Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ ordered (a person) to collect Zakat, and that person returned and told him ﷺ that Ibn Jameel, Khaalid ibn al-Waleed, and al-`Abbas ibn `Abdul Muttalib had refused to give Zakat." The Prophet ﷺ said, "What is the matter with Ibn Jameel?! He was a poor man and was made wealthy by Allah and His Messenger! As for Khaalid, you are being unfair to him because he is keeping his armors and weapons to use them in fighting for Allah's Cause. As for al-`Abbas ibn `Abdul Muttalib - the uncle of Allah's Messenger ﷺ - it is incumbent upon him to pay it and an equal amount along with it.".

Commentary : Allah, Exalted be He, clarified to His Messenger ﷺ all the rulings and details pertaining to the obligation of zakat so that the wealthy is neither subjected to injustice nor the poor’s rights are overlooked. The Imaam (i.e., head of state or the ruler) is the one responsible for collecting the zakat from people, reminding people of its due time, encouraging those who are acting slack about it, and forcing those who withhold the zakat, so they pay it, and fight them if necessary.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ ordered the collection of zakat from Muslims. According to the report in Saheeh Muslim, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah e pleased with him) was the one that the Prophet ﷺ assigned to collect zakat from people. After the collectors of zakat returned, they informed the Prophet ﷺ that collection three persons refused to pay the zakat, and they were: Ibn Jameel; it has been said that his name was ‘Abdullah and that he is from al-Ansaar, Khaalid ibn al-Waleed, and al-‘Abbaas ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with all of them. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ said: “What is the matter with Ibn Jameel?” i.e., there is nothing that he dislikes except that he was a poor man but then he has become wealthy because of war bounties that Allah has made lawful for the Muslims to have after He has made it for His Messenger ﷺ. Had it not been allowed for the Prophet ﷺ, no other person would have received any share from the spoils of war. For this reason, he has no right whatsoever to withhold it because not only is it not how a person should appreciate and thank Allah for His blessings, but also it is a form of denying the favours of Allah upon him, causing him to respond to goodness with evil. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ did not give him benefit of doubt. It has been said that Ibn Jameel was one of the hypocrites but afterwards he repented. Then, the Prophet ﷺ said: “You are being unfair to him” when you accused him of withholding the zakat. This is because he allocated his armours and weapons for fighting for Allah’s sake; thus, they are not subject to zakat. The weapons here include whatever supplies used in war such as weapons, horses, etc.
The statement of the Prophet ﷺ was directed to the collectors of the zakat because they did not know that he endowed all his armours and war supplies to the Muslim army to use them in fighting for the cause of Allah before one year has elapsed, and presumed they were intended for the purpose of business; thus, they demanded him to pay zakat. It is possible that the Prophet ﷺ intended to say that if Khaalid knew he has what he is to pay zakat on, he would have paid it without hesitation, because a person who gives away all his property for the sake of Allah willingly, it is impossible that he would withhold that which is obligatory upon him.
As for the paternal uncle of the Prophet ﷺ, al-‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that he will pay the obligatory zakat and an equal amount of it out of his generosity for he will never withhold it as he is not a miser. It has been said that al-‘Abbaas asked the Prophet ﷺ to allow him to pay his zakat before its due time and he ﷺ approved it, as reported in Sunan Aboo Dawood and Sunan al-Tirmithee and Sunan Ibn Majah. As such, the meaning of his statement, “it is incumbent upon him to pay it an equal amount along with it,” should be that it is obligatory upon al-‘Abbaas, but he paid it before its due time, and he even paid it double to cover the zakat of next year in advance.
In another version of the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim, it reads: “and as for al-'Abbas, I shall be responsible for it and an equal amount along with it. He ﷺ then said to 'Umar: Do not you know that the paternal uncle of a person is like his father.”
This hadeeth reminds the heedless of the bounties and blessings of Allah upon them who made him wealthy after he was poor so he fulfills Allah’s right.
It shows that one should give valid excuses to justify a particular action.

It highlights the merit of Khaalid ibn al-Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him). .

1469

Narrated Abii Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): Some people from the Ansaar asked for (something) from Allah's Messenger ﷺ and he gave them. They again asked him for (something) and he ﷺ again gave them. And then they asked him, and he gave them again till all that was with him finished. And then he ﷺ said "If I had anything. I would not keep it away from you. (Remember) Whoever abstains from asking others, Allah will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allah will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was so generous like a freely blowing wind who would give away without fearing poverty. Despite his generosity, he ﷺ endeavored to teach people to be content and self-sufficient and to only hope from Allah for what He has is better and everlasting.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that a group from the Ansaar – whom he did not name – asked the Prophet ﷺ for some money so he ﷺ gave them the money they asked for. He kept asking until he ﷺ gave them all the money he had. Then, the Prophet ﷺ explained to them that he will not keep away from them any money he has. Then, he ﷺ advised them to abstain from taking their needs through unlawful means, because Allah will facilitate to whoever possess this quality to obtain his needs through lawful means. After, he ﷺ encouraged them to abstain from asking people for anything and to suffice and be content with the little they have, and only ask others for help when there is a necessity that forces them to do so. By doing so, Allah will make them self-sufficient and make them view the little they have as much. Then, he ﷺ encouraged them to remain patient and accustom themselves on it because when a person is patient, he will be able and empowered to refrain from asking others for anything.
His statement: “And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient.” Means that whoever endeavours to remain patient and discipline himself to endure the difficulties of life, Allah will fill his heart with patience, and whoever takes the means while being patient, Allah will facilitate for him the means to possess this quality and made it indispensable character of his personality. The Prophet ﷺ then explained that there is no better quality or blessing or a noble character that Allah has given to anyone better than patience. This is because all virtues, such like chastity, courage, determination, dignity, emerge from patience and are based upon it. When a person is patient, he will endure all that which he disliked, by the will of Allah.
This hadeeth teaches us that it is possible to possess noble qualities and good characters by practice.
It highlights the generosity of the Prophet ﷺ and that he would go beyond loving for others what he loves for himself and putting the needs of others over his own, out of kindness and compassion.
It shows that we should apologise to the one asking for help or money when there is nothing to help or provide.
The hadeeth encourages us to rely upon Allah, remain patient, and refrain from asking people for help or money, and to wait for the provision and aid from Allah. It shows us that patience is one of the best virtues that one be granted and that its reward is abundant. .

1470

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, it is better for anyone of you to take a rope and cut the wood (from the forest) and carry it over his back and sell it (as a means of earning his living) rather than to ask a person for something and that person may give him or not.".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was always keen to enable the believers to be self-sufficient and possess the quality of chastity and take all the means to earn lawful income.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ swears by Allah, the One in Whose Hand his soul, which is a phrase the Prophet ﷺ often used when he wanted to swear by Allah. He swears that having a lawful work, regardless of its type, saves the face and is better than asking people for something. This is because even if such work is difficult and harsh, it would be better than experiencing the humiliation of begging and asking.
His statement: “it is better for anyone of you to take a rope and cut the wood (from the forest) and carry it over his back and sell it (as a means of earning his living) rather than to ask a person for something and that person may give him or not,” is to say that the hardship and suffering that a person goes through in collecting wood is better than losing face and humiliation that result from asking people for something. That is to say, finding work, even if it is hard and difficult, should be always given precedence over asking people for something whenever a person is in need.
This hadeeth encourages us to work and earn a living through lawful means that protect one’s dignity and honour.
From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning that Islam fights begging and unemployment; thus, it ordered us to work and find a living, even if it was difficult and hard work, such like collecting wood.
It shows that it is permissible to swear by Allah to emphasise the matter.
This hadeeth confirms the Hand of Allah, Most High, as it befits Him, without changing the original meaning of this attribute, without denying such attributes for Allah, without enquiring into its true nature, and without likening His attributes to those of the creation..

