of a Muslim over another 
• Helping the oppressed: “Help the oppressed—even if you cannot save them from oppression, at the very least you forbid them from it. And if that is not possible, help in other ways.” (Prophetic teaching, as narrated in Sunan Ibn Mājah)
• Returning Salaam and replying to the sneezer: 
• “When one of you greets, let him say: As-salāmu ʿalaykum.” (Sunan Abū Dāwūd) - And “When someone says ‘Al-ḥamdu lillāh - ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ’ - "Praise be to Allah" after sneezing, the response is ‘Yarḥamukallāh (يَرْحَمُكَ اللهُ) - May Allah have mercy on you.’” 
• These express social grace and empathy.
• Honoring Contracts
• Fulfilling oaths: “O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed term, write it down; and let a scribe write it with justice...” (Qurʾān 2:282) 
• This demonstrates Islam’s emphasis on accountability and trust.
• Avoiding Materialism & Ostentation
• Prohibition on luxurious items
• Wearing silken clothes that give out an aura of pride and wealth is tangent to the concept of simplicity in Islam. The display of such clothes and expression of pomp and show has a negative effect on the poor who cannot afford such luxuries.
• In today's life, even wearing expensive watches, diamond and gold ornament, carrying expensive bag also fall in the same category of silken clothes.
• The Prophet ﷺ discouraged extravagance because it can lead to pride and away from humility, aligning with Qurʾān: “Truly, those who are extravagant are the brethren of the shayāṭīn…” (Qurʾān 17:27)
• This prohibition helps cultivate modest living and sincerity.

Lessons & Relevance Today

• Building Compassionate Communities
• Following funerals and visiting the sick show solidarity and remind us of life’s fragility.
• Helping the oppressed preserves justice and empathy, especially where modern injustice may prevail.
• Maintaining Social Etiquette: Responding to greetings and sneezing fosters warmth, unity, and mindfulness in interpersonal dealings.
• Upholding Integrity: Fulfilling oaths emphasizes that promises and contracts are serious matters — this principle applies broadly to business, legal, and personal commitments.
• Promoting Sincerity and Humility: Avoiding luxury is relevant in our consumer-driven culture; it promotes modesty, prevents envy, and keeps priorities aligned with spiritual values.

To summarize the above explanation, here is the impact of our actions based on the theme of the Hadith:

• Expression of Compassion by following funerals, visiting the sick, helping the oppressed strengthens community bonds
• Demonstration of Social Courtesy by accepting invitations, returning greetings, responding to sneezing cultivates warmth and unity
• Fulfilling oaths expresses one's integrity and builds trust and accountability
• Show of Humility by avoiding luxury goods encourages modesty and spiritual focus

In short: Hadīth 1239 isn’t just a list of dos and don'ts — it’s a blueprint for a compassionate, humble, and ethically conscious community. Each directive fosters spiritual balance and social harmony, grounded deeply in the Qurʾān and Sunnah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Morality for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imaan of the masjid for more clarification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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If you don't feel shame, then do whatever you feel like doing (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Today, in our series of Hadiths on the subject of Caution and Warnings, we share a famous prophetic saying that addresses the deep moral compass of shame and modesty (ḥayā'), which in Islam, is a central part of ethical behavior.

The Hadith

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has been quoted as saying: "If you do not feel shame, then do whatever you like." 

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، عَنْ زُهَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَنْصُورٌ، عَنْ رِبْعِيِّ بْنِ حِرَاشٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مَسْعُودٍ، عُقْبَةُ قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنَّ مِمَّا أَدْرَكَ النَّاسُ مِنْ كَلاَمِ النُّبُوَّةِ، إِذَا لَمْ تَسْتَحِي فَافْعَلْ مَا شِئْتَ ‏"‏‏.‏

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 3483) – The same hadith is mentioned in Musnad Ahmad, Sunan Abi Dawud, and others.

This hadith SHOULD NOT be taken as a permission to sin, but a profound statement about the role of inner conscience in morality. In a world where shame is often dismissed as "old-fashioned," the Prophet ﷺ reminds us that ḥayā' is a divine gift—a guardrail that keeps our faith and actions pure.

How to Understand This Hadith

1. Descriptive (Not Permissive): "Do what you want" as a warning

• The the dominant interpretation: If you have no sense of shame, you’ll end up doing anything—including evil.
• The Prophet ﷺ is not giving permission, but rather warning that losing shame leads to moral collapse.
• It’s like saying: "If you're not afraid of fire, go ahead and walk into it." The implication is: you should fear it.
• Supported by Scholars:
• Ibn Rajab: "This is not a command, but a form of rebuke or reproach."
• Imam Nawawi: “It means: When a person has no shame, he does whatever he wants without care for right or wrong.”
• Ibn Hajar (Fath al-Bari): “It is a statement of fact—not a permit to act freely.”

