06/04/2026
[Explanation]
“Hearts are like the hearts of birds” is interpreted differently by various scholars, and indeed, there are many possibilities.
Al-Nawawi said: “It is said that this refers to their tenderness and weakness, similar to the hadith that describes the people of Yemen as having ‘more tender hearts and weaker dispositions.’ It is also said that it refers to fear and awe, as birds are the most fearful and alarmed of creatures, as Allah says: {Only those fear Allah, who have knowledge.} [Surat Fatir 35:28]. It is as if it means that these people are overwhelmed by fear, similar to how some of the early generations were described for their intense fear. Another interpretation is that they are those who place their trust in Allah, and Allah knows best what is meant.” [Sharh al-Nawawi ‘ala Muslim 2840, 17/177]
Al-Qurtubi said: “There are two interpretations of this: One is that they are like birds in their fear and awe, as birds are the most fearful and cautious of animals. The second is that they are like birds in their weakness and tenderness, as described in the saying about the people of Yemen: ‘They have more tender hearts and weaker dispositions.’ A third possibility is that they are like birds in that they are free from all sins, pure from all faults, and have no knowledge of worldly matters, which praises those who possess these qualities.” [Al-Mufhim lima Ishkal min Talkhis Kitab Muslim 2743, 7/171]
And Allah Knows Best.
[Sharh Majmu’ al-Ahadith al-Sahihah 49]