1472

Narrated Hakeem ibn Hizaam (may Allah be pleased with him): "(Once) I asked Allah's Messenger ﷺ (for something) and he gave it to me. Again, I asked, and he ﷺ gave (it to me). Again, I asked, and he ﷺ gave (it to me). And then he ﷺ said, "O Hakeem! This property is like a sweet fresh fruit; whoever takes it without greediness, he is blessed in it, and whoever takes it with greediness, he is not blessed in it, and he is like a person who eats but is never satisfied; and the upper (giving) hand is better than the lower (receiving) hand." Hakeem added, "I said to Allah's Messenger ﷺ, 'By Him (Allah) Who sent you with the Truth, I shall never accept anything from anybody after you, till I leave this world.'" Then Aboo Bakr (during his caliphate) called Hakeem to give him his share from the war booty (like the other Companions of the Prophet ﷺ), he refused to accept anything. Then `Umar (during his caliphate) called him to give him his share but he refused. On that `Umar said, "O Muslims! I would like you to witness that I offered Hakeem his share from this booty, and he refused to take it." So, Hakeem never took anything from anybody after the Prophet ﷺ till he died..

Commentary : Money and wealth are from the temptations of this worldly life that the believer should not be keen on collecting and ensure to avoid earning it from unlawful sources, earning it via unlawful means, or spending it in matters that displease Allah.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ instructs Hakeem ibn Hizaam ibn Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with him) to the optimal and best way to earn money. This advice was given to Hakeem after he asked the Prophet ﷺ for money three times. In his advice, the Prophet ﷺ likened the money and property of this life with the fruit that is fresh in look and good in taste, which therefore are desired, and people are keen and inclined to have because it is pleasant to the eyes and tastes delicious too. After, he ﷺexplained that whoever receives money without him persisting in asking for it, without being concerned and keen to have it, and without putting the giver in a position that he dislikes or makes him embarrassed to give it, then this money will be blessed and increased, and the recipient will taste its sweetness. As for who takes it after persisting in asking for it due to his desire to have that which other people have and his greediness and takes it even though the giver dislikes to give him what he asked for, but he was too embarrassed to decline his persisting requests, the money he received will be devoid of Allah’s blessings. Knowing that he did not refrain from asking people for money, which is a condemned practice in religion, his punishment was to take away Allah’s blessings from the money he received and thus become like a person who eats without ever feeling satisfied i.e., he does not feel content with whatever he has and the more he collects money [via this way], the hungrier and stingier he becomes. The Prophet ﷺ then mentioned that the upper hand is better the lower hand, meaning that the giver is better than the receiver.
Once Hakeem (may Allah be pleased with him) heard this valuable advice from the Prophet ﷺ, he said: “'By Him (Allah) Who sent you with the Truth, I shall never accept anything from anybody after you, till I leave this world” i.e., I swear that I will not ask anyone for money from now and on. From that day, he would not accept taking his share from the war spoils that the Muslims seized from the disbelievers without fighting. He remained firm on his position during the reigns of Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) to the extent ‘Umar asked the people to be witness that he offered Hakeem his share, but he declined it only so that no one would think that ‘Umar refused to give him his share or deprive him of his right in the war spoils that are seized without fighting, and because he feared people may misunderstand the situation, so he (may Allah be pleased with him) wanted to leave no room for gossips and misunderstanding. Hakeem remained firm on his position until he departed this life 10 years after Mu’aawiyyah (may Allah be pleased with him) assumed his position as the new Caliph. All this because he (may Allah be pleased with him) was keen on acting upon the advice of the Prophet ﷺ. Indeed, the innate nature of humans is keen on having more wealth and collecting more money for the self is disposed to take as much as it can, and whoever approaches the sanctuary is bound to transgress upon it.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is that there is no shame if a person asks the ruler for money, and that it is fine to advise the person to refrain from asking others for money and decline his requests if he is found to be persistent in his request for money while he is no need of it.
This hadeeth shows that one should not ask for help or money except when there is a real need or necessity, and that the reward of zuhd (i.e., detachment from worldly pleasures) and the blessings of Allah in wealth will be realised if a person accepts money without being attached to it or keen on having it.
It highlights an evident merit of Hakeem ibn Hizaam (may Allah be pleased with him), condemns greediness and keenness on having more wealth, encourages refraining from asking for money and to be content with the little one had, and shows that the upper hand that gives in charity is better than the lower hand that receives the charity..

1473

Narrated ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) say: Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to give me something but I would say to him, "would you give it to a poorer and more needy one than l?" The Prophet ﷺ said to me, "Take it. If you are given something from this property, without asking for it or having greed for it take it; and if not given, do not run for it.".

Commentary : Money and property are from the temptations of this life that the believer should not be attached to or keen on collecting them, avoid collecting or wealth from unlawful sources, and avoid spending it on that which Allah dislikes or forbids.
The Prophet ﷺ used to give ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab money from the zakat money. However, the money was not given as a charity but rather as remuneration for his work in collecting the zakat. For this reason, ‘Umar thought that the Prophet ﷺ was giving him the money as a charity due to his poverty thus he (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet ﷺ to give the money to those who are poorer and more needy. The Prophet ﷺ, however, ordered him to take the money, and then said to him, as reported in the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim, “keep it or give it away in charity”. He ﷺ gave him the option either to keep it or donate it after he takes it from him ﷺ. After, the Prophet ﷺ explained to him that if he is offered money or property without him being avaricious or begging for it, then he should accept it. However, if he was not offered that money or property, then he should not let his desire go after it or ask for it.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is that we learn that the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ were not after worldly pleasures, and that their deeds were only intended for the sake of Allah, Most High.
This hadeeth shows that it is permissible to accept gifts and offerings if one does not let his desire go after it or ask for it.
It highlights one of the merits of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him), and his altruism and lack of interest in worldly benefits and pleasures. .

1474

Narrated ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "A man keeps on asking others for something till he comes on the Day of Resurrection without any piece of flesh on his face." The Prophet ﷺ added, "On the Day of Resurrection, the Sun will come near (to, the people) to such an extent that the sweat will reach up to the middle of the ears, so, when all the people are in that state, they will ask Adam for help, and then Moses, and then Muhammad ﷺ." The sub-narrator added "Muhammad will intercede with Allah to judge amongst the people. He will proceed on till he will hold the ring of the door (of Paradise) and then Allah will exalt him to highly-praised status (the privilege of intercession, etc.). Thereafter, all the people of the gathering will praise him.” Mu’alla said: Wuhayb narrated from al-Nu’maan ibn Raashid from ‘Abdillah ibn Muslim, the brother of al-Zuhree that Hamzah heard ‘Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from the Prophet the same issue.

