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ABSTAIN FROM PLACES OF SUSPICION Question Is this a statement of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam): اتَّقُوا مَوَاضِعَ التُّهَمِ What is its explanation. Are there other Hadiths that prohibit going to haram/doubtful places Answer ‘Allamah ‘Iraqi (rahimahullah) has stated that he could not locate this Hadith. (Takhrijul Ihya, Hadith: 2643 and Sharhul Ihya, vol.7, pg.283) A Similar report Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu’anhu) is reported to have said: ‘Whoever puts himself in a suspicious position, should not blame others for applying suspicion on him.’ (Rawdatul ‘Uqala of Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah), pg.83. Also see Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 7993) The narrators in the chain of Rawdatul ‘Uqala of Imam Ibn Hibban are all reliable. Note: This is not quoted as a Hadith, but as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu’anhu). Meaning The meaning of this is that one should avoid visiting places or doing actions that create suspicion about oneself. Rather stay clear of such places or deeds. An established principle A Hadith in Sahih Bukhari also gives this meaning, wherein two Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) saw Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) walking with a woman in the dark. He (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) immediately mentioned to them: that that woman was his wife, Sayyidah Safiyyah (radiyallahu’anha). Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) also then said to them: ‘Shaytan is as close to a person as his blood, and I feared that he may cast some [ill-thought] into your hearts.’ (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2035) Imam Ghazali (rahimahullah) has quoted this authentic (sahih) narration to support this principle. The lesson here is that one should clear oneself of suspicion, either by avoiding certain deeds or places, or in the event that cannot be avoided, one should explain one’s innocence. Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) while commenting on the lessons derived from this Hadith writes: ‘Another lesson is that a person should avoid situations wherein others could become suspicious of him.’ (Fathul Bari, Hadith: 2035) And Allah Ta’ala Knows best, Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar Hadithanswers