Sahih al-Bukhari 6258 (Book 81, Hadith 86)
for the other. He narrated that honesty was preserved in the roots of the hearts of men (in the
beginning) and then they learnt it (honesty) from the Qur’an, and then they learnt it from the
(Prophet’s) Sunna (tradition). He also told us about its disappearance, saying, “A man will go to sleep
whereupon honesty will be taken away from his heart, and only its trace will remain, resembling the
traces of fire. He then will sleep whereupon the remainder of the honesty will also be taken away
(from his heart) and its trace will resemble a blister which is raised over the surface of skin, when an
ember touches one’s foot; and in fact, this blister does not contain anything. So there will come a day
when people will deal in business with each other but there will hardly be any trustworthy persons
among them. Then it will be said that in such-and-such a tribe there is such-and-such person who is
honest, and a man will be admired for his intelligence, good manners and strength, though indeed he
will not have belief equal to a mustard seed in his heart.” The narrator added: There came upon me a
time when I did not mind dealing with anyone of you, for if he was a Muslim, his religion would
prevent him from cheating; and if he was a Christian, his Muslim ruler would prevent him from
cheating; but today I cannot deal except with so-and-so and so-and-so. (See Hadith No. 208, Vol. 9)
Sahih al-Bukhari 6258 (Book 81, Hadith 86)
The above hadith is from the Sahih al-Buhari collection of hadiths. Sahih al-Bukhari is more than just a book; it is a meticulously curated archive of the Prophet’s Sunnah. Compiled by Imam al-Bukhārī over sixteen years, its completion around 847 CE was a landmark event in Islamic history. Its inclusion in the Kutub al-Sittah solidifies its canonical importance alongside five other major collections. The text’s enduring influence stems from its author’s unparalleled effort to verify each narration, resulting in a trusted compilation of 7,563 hadiths organized into 97 chapters that serve as a definitive guide for millions of believers.
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For more Hadith in Book 81: To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)