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Commentary : Money and property are from the temptations of this worldly life that believers should detach themselves from them, and refrain from desiring the wealth and possessions of others or even asking them for help or money without being in a real need so they be saved from humiliation in this life and the Hereafter.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ clarifies that if a person is not poor or in need and yet asks people for money only to increase his wealth and possessions without caring about humiliating himself, although Allah orders him to preserve his dignity, Allah will be angry at him and humiliate him in the Day of Judgment just like how he accepted to humiliate himself in life for the sake of money. On the Day of Judgment, this person will be exposed in the presence of all people and the flesh of his face will fall off due to his embarrassment and shame. All this because he did not save his face in this life and accepting to experience humiliation for the sake of money.
The Prophet ﷺ then explained that the Sun will draw so close to the people, on the Day of Judgment, such that their sweat will reach up to the middle of their airs due to the extreme heat. It is reported on the authority of al-Miqdaad ibn al-Aswad (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The people would be submerged in perspiration according to their deeds, some up to their knees, some up to the waist and some would have the bridle of perspiration.” Amid this difficult situation, the people went to Adam and then Moses ((peace be upon them) asking for their help to intercede for them with Allah but they declined their request. According to the hadeeth of intercession that is reported on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, they first asked Adam before asking Ibraheem, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them) respectively. However, all of them declined and explained their excuse. Thereupon, they ask intercession from Allah’s Messenger ﷺ and Allah, Exalted be He, approves his intercession for them. He ﷺ then proceeds on till he holds the ring of the door of Paradise. Thereupon, all the people of the gathering praise him for his intercession, which is an exclusive privilege that Allah has granted to him ﷺ to relieve the people from the torments of the Day and judge the creation and settle all the disputes between them. That is the highly praised status that Allah has promised to the Prophet ﷺ.
The scholars differed on the reason that made the other prophets (peace be upon them) not to intercede for the people with Allah. One view said that it was out of humility and due to the seriousness of the request. It has been said that they believed that this intercession and lofty status do not belong to them; thus, they directed people to another prophet until they reached the Prophet ﷺ. It is also possible that they knew that only the Prophet ﷺ is entitled to this status and privilege and they directed them to lead people gradually to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
This hadeeth teaches us that punishment fits the crime thus Allah promised those who beg and ask for money and things only to increase their wealth and not because they are in need that He will skin off their faces on the Day of the Judgment just like how they did not save their faces in this life. This is because begging and asking people is humiliation and shame, and Allah does not wish for the believer to put himself in such shame and humiliation unless there is a necessity.
We learn from this hadeeth that begging and asking people for something is commended and ugly, and that we should endeavour to give our charity to those who are in need, but their dignity prevents them from asking people for help.
It confirms the intercession of the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgment..

1476

Narrated Aboo Hurayah (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet ﷺ said, "The needy person is not the one who asks a morsel or two (of meals) from the others, but the needy is the one who has nothing and is ashamed to beg from others.".

Commentary : Property and wealth are from the pleasures and temptations of this worldly life that believers should not be keen on collecting them and avoid desiring what others have, and refrain from asking others for money or things, as much as possible.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains that the needy (Arabic: miskeen) who deserve receiving charity and zakat is not the one who begs people and would accept as little as one morsal or two. Rather, it is the one who works but what he earns is insufficient. Allah, Most High, described the ones who owned the ship in the story of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) as needy although the ownership of the ship was theirs. He said: {As for the ship, it belonged to some needy (masakeen) people, working at sea. So, I intended to damage it, for there was a ˹tyrant˺ king ahead of them who seizes every ˹good˺ ship by force.} [Quran 18:79].
The statement of the Prophet ﷺ “The needy person is not…” does not negate the vulnerability and neediness of the one who begs people. It is rather intended to mean that the vulnerability and neediness of the one who cannot cover all his basic needs are the most overwhelming. He could be a person who has money, but it is not enough to cover all his basic needs and yet is ashamed of asking people for money, and his shyness and embarrassment prevents him from informing people of his need and do not persist in his request for help. The Statement of Allah {They do not beg people persistently.} [Quran 2:273] means they do not beg people at all i.e., they do not go around begging people for money, and nobody is aware of their need. It is possible that it means that if they beg people for money and help, they would not be persistent.
This hadeeth encourages us to refrain from begging people and asking for their money, and directs us to whom we better give our charity, and that we should give priority to those who are ashamed of begging people and if they beg, they do not do it persistently. .

1477

The clerk of Al-Mugeerah ibn Shu`bah related that "Mu’aawiyyah wrote to al-Mugheera ibn Shu`bah asking him to write for him something which he has heard from the Prophet ﷺ." So, al-Mugheerah wrote “I heard the Prophet ﷺ saying, "Allah has hated for you three things: -1. Vain talks. -2. Wasting of wealth -3. And asking too many questions (in disputed religious matters).

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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ would order people to observe good manners and warn them from bad manners.
In this hadeeth, Mu’aawiyyah ibn Abee Sufyaan (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote to al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah (may Allah be pleased with him) asking him to write to him something he heard directly from the Prophet ﷺ. In response, al-Mugheerah wrote to him this hadeeth in which the Prophet ﷺ mentions that Allah disliked for His servants engaging in three things:
1. “vain talks” i.e., talking too much without a real needthat necessitates it, or about others, or reporting something that one is not certain of its truthfulness, or useless talking that neither benefits nor harms.
2. “waste of wealth” i.e., by extravagance and spending it on inappropriate things, or spending it on unlawful things and sins.
3. “Asking too many questions” i.e., asking others for their money without being in need, or asking too many questions about the matters of this life and the Hereafter like asking about acts of worship that we are ordered to perform without disclosing to us the wisdom behind them, or asking about matters that do not concern the questioner, or asking people so many questions about their life affairs such that they become embarrassed.
This hadeeth shows that it is fine to ask for knowledge be written and fulfilling such requests, and that the Companions used to take knowledge from each other.
It highlights the superiority of living with the minimum where needs are covered over poverty and wealthiness, because wasting money will lead to poverty and begging people for money, and wealthiness could lead to inflictions and trials. .

1479

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "The needy person is not the one who goes round the people and ask them for a mouthful or two (of meals) or a date or two but the needy is that who has not enough (money) to satisfy his needs and whose condition is not known to others that others may give him something in charity, and who does not beg of people.".

