Both al-Bukhārī and Muslim likewise relate—from Anas—that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no contagion and no tiyarah (superstitious augury), yet I like faʾl (optimism).” They asked, “What is faʾl?” He replied, “A good word.” (1)

Faʾl—with a hamzah—may concern matters that delight or displease, unlike tiyarah, which is confined to what is displeasing.

The “good word” might be, for example, that a sick person hears someone call out, “O Sālim” (“safe/healthy”), and so he begins to hope for recovery.

Relevance of the ḥadith to the chapter: it shows that faʾl is not among the forbidden forms of tiyarah.

Points derived from the ḥadith:
1- Faʾl is not part of the prohibited tiyarah.
2- Explanation of what faʾl is.
3- The legitimacy of thinking well of Allah and the prohibition of thinking ill of Him.

The difference between faʾl and tiyarah:
1- Faʾl pertains to what is pleasing.
2- Faʾl entails good expectation of Allah, and the servant is commanded to think well of Him.
3- Tiyarah applies only to what is displeasing.
4- Tiyarah entails bad expectation of Allah, and the servant is forbidden to think ill of Him.