[21] Hadith Twenty-One

The Exposition of the Rights of the Road and Its Etiquette

It is narrated from Abu Sa'id that Allah's Messenger said: "Beware of sitting in the pathways." They said: "O Messenger of Allah, We have necessities which we address in our gatherings." He replied: "If you must have your gatherings, then give the road its right." They said: "O Messenger of Allah, and what is the right of the road?" He said:

1. Lowering the gaze,
2. Refraining from harm,
3. Returning the salaam,
4. Commanding good and forbidding evil.

It was narrated by the Two Shaykhs. It is also narrated by Abu Dawud whose narration adds: "And giving directions." Al-Tabarani's version adds: "And rescuing the one in sorrow."

Allah's blessings and peace on the Prophet., his Family, and his Companions

Dr. G.F. Haddad

© As-Sunnah Foundation of America, 2003