Commentary : Allah has praised those who do not beg people despite their need (i.e., money, food, clothes, etc.) Allah, Most High, said: {Those unfamiliar with their situation will think they are not in need ˹of charity˺ because they do not beg.} [Quran 2:273] and the Prophet ﷺ disliked for his nation to frequently ask people for help.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains that the neediest person is not the one who goes around asking people for charity and all they want is a mouthful or two of meals or a date or two, and that is because he is capable of earning his living. Allah, Exalted be He, described the people of the ship as Miskeen despite the fact they owned the ship that Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) mounted. Allah, Most High, said: {As for the ship, it belonged to some needy (masakeen) people, working at sea.} [Quran 18:79].
The statement of the Prophet ﷺ “The needy person is not…” does not negate the vulnerability and neediness of the one who begs people. Rather, it means that his vulnerability and neediness are not the most overwhelming. The true needy person is the one who does not have enough money to cover all his basic needs and make him self-sufficient, yet he is ashamed of begging and does not disclose to others his neediness thus no one knows about his condition thus they do not give charity to him. As Allah, Most High, said: {They do not beg people persistently.} [Quran 2:273]
This hadeeth teaches us that we should refrain from begging and asking people for charity and directs us to be diligent about where to put our charity and ensure that our charity is given to the needy who does not beg people for charity..

1481

Narrated Aboo Humayd al-Saa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him): We joined Allah's Messenger ﷺ in the Battle of Tabuk and we came to the valley of al-Quraa where there was a garden belonging to a woman. Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, “Make an assessment.” And Allah's Messenger ﷺ also made an assessment, and it was ten awsaaq. He asked that woman to calculate the amount. Then, we proceeded on until we came to Tabuk and Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: A violent storm will overtake you during the night, so none amongst you should stand up and he who has a camel with him should hobble it firmly. A violent storm blew and a person who had stood up was carried away by the storm and thrown between the mountains of Tayy. The King of ‘Aylah, gifted Allah's Messenger ﷺ a white mule. Allah's Messenger ﷺ wrote him (the reply) and gifted him garments. We came back until we halted in the valley of al-Quraa. Allah's Messenger ﷺ asked that woman about the total weight of the date fruits she had. She said: Ten awsaaq. Then, Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: I am going to depart, and he who amongst you wishes may depart with me, but he who wants to stay may stay. We resumed the journey until we came to the outskirts of al-Madeenah. (It was at this time) that Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: This is Taaba, this is Uhud, that is a mountain which loves us, and we love it, and then said: Should I tell you the best houses of al-Ansaar? The best amongst the houses of the Ansaar is the house of Banee al-Najjaar. Then the house of Banee ‘Abd al-Ashhal, then the house of Banee Saa’idah - or Banee ‘Abd al-Haarith ibn al-Khazraj - and there is goodness in all the houses of the Ansaar.
Sulaimaan ibn Bilaal said: ‘Amr narrated to me: then the house of Banee al-Haarith then the house of Banee Saa’idah.
Sulaymaan related from Sa’d ibn Sa’eed from ‘Umaarah ibn Ghaziyyah from ‘Abbaas from his father that the Prophet ﷺ said: Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love him..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ loved al-Madeenah, its people, and everything about it. He ﷺdeclared it a safe sacred place and supplicated Allah for His blessings to be showered in its food twice as did Ibraheem (peace be upon him) for the inhabitants of Makkah.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Humayd al-Saa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were with the Prophet ﷺ in the Battle of Tabuk, which was the last military expedition in which he ﷺ took part. It occurred in the month of Rajab in the 9th year of Hijrah against the Romans. Tabuk is in the northernmost of the Arabian Peninsula, halfway to Damascus and is situated 1252 kilometers away from the region of Hijaaz.
He (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Muslim army arrived at the Valley of al-Quraa, which is located near al-Madeenah, between Taymaa’ and Khaybar (i.e., between al-Madeenah and al-Shaam). While scholars differed on its exact location, but most signs indicate that it refers to what is known today as the Valley of al-Jazl. After their arrival to that place, he ﷺ found a garden that belonged to a woman. The Prophet ﷺ asked his Companions to estimate the weight of the date fruits that are still on the palm trees. He ﷺ estimated that they would make when they are dry about 10 awsaaq (plural of wasaq) i.e., 1300 kg since one wasaq equals 60 Saa’, and then asked the woman to measure the weight of date fruits when they are dry to get an accurate measurement.
After they arrived at Tabuk, the Prophet ﷺ informed them that there would be a stormy wind coming in the night; thus, no one should stand up so they would not be harmed by the wind, and that those with camels should hobble them firmly so they do not get loose and carried away with the wind and be harmed. On that night, a violent windstorm swept the place, and one man stood up and was carried away by the wind until threw him near the mountain of Tayy, which is located in Haa’il, in the northern part of al-Hijaaz.
The king of ‘Aylah, which is an ancient coastal town, known today as Aqaba in Jordan, gifted the Prophet ﷺ a white mule called Duldul, and in return the Prophet ﷺ gifted him fancy garments and wrote him a letter to him inviting him and his people to Islam or pay the Jizayh. They opted for the jizyah and he ﷺ accepted that they remain upon their faith and pay the jizyah.
On their way back to al-Madeenah, they arrived at the valley of al-Quraa, where they visited the owner of the garden, and the Prophet ﷺ asked her about the total weight of her date fruits to which she confirmed that it was 10 awsaaq, which was exactly as the Prophet ﷺ estimated.
Afterwards, the Prophet ﷺ informed his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) that he wishes to return to al-Madeeanh as soon as possible. It has been said that he ﷺ meant that he ﷺ wished to take the shortest route; thus, he ﷺ gave them the option to accompany him in the journey back to al-Madeenah or stay behind with the Muslim army. When he ﷺ arrived at the outskirts of al-Madeenah and saw the houses of its inhabitants from far, he ﷺ said this is Taabah (English: good) i.e., the good city that Allah has named Taabah due to its goodness. And when he ﷺ saw the mountain of Uhud, he ﷺ said that this mountain loves us and we love him. The mountain of Uhud is in the northwest of al-Madeenah and 4 km away from the Prophet Mosque. There is nothing to prevent that a non-animated object to love as Allah can create this emotion into it just like how it happens that non-animated objects extol Allah [as reported in the Quran and Sunnah]. The meaning of his statement is that he ﷺ loved the inhabitants of al-Madeenah and his love to the mountain of Uhud necessitates that it be a blessed place and encourage residing near it.
Then, the Prophet ﷺ asked his Companions if they would like to know which houses are the best amongst the Ansaar, and the word “houses” here is used in reference to their tribes. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) expressed their interest in knowing the answer so he ﷺ said: The best tribe is Banee al-Najjaar, which is the tribe of his mother and thus they are considered his maternal uncles who hosted him when he emigrated from Makkah to al-Madeenah. The next tribe he ﷺ mentioned was Banee ‘Abd al-Ashhal and that was because they were from the early tribes that entered Islam from the Ansaar at the hand of Mu’sab ibn ‘Umayr (may Allah be pleased with him) after their leader Sa’d ibn Mu’aadth entered Islam. There are a few of highly esteemed Companions from this tribe like Sa’d ibn Mu’aath, Usayd ibn al-Khudayr, and ‘Abbaad ibn Bishr. Then, he ﷺ mentioned Banee Saa’idah – or Banee al-Haarith ibn al-Khazraj and added that there is goodness in all of the tribes of al-Ansaar i.e., all the tribes of Ansaar are renowned and highly esteemed in Islam and even before Islam. However, he ﷺ ranked them based on who embraced Islam earlier and their contributions to Islam.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is learning the permissibility of estimating the total weight of dates that palm trees are expected to produce from the Rutab (i.e., dates before the maturity), so its zakat can be calculated.
This hadeeth provides one of the evidences on the truthfulness of the Prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ as he foretold the Companions about the windstorm.
It shows us that it is permissible to accept gifts from non-Muslims and that opposing the instructions of the Prophet ﷺ leads to loss and hardship.
It shows the merit of the mountain of Uhud and confirms the virtue of the Ansaar and that while they are meritorious, they differ in rank among each other..

