This hadith lays down some of the most important principles of Islam. Abu Dawood, the scholar of hadith, once stated that Islam is built upon four hadith, this being one of them - Imam Ahmad also mentioned something similar to this. 

Let’s reflect on a few lessons we can take from this beautiful hadith of our beloved ﷺ: 

1. Everything we do (literally EVERYTHING) will fall into one of 3 categories: the permissible, the forbidden and the doubtful, hence, as believers, we must ensure that all we do is clearly permissible. 

2. In order to have clarity in life and make the right decisions, we need to sincerely seek out knowledge of our religion.

3. Delving into doubtful matters, is a sign of a diseased heart and a weakness in one’s taqwa of ALLAH (mighty and exalted be HE) which will eventually lead to one falling into sins and tarnishing one’s honor in the sight of ALLAH, the Angels and the believers.

4. As believers we should guard our hearts and sincerely avoid all the things which could lead to our hearts getting diseased, such as sins (major and minor), discouraged acts and doubtful matters.