عن النَّوَّاس بن سَمْعانَ رضي الله عنه قال: سألتُ رسولَ الله ﷺ عن البِرِّ والإثمِ، فَقالَ: «البِرُّ حُسْنُ الخُلُقِ، والإِثْمُ ما حاكَ في صَدْرِكَ، وَكَرِهْتَ أَنْ يَطَّلِعَ عليه النَّاسُ».
132 - Righteousness and sinful action
An-Nawwas bin Sam'an (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
1. I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about virtue and sin 2. and he replied, “The essence of virtue is (manifested in) good morals (Akhlaq) 3. whereas sinful conduct is that which turns in your heart (making you feel uncomfortable), and you dislike that it would be disclosed to other people.”
Related by Muslim, 2553.
Summary of Meaning
When Al-Nawwas asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about the meaning of "Al-Bir" (righteousness) and "Al-Ithm" (sin), the Prophet informed him that righteousness is reflected in good character and righteous actions. As for sin, it encompasses actions that create doubt, unrest, and fear of others finding out about them.