1483

Narrated Saalim ibn ‘Abdullah from his father (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "On a land irrigated by rain water or by natural water channels or if the land is wet due to a nearby water channel one-tenth is compulsory (as Zakat); and on the land irrigated by the well, half of a one-tenth is compulsory (as Zakat on the yield of the land).".

Commentary : Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam that Allah has dictated upon those whose savings exceed the specified threshold. It is taken from the wealthy and given to the poor (i.e., all those who are eligible to receive it according to the Quran). Allah and His Messenger ﷺ explained all the rulings and details pertaining to this obligatory act of worship to protect the wealthy ones from injustice and protect the rights of those who are in need.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains that the yield of rainfed agriculture and lands irrigated by natural water channels or irrigated by rivers and nearby water sources without the help of tools is subject to one-twentieth as zakat, and the yield of lands irrigated by water taken out from the well by whatever means is subject to one-fifth as zakat. The difference of zakat rate between the two types of lands is due to the additional cost incurred by lands owners.
This hadeeth explains the zakat on agricultural products and that the hardship and expenses incurred to produce the yield affect the rate of zakat..

1485

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Dates used to be brought to Allah's Messenger ﷺ immediately after being plucked. Different persons would bring their dates till a big heap collected (in front of the Prophet ﷺ). Once Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn were playing with these dates. One of them took a date and put it in his mouth. Allah's Messenger ﷺ looked at him and took it out from his mouth and said, "Don't you know that the family of Muhammad do not eat what is given in charity?".

Commentary : Allah, Exalted be He, has honored His Prophet Muhmmad ﷺ, purified him, elevated his rank above all His creation, and endowed him with exclusive qualities that befit the state of his prophethood that makes him different to the people in certain issues that entail desire for worldly pleasures.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the people during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ would harvest the palm trees after the date fruits ripen and fully dry, and then bring the zakat of their dates to the Prophet ﷺ making a big heap. One day, al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the two sons of Alee ibn Abee Taalib and Faatimah, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ (may Allah be pleased with all of them), played with the dates, and al-Hasan picked one date from the dates of zakat and put it into his mouth. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ looked at him in a way that showed his disapproval so he ﷺ took it out from his mouth and said to him: “Don't you know that the family of Muhammad do not eat what is given in charity?” i.e., the family of Muhammad ﷺ are not allowed to accept and receive charity or zakat from people as Allah honored them because charity and zakat are the dirt of the people, as reported in the authentic hadeeths.
The family of the Prophet ﷺ who are not allowed to take or receive zakat and charity are his offspring, wives, and the descendants of ‘Abdul-Muttalib: the descendants of ‘Alee ibn Abee Taalib, the descendants of al-‘Abbaas, the descendants of Ja’far, the descendants of ‘Aqeel, and the descendants of al-Haarith.
This hadeeth shows that zakat on dates should be given upon its plucking when the dates ripen and dry.
It teaches us that we should raise and teach our children to obey the rules of religion and avoid that which is made forbidden.
It shows that we should explain to children the reason they are not allowed to do a particular act, as much as possible.
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1486

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ forbade selling fruits till they appear ripe. When he ﷺ was asked about (the words): 'appear to be ripe'?" He ﷺ replied, "Till they were safe from damage or disease.".

Commentary : Islam introduces legislations that govern the transactions and dealings between people to protect their rights and end any possibility of dispute.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ forbids people from selling fruits that are not picked yet from the tree before they appear are ripe and good to eat i.e., the taste, texture, and color appear good. This is because when fruits and dates are soft and taste good, and their color changes to yellowish or reddish can be signs of their ripeness.
When the Prophet ﷺ was asked about the signs that can indicate the fruit is ripe, his answer was that it is when the defect is no longer present i.e., the signs of ripeness are evident as that indicates its suitability for consumption. The legal reasoning for prohibiting the selling of fruits before their condition is known i.e., they appear ripe is that such transaction would entail vagueness and harm. This is because when the condition of the fruit is unknown, there would be a possibility that it may become defective or damaged; thus, the buyer will lose his money and entail taking his money without any lawful right.
This hadeeth forbids us from selling fruits before they are ripe and good to consume..

1488

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ forbade the selling of fruits until they were ripe. The Prophet ﷺ added, "It means that they become red.".

Commentary : Islam introduces legislations that govern the transactions and dealings between people to protect their rights and end any possibility of dispute.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of fruits on trees and dates on palm trees before their condition is known i.e., they are ripe and suitable for eating, and their color changes to red or yellow as that would indicate it is ripe. The Prophet ﷺ explained the red color is the sign that indicates the maturity of fruit and that is free of defects.
The legal reasoning for prohibiting the selling of fruits before their condition is known i.e., they appear ripe is that such transaction would entail vagueness and harm. This is because when the condition of the fruit is unknown, there would be a possibility that it may become defective or damaged; thus. the buyer will lose his money and entail taking his money without any lawful right.
One of the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning the ruling of impermissibility to sell dates before they are ripe, and their condition is known..

1489

Narrated Saalim from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): `Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) gave a horse in charity in Allah's Cause and later he saw it being sold in the market and intended to purchase it. However, he went to the Prophet ﷺ and asked his permission. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Do not take back what you have given in charity." For this reason, Ibn `Umar never purchased the things which he had given in charity except that he would give it in charity again.”.

Commentary : Giving in charity for the sake of Allah, Exalted be He, is considered one of the best and most rewarding good deeds. It necessitates that when a person gives something in charity hoping for its reward and blessings from Allah alone that he does not wish to have it back again or request that it goes back to his possession.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that his father ’Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) gave in charity a horse to a man so he can mount it in fighting for Allah’s cause. Afterwards, he (may Allah be pleased with him) found that this horse in the market is offered for sale. The reason the man wanted to sell the horse was because it became fatigued and no longer suitable to participate in battles like other horses. According to another report in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, the ownership of the horse was transferred to the man, which explains the reason he wanted to sell it afterwards. When ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) found the man selling his horse in the market, he presumed that the man may sell it for less than its actual value and that he was no longer able to afford looking after it. For this reason, he wanted to buy it but before doing so he consulted the Prophet ﷺ about his plan. The Prophet ﷺ said to him: “Do not take back what you have given in charity” because it was given for the cause of Allah and no person may buy his charity because a person no longer owns anything that he has given away for the cause of Allah. ‘Umar complied and refrained from proceeding with his plan.
For this reason, whenever ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would buy something that he gave in charity before, he would only do it so he can give it away in charity one more time. It is as if he understood the order of the Prophet ﷺ to only apply to whose intent is to bring back his charity into his possessions and not whose intent is to give it away in charity again.
This hadeeth highlights the virtue of donating to the Muslim army to help and support them in their fighting for the cause of Allah.
It shows that it is impermissible to buy that which a person has given in charity because it will be considered as if one reconsidered his charity..

