…. what I have forbidden to you …. (Hadith 9 of an-Nawawi) complete the Hadith and state its lessons.

Completion of the Hadith (No. 9 of an-Nawawi)

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (R.A.), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) say:

"What I have forbidden to you, avoid; and what I have commanded you (to do), do as much of it as you can. Verily it was only the excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their prophets that destroyed those who were before you." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Lessons of the Hadith

1. Whatever the Prophet has prohibited must be avoided completely, for prohibitions have no exception except in cases of dire necessity.
2. Commands are to be carried out according to one's ability; Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
3. Islam is a religion of ease and moderation, not hardship.
4. Excessive and unnecessary questioning is blameworthy and can lead to complication in religion.
5. The obedience of the Prophet is obligatory, as obedience to him is obedience to Allah.
6. Disputing with and disobeying the prophets was the cause of the destruction of earlier nations, and this is a warning to Muslims.
7. The believer should submit and act, rather than argue and delay.
8. Avoiding what is forbidden is given priority, since refraining is within everyone's ability while doing may be limited by capacity.