THE WAY OF THE BELIEVER
Sahih al-Bukhari contains numerous narrations related to the Quran under Kitab al-Tafsir (The Book of Quranic Commentary). In the commentary on chapter 49, one incident is reported through two separate chains of transmission.
Ibn Abi Mulaykah (d. 117 AH), a Tabi‘i and a judge in al-Ta’if, narrated: Two noble companions were nearly destroyed—meaning Abu Bakr and Umar. They raised their voices in the presence of the Prophet of Islam. This happened when a delegation from the tribe of Banu Tamim came to Madinah.
Abu Bakr suggested that al-Qa‘qa‘ ibn Ma‘bad be appointed as their leader. Umar suggested al-Aqra‘ ibn Habis.
Abu Bakr said to Umar, “You only said that to oppose me.”
Umar replied, “I didn’t intend to oppose you.”
Then they began arguing, and their voices became raised—at which point the following verse was revealed:
“Believers, do not push yourselves forward in the presence of God and His Messenger. Fear God—God hears all and knows all. Believers, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and do not speak as loudly when speaking to him as you do when speaking to one another, lest your actions come to nothing without your realizing it.” (49:1-2)
Abdullah bin al-Zubayr, grandson of Abu Bakr, reported that after this verse was revealed, Umar’s way of speaking changed completely. When he spoke in the presence of the Prophet of Islam, his voice became so soft that he could barely be heard, and the Prophet would ask him to repeat what he had said. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 4845 and 7302)
This is the way of those who are truly faithful. A true believer may make a mistake unknowingly, but the moment it is pointed out, they immediately correct themselves.
This is not something limited to the time of the Prophet of Islam. Even today, the same is expected from those who believe. The only difference is that in the past, people were corrected directly by the Prophet. Today, someone else may inform them by referring to the Quran, Hadith, or sound reasoning. Even now, when a person is made aware of their mistake through the guidance of the Quran and Hadith, they should respond as the early believers did—by correcting themselves without delay.