344

Yazid in Abdullah ibn Ash-Shekhir said, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to abrogate some of his sayings by others, just as the Quran abrogates its verses by others.".

Commentary : Islamic legislation is always in harmony with the nation, especially those who lived and grew up during the pre-Islam period. Out of establishing the principle of graduation, it sometimes abrogates some established rules. In this hadith, Abdullah ibn Ash-Shekhir, one of Basra scholars, confirmed this principle with relating to the Prophet's Sunnah. It was legislated at the beginning that ablution was sufficient for a Muslim who had intercourse with his wife without ejaculation, as in the two Sahihs that Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, "I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about a man who had intercourse with his wife but left her before orgasm. He said, 'He should wash what he had (on his body) from his wife (her discharge), perform ablution, and offer prayer.'" Later, it was abrogated and established that bathing is obligatory after intercourse, whether or not, a person ejaculates. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If he sits between her four limbs, bathing is obligatory.” (Bukhari & Muslim) As for the Quran, it was, at the beginning, established that a woman is confined to her home as a punishment if she commits adultery. Allah, the Almighty, says, "And those of your women who commit illegal sexual intercourse, take the evidence of four witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them (i.e. women) to houses until death comes to them or Allah ordains for them some (other) way." (An-Nisa) It was later abrogated by the verse, "The fornicatress and the fornicator, flog each of them with a hundred stripes." (An-Nur: 2) Also, the Prophet (ﷺ) clarified this rule and said, "Learn from me. Allah has ordained for them another way. A virgin is punished with one hundred lashes and exiled for one year. A Thayyib (divorcee or widow) is punished with one hundred lashes and stoning.” (Narrated by Muslim) Finally, this hadith shows the interest of the Companions' students to study the Prophetic Sunnah, including the cases of abrogation..

349

Abu Musa said, “Some of Al-Ansar (Helpers) and some of Muhajeroun (Immigrants) had different opinions about bathing after intercourse. The Ansar said, ‘It was only obligatory due to ejaculation,’ but the Muhajeroun said, ‘It was obligatory after intercourse (whether or not he ejaculated).’” Abu Musa said to them, “I will provide you with the solution. I got up and asked Aisha to come in and I was given permission. I said to her, ‘O Mother, or Mother of the Believers, I want to ask you about something but I feel shy.’ She said, ‘Do not feel shy of asking me about something which you can ask your mother who gave you birth, for I am too your mother.’ I asked her, ‘What makes bathing obligatory?’ She replied, ‘You have asked the well-informed one! The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘If he sits between her four limbs (the woman) and the circumcision touches the circumcision, bathing is obligatory.’”.

Commentary : In this hadith, Abu Musa Al-Ash’ary said that some of Al-Ansar and some of Muhajeroun discussed the matter of bathing after intercourse. The Ansar confirmed that it was only obligatory due to ejaculation while the Muhajeroun confirmed that it was obligatory after intercourse, whether or not, he ejaculated. Abu Musa promised to provide them with the right solution. He went to Aisha, the Mother of the believers, passionately addressed her by her nickname of maternity, and modestly asked her about her opinion. She answered, "Do not feel shy of asking me about something which you can ask your mother who gave you birth, for I am too your mother," for Allah said in the Quran, "The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their (believers’) mothers.” (Al-Ahzab: 6). When he asked her about what made bathing obligatory, she answered, "You have asked the well-informed one." She narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If he sits between her four limbs (the woman) and the circumcision touches the circumcision, bathing is obligatory." He means that if a man sits between his wife's hands and legs and his penis penetrates her vagina, bathing is obligatory for both, whether or not, he ejaculates, as in Sahih Muslim that Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) added, "Even if he does not ejaculate.” Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It clarifies how the Companions are keen on discussing and learning to get the truth, (2) It shows their morals and appreciation of Aisha’s position and knowledge, for they were keen on learning from her, and (3) It confirms the obligation of bathing when a man's and woman's circumcisions touch..

350

Aisha, the Prophet's wife, narrated, "A man asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about one who has sexual intercourse with his wife but does not ejaculate due to listlessness. Is bathing obligatory for him?" He answered while Aisha was sitting by him, "I and she do it and then take a bath.".

Commentary : Purity is believers' symbol so the Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach his companions the rules of purification and they used to ask him about anything they did not understand. In this hadith, Aisha narrated that a man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about the Islamic point of view if a man had intercourse with his wife but he did not ejaculate due to listlessness. The Prophet (ﷺ) answered him while his wife Aisha was sitting, “I and she are doing so then we take a bath." He wanted to clarify that bathing was obligatory after intercourse even if there was no ejaculation. In the two Sahihs, Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If he sits between her four limbs and the circumcision touches the circumcision, bathing is obligatory.” In Muslim's narration, he added, "Even if he does not ejaculate.".

352

Abdullah ibn Ibrahim ibn Qarez narrated that he found Abu Hurairah performing ablution above the mosque and saying, "I am performing ablution, for I ate pieces of cheese. I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying, 'Perform ablution due to eating something cooked by fire.'".

Commentary : Islam legislates rules that suit the Muslim nation so it may gradually legislate some rules or even abrogate them later. The above-mentioned concept is one of the goals of abrogation in Islam. In this hadith, Abu Hurairah said that he once performed ablution because he ate pieces of cheese that were cooked by fire, for he heard the Prophet saying, “Perform ablution due to eating something cooked by fire." The Prophetic command to perform ablution due to eating something cooked by fire was later abrogated. Imam Abu Daoud reported that Jaber ibn Abdullah said, “The last of the two matters that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to do was to leave off ablution due to eating something cooked by fire." In the two Sahihs, Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) ate meat and then prayed without performing ablution or touching water. Finally, this hadith confirms that a scholar should explain the reason for his actions if he thinks that people may blame him..

353

Saeed ibn Khaled ibn Amr ibn Uthman reported that he asked Urwa ibn Az-Zubeir about performing ablution due to eating what was cooked by fire. Urwa answered, "I heard Aisha, the Prophet's wife, said, 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, 'Perform ablution due to eating what is cooked by fire.'".

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) was keen to teach his companions the invalidators of ablution, especially things that may have produced unpleasant smell such as foods cooked by fire. It may be fragrant or rich. As a result, a Muslim may need to perform ablution accordingly. In this hadith, Saeed ibn Khaled ibn Amr ibn Uthman asked Urwa ibn Az-Zubeir about performing ablution due to eating what was cooked by fire. Urwa answered, "I heard Aisha, the Prophet's wife, said, 'The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'Perform ablution due to eating what is cooked by fire.'" This hadith may mean either: (1) To perform Ablution after eating something cooked by fire, or (2) To wash our mouths and hands after eating something cooked by fire. There are other Prophetic hadiths that confirmed that there was no need to perform ablution after eating something cooked by fire. In the two Sahih books, Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) ate a sheep's shoulder then prayed without repeating his ablution. In Sunan Abu Dawud and Sunan An-Nasa'i, Jaber said, "The last of the two matters that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to do was to leave off ablution due to eating something cooked by fire." Additionally, it was authentically narrated that the Prophet's command was abrogated and his last teaching before his death in this case was to leave off ablution due to eating something cooked by fire..

