Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said,
"It is not lawful for a Muslim to desert (stop talking to)
his brother beyond three nights,
the one turning one way and the other turning
to the other way when they meet,
the better of the two is one
who is the first to greet the other.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
1. Since Islam is a religion based on the nature of man, it has a
suitable concession in all his natural affairs. When there occurs
a dispute between two Muslims then unpleasantness and contraction
of mind are bound to result from it. In such a situation they
naturally do not like to speak or maintain contact with each other.
Islamic Shari`ah has acknowledged the validity of this reaction
and granted permission to the party to suspend speech for three days.
Since longevity of suspension of contact leads to severe hatred and
animosity which increases dissension in society, creates obstruction
in family relations and injures the bond of friendship, Muslims have
been ordered not to let this temporary unpleasantness
and turbidity go beyond a period of three days.
2. By highlighting the merit of Salam (salutation), this Hadith has
prescribed an easy way for resuming the relations because Salam increases
mutual love and paves the way for conversation and reconciliation.
