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LAWFUL AND UNLAWFUL

592

“Both the lawful and the unlawful are clear. Between the two is that which is doubtful and most people do not realize it. Whosoever refrains from that which is doubtful secures their faith and honor, but whosoever partakes in what is doubtful partakes in the unlawful.

Such a case is likened to that of a shepherd who grazes his flock close to a reserved pasture and thereby runs the risk of some of his flock straying into it. Take care, every king has such a pasture. Beware, the pasture of Allah is that which He has forbidden. Pay attention, in your body there is a lump of flesh, when it is healthy, the whole body is healthy and when it is unwell the whole body is unwell, and that is the heart.”

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Nu'man the son of Bashir who related that he heard the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, say this.