 2. Conditional Goodness (If you’re not ashamed, it's likely good)

• Some scholars also interpret it positively, when applied to righteous acts.
• Meaning: If you're about to do something and feel no inner shame, it may be a sign it's morally sound.
• In this case, ḥayā' (shame/modesty) acts as an internal barometer for good behavior.
• So, in this second view:
• Lack of shame in sin = blameworthy
• Lack of shame in truth = encouraged

Understanding Ḥayā' (Modesty/Shame) in Islam

Since the basic theme of this hadith is based on Modesty / Shame, called Ḥayā' in arabic, let us know more about Ḥayā' from some verses from Qur'an and other suporting Hadiths:

•  From the Qur'an:
• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:53): 
• “...And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts.”
• This verse establishes ḥayā’ as a form of spiritual and social purity.
• Surah An-Nur (24:30-31): 
• “Tell the believing men/women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty...”
• Modesty in gaze, dress, and behavior—grounded in inner shame and self-respect.
•  Other Hadiths Supporting This
• 1. “Ḥayā' is a branch of faith.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 35 / Riyad as-Salihin 680) - Shame is not weakness—it’s a sign of strong Iman (faith).
• 2. “Every religion has a character trait, and the trait of Islam is ḥayā’.” (Ibn Majah, 4181 – Hasan) - Modesty is the hallmark trait of Islam—at the heart of manners and morality.

What Happens When Ḥayā' Is Lost?

When shame / modesty is lost, people are more often than not tend to:

• Justify sin
• Mock morality
• Normalize indecency
• Lose accountability

In Islamic teachings, haya is considered a fundamental aspect of faith, encouraging individuals to act with dignity, respect, and morality. When someone lacks shame, they may engage in inappropriate or harmful actions without hesitation.

That’s why the hadith serves as a powerful moral alert: if you’re not even ashamed, there’s nothing stopping you from going wrong.

Modesty in Islam is intended to foster humility, self-respect, and a sense of dignity, while also guarding against unwanted attention and promoting a wholesome society. 

Summary of Meaning

• Hadith "If you don't feel ashamed, do whatever you like"
• Main Meaning Warning against losing shame—leads to sin without restraint
• Secondary Meaning    Indicator of moral soundness if no shame exists in doing goo
• Supported by  Qur’an (24:30–31), many hadiths on modesty, scholars like Nawawi, Ibn Rajab
• Core Message Ḥayā' is essential for a believer's character and acts as a moral filter

 We have already published a few posts on the subject of Modesty, the links to which are given below, for more reading and understanding concept of shame / modesty and Ḥayā' :

• Why Islam gives so much emphasis on Modesty " Hayā حياء " 
• O ye children of Adam!  Wear Raiment of Modesty and Righteousness
• Traits of Believers who attain true success are those who Guard their Chastity 
• Believers! Do not go near ADULTERY [Zināʾ (زِنَاء)] because it is blatant lewdness and a very evil path
• What is Hijab in Islam - a broader viewpointm 
• The life of this world is nothing but a sport and a pastime

This Hadith serves as a reminder to cultivate self-awareness, modesty, and accountability in our actions. It emphasizes the importance of haya (modesty or shame) in Islam. It doesn't mean that people should do whatever they want without shame. Instead, it highlights that having a sense of shame is a natural regulator of behavior.

Modesty and shame is not restricted to women only, it is equally applicable to men. When man loses sense of shame, he takes bribes, rights, usurp others, wields undue authority besides gazing shamelessly on women and others wealth.

So let not our lack of shame take over our sinister wants and wishes and lose ourselves to the forces of evil and Satan. Whenever, doing a thing, if we feel an inner click of our concious, we must stop, ponder over our intending act and see if realization of the same will not leave us ashamed and feeling guilty. So stop before an unbecoming conduct is written into our dossiers for which we will be questioned.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference pages Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Morality  and  Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imamam of the masjid for more calrification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Hadiths related to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the subject of Morality

Hadiths related to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ cover almost every walk of life of the mankind. There loads of books in which these hadiths are mentioned and we have been sharing authentic hadiths from these Hadith compilations for the benefit of our readers. Our previous published posts have been divided into number of reference pages according to the subject matter of the hadiths.

Today, Alhamdolillah, we add another reference page on the subject of Morality - a subject which is central to teachings of Islam. Before we start adding posts to this reference page, let us first understand what morality is and how it takes a central place in Islam:

Morality refers to the principles, standards, or rules that guide individuals in distinguishing right from wrong, good from bad, or just from unjust. It involves behaviors, actions, and decisions that align with ethical values, social norms, and virtues. Morality is often shaped by cultural, religious, and philosophical influences, guiding individuals on how to treat others and behave in society.

In Islam, morality is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (the practices and sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). It provides a comprehensive framework for living a life that aligns with divine guidance, ensuring that individuals not only fulfill their duties to Allah but also uphold their responsibilities to fellow human beings and the wider world. In fact the entire life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exhibits the highest possible level of morality a man can achieve.

Herein under are links to some of the Hadiths on subject of Morality:

• What are the Seven Ordained and Seven Forbidden 
• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised  against speaking ill of the dead
• Islam PROHIBITS looking at `Awrah – the Intimate Body Parts of others
• Severe consequences of five significant moral and social transgressions 
• If you don't feel shame, then do whatever you feel like doing

We will keep adding more as and when published, In sha Allah:

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | 

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below each post so shared. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More