357

Abu Rafe', the Prophet's servant, said, "I testify that I used to roast the goat's abdomen for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ then he prayed without repeating his ablutions.".

Commentary : The Islamic legislation is always in harmony with the Islamic nation. To establish this principle, Islamic law was graduating in some aspects till it confirmed the last legislations. As a result, some Islamic established aspects were abrogated by either Quranic verses or Prophetic statements. In this hadith, Abu Rafe', the Prophet's servant, narrated that he used to roast the goat's abdomen, including liver, spleen, heart, and Intestines for the Prophet (ﷺ) then the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed without repeating his ablution. This confirmed that a Muslim is not required to perform or repeat his ablution after eating something cooked by fire. As for the other hadith that commanded Muslims to perform or repeat ablution after eating something cooked by fire, it was abrogated by this hadith narrated by Abu Rafe'. In Sunan Abu Daoud and Sunan An-Nasa’i, Jaber ibn Abdullah narrated, "The last of the two matters that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to do was to leave off ablution due to eating something cooked by fire." Finally, this hadith refers that Islamic law always makes it easy for people about the aspect of performing ablution after eating..

359

Ibn Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ dressed and went out for prayer. Afterward, he was given bread and meat as a gift. He took three morsels then led people in prayer, without touching water." In another narration, Abdullah ibn Abbas saw Prophet did that and said, "... then pray" not "led people in prayer.".

Commentary : Purity is believers’ symbol that Islam encourages. As a result, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach his companions the rules of purification, especially when ablution is obligatory, recommended, or even unnecessary. In this hadith, Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated that one day the Prophet (ﷺ) dressed and then went out to pray in his mosque. Afterward, he was given bread and meat as a gift, which were cooked by fire. He took three morsels and then led people in prayer, without touching water. This indicates that it is not obligatory to perform ablution due to eating something cooked by fire. This hadith and others abrogate the hadiths that mentioned the command to perform ablution due to eating something cooked by fire. Abu Daoud and An-Nasa'i reported that Jaber ibn Abdullah said, "The last of the two matters that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to do was to leave off ablution due to eating something cooked by fire.” The hadith of Abdullah ibn Abbas contains the following benefits: (1) The Prophet's acceptance of gifts to make its owner happy, and (2) Islamic law's ease of the matters of purification after eating..

360

Jaber ibn Samura reported that a man asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, "Should I perform ablution due to eating sheep's flesh?" The Messenger of Allah ﷺ answered, "Perform ablution if you wish, and if you wish, do not perform it." The man asked, "Should I perform ablution due to eating camel's flesh?" The Messenger of Allah ﷺ answered, "Yes, perform ablution due to eating camel's flesh." He (again) asked, "May I pray in the sheepfolds?" The Messenger of Allah ﷺ answered, "Yes." Then he asked, "May I pray where camels lie down?" The Messenger of Allah ﷺ answered, "No.".

Commentary : Purity and prayer are believers' symbols, so Islam encourages Muslims to perform acts of worship in appropriate places and times, which the Prophet used to teach his companions. In this hadith, Jaber ibn Samura narrated that a man asked the Prophet about: (1) Performing ablution due to eating sheep’s meat, and (2) Praying in sheepfolds. The Prophet answered that it is optional to perform ablution and confirmed that it is permissible to pray in sheep's shelters. Imam Abu Daoud narrated in his Sunan that the Prophet "was asked about praying in sheepfolds, so he answered, 'Pray in them, for it has a blessing.'" Sheep are calm animals with kindness and little movements. The same man also asked the Prophet about: (1) Performing ablution due to eating its meat, and (2) Praying in camel's folds. The Prophet replied that it was necessary for a Muslim to perform ablution due to eating camel's meat. Also, he forbade us from praying in their folds. As for the cause of this prohibition, scholars mentioned the following potential reasons: (1) A camel sometimes has a sudden strong behavior so it may hurt, confuse, or interrupt the praying one, so he is being afraid that it may trample and kill him, and (2) Camels' folds are full of filths and contain deeply terrible smell. Imam Abu Daoud narrated in his Sunan that the Prophet said, "Do not pray in camels' folds, for they are the places of devils." So, devils are whispering to the praying ones in these folds. Anyway, a Muslim should avoid praying in these folds whether or not he knows the reason for this prohibition..

366

Abulkhair said, "I saw Ibn Wa'la As-Saba'i wearing fur and touched it. He said, 'Why did you touch it? I asked Ibn 'Abbas, 'We live in the western regions with Berbers and Magus who bring with them rams they slaughtered, but we do not eat what they slaughtered. Also, they bring waterskin full of fat.' Thereupon Ibn 'Abbas said, 'We asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about that so he said, 'Tanning makes it pure.'".

Commentary : Allah, the Almighty, forbade Muslims to eat dead animals, but He allowed to use their skins if they were purified by tanning. In this hadith, AbulKhair Marthad ibn Abdullah Al-Yazany saw Abderrhman ibn Wa`la As-Saba'i wearing fur, which is like a robe padded with animal skin, so he touched and wondered about it. He thought it was forbidden. Ibn Wa`la got the point and told him that he related the whole story to Abdullah ibn Abbas. He said that he lived in the western regions with Barbarians, who were like Bedouins in cruelty and harshness, and Magus, Fire worshippers. They brought rams they slaughtered in a way that contradicted the Islamic way, but Abderrahman did not eat them, for they were not among the People of the Book whose sacrifices were permissible in Islam. They also brought waterskin full of fat and melted tallow. They were vessels made of skins of the slaughtered animals. He wanted to ask Abdullah ibn Abbas about the Islamic perspective on: (1) The skins made of dead animals, (2) The skin on which the name of Allah was not mentioned, or (3) The skin whose animal was slaughtered by someone who did not mention the name of Allah upon it. He wanted to ask him if it was permissible to use it for drinking or putting meat fat. Ibn Abbas confirmed that the Companions asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about that who told them that the skin of a dead animal was purified by tanning. Tanning is to remove anything after the skinning process so it does not contradict salt or preservatives. Afterward, it is permissible to eat, drink, and use it in all allowable ways. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It confirms the permissibility to use the skin of a dead animal, and (2) It clarifies how the Islamic legislation makes it easier for people to benefit from their properties..

370

Abdullah ibn Omar narrated that a man passed by and greeted the Messenger of Allah ﷺ while he was urinating, but the Prophet ﷺ did not respond to his salutation.".

Commentary : Since returning one’s greeting involves mentioning Allah, this mentioning has to be voided while answering the call of nature. Abdullah ibn Omar narrated that a man passed by and greeted the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was urinating, but the Prophet (ﷺ) did not return his greeting. It was as if he disliked mentioning Allah in that state of exposed private parts and lack of purity. In Sunan Abu Daoud, Al-Muhajer ibn Qunfudh narrated, "He came to the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was urinating. He greeted him but the Prophet did not return his greeting until he performed ablution. He then apologized to him and said, "I disliked mentioning Allah, the Almighty, except in the state of purification." This is evidence that the word "salam" (peace) that people use in greeting one another is one of Allah's names. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It urges Muslims to maintain their purity while mentioning Allah which has a high virtue, and (2) It confirms that it is better to refrain from mentioning Allah while being in inappropriate states like urinating and the like..

373

Aisha, Mother of the Believers, said, "The Prophet ﷺ used to remember Allah in all of his affairs.".

Commentary : Allah said, "O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance." (Al-Ahzab: 41) Remembering Allah may be with one's heart or tongue. The Prophet (ﷺ) had an abundant share of these two types. He used to frequently remember Allah more than anyone else. In this hadith, Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to remember Allah in all his affairs, except during cases in which a Muslim was forbidden from remembering Him as during intercourse, answering the call of nature, etc. He was deeply keen to remember, glorify, and praise Allah. He taught us the best formulas that had great rewards whether or not they were confined to specific times or numbers. Her words, "in all of his affairs" confirmed that remembering Allah was not confined to a specific form as in prayer, circumambulation, or reciting the Quran, for which a Muslim should perform ablution ahead. She meant that he used to remember Allah, the Almighty, whether or not he performed ablution or bathing after intercourse, whether he was standing, sitting, lying down, or walking..

374

Ibn Abbas narrated, "We were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and he had come out of the privy (answering the call of nature). Food was presented to him. It was said to him (by the Companions around him), 'Will not you perform ablution?' Upon this, he said, 'Why? Will I pray so I have to perform ablution?.

Commentary : Ablution is a prerequisite to the validity of prayer. A prayer is not accepted without ablution. However, performing ablution after relieving oneself is recommended. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach his nation the obligatory and recommended acts and did not always command them to perform recommended acts, but he may have sometimes abandoned them to confirm that it is legitimate to abandon them. In the past, people originally used to call the safe and spacious place in deserts in which they relieved themselves "gha'et." Afterward, they used this word to refer to excrement, for they hated to call it by its real name. In this hadith, Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated that when the Prophet (ﷺ) began to eat from a food provided to him after he came back from privy, his companions reminded him that he did not perform ablution after relieving himself. He answered in denial, “Why? Will I pray so I have to perform ablution?" He confirmed that it was not obligatory for a person to perform ablution after answering the call of nature. Finally, this hadith shows that it is only Islamic law that clarifies the cases in which the ablution is invalid or obligatory..

376

Anas ibn Malek said, "The Prophet's companions used to doze off then offer prayer without repeating ablutions.".

Commentary : Ablution is a prerequisite to prayer, so it is not accepted without ablution. Therefore, Islamic law detailed the matters invalidating ablution. This hadith indicates the lawfulness of sleeping before prayer as long as one keeps his state of ablution. Anas ibn Malik said, "The Prophet's companions (ﷺ) used to doze off then offer prayer without repeating ablution." They used to do so in the presence of the Prophet (ﷺ) who did not decline their behavior. In a narration of Abu Daoud, Anas said, "until their heads lowered down." This means that their heads lowered down due to dozing while they were waiting for prayer. His saying, "... without repeating ablution." is a confirmation that they did not repeat their ablution, for while they were dozing, they were aware of what was around them. They did not sleep deeply, which invalidates ablution, unlike the heavy sleeping that, of course, invalidates ablution due to the lack of awareness..

379

Abu Mahthourah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ taught him this call to prayer, "Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. I testify that there is no god but Allah, I testify that there is no god but Allah. I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." Then, he should repeat, "I testify that there is no god but Allah, I testify that there is no god but Allah. I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Come to the prayer (twice). Come to success (twice)." Ishaq added, "Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah.".

Commentary : The azan is to inform people about prayer time. Its words combine the Islamic doctrine of monotheism. In this hadith, Abu Mahthura narrated the words of the call to prayer as the Prophet (ﷺ) taught him when being appointed as a governor of Mecca in the eighth year after the Battle of Hunein. Although being concise, “Allah is the greatest" refers to His perfection and negates any meaning that may contradict so. It may mean that Allah is too great that we can realize His greatness. The testimony of faith has two parts. The first one is to prove monotheism, mean that no god worthy of worship except Allah, and negate its opposite of having any partnership. It is the testimony that has precedence and priority over any other issue in Islam. The other part is to declare and prove the message of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), which directly comes after the testimony of Allah’s oneness. Afterward, the caller urges Muslims twice to come to perform prayer, which mentioned after proving the Prophet's message, for we know the obligation of prayer from the Prophet’s teachings, not due to human realization. Then, the caller commands Muslims twice to come to success, victory, and permanent bliss, which reminds them of the events of the hereafter like resurrection and reckoning. In Abu Daoud's narration, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If it is Dawn (Fajr) prayer, you should say, 'Prayer is better than sleeping, prayer is better than sleeping.'" At the end, he concluded the call with, "Allah is the Greatest" twice then said, "There is no god but Allah." In narrations in Sunan Abu Daoud and An-Nasa'i, he mentioned "Allah is the Greatest" four times in the beginning. The words of the call to prayer are repeated more than once to make sure that lots of people know about the prayer time. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It clarifies some of prayer call's formula, and (2) The virtue of the companion Abu Mahthura, for the Prophet (ﷺ) taught him the call words himself..

381

Aisha narrated, "Ibn Um Maktoum used to pronounce adhan at the Messenger's behest ﷺ while he was blind.".

Commentary : The job of a caller to prayer is to raise his voice loudly with the words of the prayer call to inform people about the prayer time. A blind person can do so if he has someone telling him about the its time. In this hadith, Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, narrated that Abdullah ibn Umm Maktoum, his name is Abdullah ibn Qais ibn Za'ida Al-Qurashi and he is the cousin of Khadija, the Mother of the Believers, was a blind man whose job was to call people to prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) assigned Bilal ibn Rabah to call to prayer along with Abdullah for the following cause. When the Companions secluded and prayed at night in Ramadan in the Prophetic mosque, they were surprised by the call to Fajr (Dawn) prayer before taking a rest and having suhour meal as a preparation to fast. Some may have dozed off before bathing due to intercourse. As a result, the Prophet (ﷺ) decided that Bilal called to Fajr prayer before its time to alert those praying or sleeping. At Fajr time, Bilal descended from the place of call then Abdullah ascended to call to prayer so that people refrained from eating suhour and prepared themselves for Fajr prayer. This is explained by the narration of the two Sahihs in which Abdullah ibn Omar narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Verily, Bilal calls to prayer at night, so you can keep eating (suhour) and drinking until Ibn Um Maktoum calls." Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) A blind man’s call to prayer is valid on condition that he has someone telling him about its time, (2) It confirms the legitimacy of a man’s lineage to his mother as long as it becomes famous and there is a need for it, (3) It refers to the legitimacy of describing a person with a flaw for the purpose of definition or other benefits, not to belittle him, and (4) It shows the legitimacy of appointing two callers to prayer in one mosque..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths