Narrated Khaalid ibn Aslam: We went out with 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and a nomad said (to 'Abdullah), "Tell me about Allah's saying: {And those who hoard up gold and silver and spend them not in the way of Allah} (Quran.9:34)." Ibn 'Umar said, "Whoever hoarded them and did not pay the zakat thereof, then woe to him. But this ayah was revealed before the ayah of zakat. When it was revealed, Allah made zakat a purifier of the property.".

Commentary : Wealth is the adornment of this worldly life, and the Prophet ﷺ clarified the due rights that whoever has abundant wealth should fulfill, such as zakat and charity. He ﷺ explained the great reward that will be earned from fulfilling these rights, and the punishment that will be received if these rights are not fulfilled.

In this hadeeth, the Taabi’eeKhaalid ibn Aslam reports that he was travelling with ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), and during their journey, a nomad man asked him to explain the ayah: {And those who hoard up gold and silver and spend them not in the way of Allah}. Ibn ‘Umar clarified to him that it refers to those who collect and hoard up gold and silver, and do not fulfill the right of Allah in them, by means of zakat, charity, and spending them in the way of Allah. Those people are promised to receive grave punishment on the Day of Judgment. However, this was before the zakat was made obligatory. It is as if Allah wanted to warn the rich against hoarding up their wealth and refraining from spending it in the way of Allah, Most High. Afterwards, the zakat was made mandatory, in the second year of Hijrah. Not only did Allah, Most High, make zakat and charity a means to purify one’s wealth, but also a way to purify one’s character and heart from miserliness and low manners. This only happens when the zakat is paid to those who are eligible to receive it.
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1405

Narrated AbooSa’eed(may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "No zakat is due on property mounting to less than five uqiyas, and no zakat is due on less than five camels, and there is no zakat on less than five wasqs." .

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ explained to us the rulings of zakat on all different kinds of wealth, and clarified the threshold of each kind, and the value under which no zakat is due.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains that zakat is not due on silver, if one only has five uqiyahs of silver. For calculation purposes, a one uqiyah equals forty dirhams of pure silver; hence, five uqiyahsare two hundred dirhams of pure silver. According to the modern measures, this amounts to about 595 grams of pure silver.The zakat on silver is one dirhamfor every forty dirhams above this threshold.

Likewise, there is no zakat due on camels, if a person has less than five camels. However, if one owns from five to 9 camels, then its due zakat is one sheep, and if one has more than 9 camels, the zakat increases according to the hadeeths that detailed its due zakat.

There is no due zakat on grains, dates, and their like, if their amount is less than five wasaqs. For calculation purposes, a one wasaq equals 60 Saa’, hence, the threshold is about 653 kg in our modern measures since 5 wasaqs equal 300 Saa’s. This indicates that fruits and vegetables are not subject to zakat, because they are not measured the same way as grains and dates, and are not stored to consume later like grains,and alsoare not considered a meal or a means of sustenance. The zakat is paid on that which comes from earth such as date, risen, wheat, rice, corn, and so forth.

This hadeeth is animportant text that explains the threshold of the different kinds of wealth that are subject to zakat. The threshold of silver is 200 dirhams, and of camels is 5 camels, and of grains and dates and their like is 60 Saa’.
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1406

Narrated Zayd ibn Wahb: I passed by a place called Ar-Rabadha, and by chance, I met Aboo Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him), and asked him, "What has brought you to this place?" He said, "I was in the Shaam and differed with Mu’aawiyah(may Allah be pleased with him)on the following ayah): {They who hoard up gold and silver and spend them not in the way of Allah.}[Quran 9.34]. Mu’aawiyahsaid, “Thisayahwas revealed regarding the People of the Book." I said, it was revealed regarding us as well as the People of the Book." Because of this, we had a quarrel, and Mu'aawiyah sent a complaint against me to `Uthmaan(may Allah be pleased with him). `Uthman wrote to me to come to al-Madinah, so I came.. Many people came to me as if they had not seen me before. I mentioned this to `Uthmaan, who said to me, "You may depart and live nearby if you wish." That was the reason for my being here, for even if aHabasheehad been assigned as my ruler, I would have obeyed him..

Commentary : The noble Companion Aboo Dhar al-Ghafaaree(may Allah be pleased with him) was known for his ascetic lifestyle- as he had no interest in worldly pleasures- and his strong position to support and advocate the truth. He (may Allah be pleased with him) maintained these qualities all through his life.

In this report, the Taab’iee Ibn Wahb reports that he passed by an area called Ar-Rabdhah, which is 170 km away from the east of al-Madinah, and there,he found Aboo Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him), although it was not a residential area. He inquired from him about the reason that he lives in such a remote area, far away from people.Aboo Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) explained to him that he differed with Mu’aawiyahover the reason for the revelation of the ayah: {They who hoard up gold and silver and spend them not in the way of Allah.} [Quran 9.34], as he believed that it was revealed regarding the Muslims and the People of the Book, while Mu’aawiyah argued that it was revealed regarding only the People of the Book. The latter came to this conclusion based on the context of the ayah, since it was addressing the monks and priests who do not pay the due zakat on their wealth, while Aboo Dhar considered the general meaning of the ayah, meaning whoever believes zakat is obligatory, yet refrains from paying it, will be included in those who are promised the severe punishment mentioned in the Quran. At that time, ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan was the ruler and Mu’aawiyah(may Allah be pleased with him) was the governor of Damascus. So, he wrote a letter to him explaining the dispute that occurred between him and Aboo Dhar (may Allah be pleased with them). The reason he complained to ‘Uthmaan about Aboo Dhar is that he found his asceticlifestyle and strict interpretation [of Quran and Sunnah] may spread and cause disturbance, or even drive some to rebel against him without any valid excuse. Nothing in this hadeeth suggests that he asked ‘Uthmaan to order Aboo Dhar to return to al-Madinah as he only wanted his advice to find a solution.

‘Uthmaan wrote a letter to Aboo Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) ordering him to leave Damascus and return to al-Madinah. Aboo Dhar complied and returned to al-Madinah, but the people there were curious about the incident and dispute that happened between him and Mu’aawiyah(may Allah be pleased with them). He mentioned to ‘Uthmaan that people crowd around him, and they are surprised atseeing him, as if they never saw him before. To which, ‘Uthmaan gave him the choice either to stay, or leave al-Madinah to avoid all this annoyance. This proves that Aboo Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) was not expelled or forced to depart al-Madinah, and that it was his choice and desire to relocate to Ar-Rabdhah. Then, Aboo Dhar mentions that he would obey his rulers, as it is obligatory to do so, even if the person that the Caliph appointed as his ruler was a black slave.

We can conclude from this hadeeth that we should not rebel against the rulers, and that we should obey them, even if their opinion on a matter is not considered correct.

It shows that it is permissible to have different opinions on matters that are open for personal endeavours to understand.

It shows the kind treatment that rulers showed to the scholars i.e., Mu’aawiyah(may Allah be pleased with him) did not deny the interpretation of Aboo Dhar although he held a different opinion, and instead he raised his case to the one who is higher in position..

1408

Narrated Aboo al-‘Alaa’ ibn al-Shikheer that al-Ahnaf ibn Qays informed him: While I was sitting with some people from Quraysh, a man with very rough hair, clothes, and appearance came and stood in front of us, greeted us and said, "Inform those who hoard wealth, that stones will be heated in the Hell-fire, and will be put on their nipples until they come out from the bones of their shoulders, and then put on the bones of their shoulders till they come through their nipples, leaving them trampled." After saying that, the person retreated and sat by the side of the pillar, I followed him and sat beside him, and I did not know who he was. I said to him, "I believe the people disliked what you had said." He said, "These people do not understand anything, although my close friend told me so." I asked, "Who is your close friend?" He said, "The Prophet ﷺ said (to me), “O Aboo Dhar! Do you see the mountain of Uhud?” And on that, I (Aboo Dhar) started looking towards the sun to judge how much remained of the day, as I thought that Allah's Messenger ﷺ wanted to send me to do something for him and I said, “Yes!” He said, “I do not love to have gold equal to the mountain of Uhud unless I spend it all in Allah's cause except three Dinars. These people do not understand; they collect worldly wealth. No, by Allah, neither do I ask them for worldly benefits, nor am I in need of their religious advice till I meet Allah.".

Commentary : The noble Companion Aboo Dhar al-Ghafaaree(may Allah be pleased with him) was known of his ascetic lifestyle as he had no interest in worldly pleasures, and his strong position to support and advocate the truth. He (may Allah be pleased with him) maintained these qualities all his life until he died.

In this hadeeth, the Taab’iee al-Ahnad ibn Qays reports that, while he was sitting with a group of leaders and revered people from Qurasyh, a man with very rough hair, clothes, and appearance approached them, which is a description used to indicate his ascesis. This man was Aboo Dhar al-Ghafaaree(may Allah be please with him), the Companion of the Prophet ﷺ. He greeted the people and then said “inform those who hoard wealth’- it appeared that he wanted to support his view that hoarded wealth is all that which exceeds the needs of a person. This view is reported to be adopted by others too, and it is the view he is known to adopt. However, the correct view, according to the majority [of scholars], is that hoarded wealth refers to the wealth that zakat was not paid on; otherwise, it is not condemned, whether it is little or much. Then, he (may Allah be pleased with him) informed them that the punishment of those who hoard up wealth is stones that will be heated in the Hellfire, and then will be put on their nipples till these stones come out from the soft bones of their shoulders, and then move back until they come out through their nipples. His words ‘leaving them trampled’ is to show the great disturbance and uncontrolled movement of their bodies due to their pain. It has been said that the trampling is intended to describe the moving of the stones back and forth through their shoulder bones and nipples.

Then, he left and sat by the side of a pillar. Thereupon, al-Ahnaf ibn Qays followed him and sat with him. as he did not know the identity of this man. He said to Aboo Dhar: "I believe the people disliked what you had said,’ meaning they were displeased with hearing his words. Aboo Dhar, however, responded by saying that they lacked the ability to understand, since they endeavour and are keen on collecting wealth. Then, he mentioned that his close friend, the Prophet ﷺ asked him once: “Do you see the mountain of Uhud?” and that he started looking towards the sun to see how much remained of the day. as he thought that Allah's Messenger ﷺ wanted to send him to do something for him. The Prophet ﷺthen said to him that if he had gold equal to the mountain of Uhud, then there is nothing he would love to do more than spend it all in the way of Allah, Most High, except three Dinars; one to spend on his wife, children and dependents, one to free a slave, and one to repay a debt- because debt is not wiped out by passing, and the person will remain liable to it even after death [if no one settles it on his behalf], and he will not enter Paradise until his debt is settled, even if he was a believer.

Thereafter, Aboo Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) explained that those people who do not spend their wealth in the cause of Allah lack sensibility and do not understand, as their biggest concern is hoarding and collecting wealth. Then, he swore by Allah that he would not ask people for any worldly benefits, and that he would be satisfied with the minimum from this worldly life, and that he would not even ask them about a matter related to religion until he dies, as he is content with the knowledge that he heard from the Prophet ﷺ.

We can conclude, from this hadeeth, that the Prophet ﷺ was the least interested of all people in worldly pleasures and gains, to the extent he ﷺ did not like to keep in his possession anything from this life, except that which he ﷺ needed to spend on those who deserve it.

This hadeeth encourages us to spend in good causes, and to give the repayment of one’s own debts precedence over voluntary charity.

It also shows that it is permissible to ask others for loans.

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1410

Narrated AbooHurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "If somebody gives in charity something equal to a date, from his lawful earned money ----for nothing ascends to Allah except that which is good---- then Allah will take it in His Right (Hand) and bring it up for its owner, as anyone of you brings up a baby horse, till it becomes like a mountain.".

Commentary : In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ encourages us to gives in charity, even if it is very little, and informs us that if a person gives in charity as little as a date that he has earned from a lawful source of income – as Allah does not accept anything unless it is earned from lawful sources – then Allah, Exalted be He, will take this charity in His Right Hand –to show that He will honour it since His both Hands are Right – and then grow it and multiply its reward, to make his scale heavier, and He will nurture it, until it becomes like a mountain in size and weight, on the Day of Judgment. And he ﷺlikened it to the analogy of how a person takes care of a baby horse that needs great attention and care.

From this hadeeth, we learn that Allah, Exalted be He, only accepts good charity,which is given with sincerity and is from lawful money.

This hadeeth also teaches us that the reward and significance ofcharity depends on its lawfulness and the sincerity of the person who gives it, not on its value or amount.

Furthermore, it shows that good deeds will take tangible forms on the Day of Judgment, and thus, will have an image, weight, and size, that will be placed on the scale of good deeds.
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1411

Narrated Harithah ibn Wahb(may Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Prophet ﷺ saying, "O people! Give in charity, as a time will come upon you, when a person wanders about with his object of charity and cannot find anybody to accept it. It will be said to him, "If you had brought it yesterday, I would have taken it, but today I am not in need of it.".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ would always encourage his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to do good deeds, one of which wasoffering zakat and charity to those who deserve it.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ orders us to never delay in giving charity and paying our zakat, as there will come a time when wealth will be abundant such that no person will be in need. This will happen towards the end of time, close to the time of the Hour, as noted in the narration in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim,from AbooHurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him). This signis considered to be among the minor signs of the Hour. It has been said that it will take place during the time of al-Mahdee, and when Jesus (peace be upon him) descends to earth. At that time, a person will walk around searching for any poor person to give charity or zakat tobut will find no one to accept it from him. Every time he offers his zakat and charity to someone, they will decline it and say to him, “If you had brought it yesterday, I would have taken it, but today I am not in need of it.” The reason they would say this is thought to be because they have become rich and are no longer in need of money, but it has also been said that it is because people would opt for the Hereafter, and give up on worldly pleasures, Thus, they would be satisfied with whatever Allah provides for them each day, and refrain from saving any money for tomorrow.

It has been said that this hadeeth serves as a warning and threat to those who would delay in giving charity – that is to say, it is a threat to those who intentionally delay giving it to the poor who deserve it, until the poor are no longer in need of the money. In this case, the rich will be liable and held accountable, because they did not help the poor when theywere in need.

This hadeeth warns us against postponing the giving of zakat, because doing so may result in the person finding no one to take it from him later.

It also serves as evidence that testifies to the Prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ.
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1412

Narrated AbooHurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established till your wealth increases so much so that one will be worried, for no one will accept his zakat, and the person to whom he will give it will reply, 'I am not in need of it.' ".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ would always encourage his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to do good deeds, one of which was offering zakat and charity to those who deserve it.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺspeaks of a time that will come, when people will have so much wealth, that no one will be in need of charity or zakat. He ﷺ informs us that the Day of Judgment will not be established before this happens, during the time of al-Mahdee and Jesus (peace be upon him) after he descends to earth. At that time, wealth will be so abundant, such that people will be concerned, as they will not find anyone to accept their charity and zakat. And, when they find a poor person and offer it to him, he would still decline and say he is not in need of it, because he has sufficient money. It has also been said that this is because people would opt for the Hereafter, and give up on worldly pleasures; thus, they would be satisfied with whatever Allah provides for them each day, and refrain from saving any money for tomorrow.

This hadeeth is believed to serve as a warning and threat to those who would delay in giving charity – that is to say, it is a threat to those who intentionally delay giving it to the poor who deserve it, until the latter are no longer in need of money. In this case, the rich will be liable and held accountable because they did not help the poor when they were in need.

This hadeeth warns us against postponing the giving of zakat, because doing so may result in the person finding no one to take it from him later.

It serves as a sign that testifies to the Prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ.
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1413

Narrated `Adi ibn Haatim(may Allah be pleased with him): While I was sitting with Allah's Messenger ﷺ,two persons came to him; one of them complained about his poverty and the other complained about the prevalence of robberies. Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "With regards to stealing and robberies, there will shortly come a time when a caravan will go to Makkah (from al-Madinah), without any guard. And regarding poverty, The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established till one of you wanders about with his charity and will not find anybody to accept it. Each one of you will stand in front of Allah, and there will be neither a barrier nor an interpreter between him and Allah, and Allah will ask him, “Did not I give you wealth?” He will reply in the affirmative. Allah will further ask, “Did not I send a Messenger to you?” And again, that person will reply in the affirmative. Then, he will look to his right, and he will see nothing but Hellfire, and then he will look to his left and will see nothing but Hellfire. And so, each one of you should save himself from the fire, by giving even half of a date-fruit (in charity). And if you do not find a half datefruit, then (you can do it through saying) a pleasant word..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ would always urge his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to hasten to good deeds, encouraging them to do good deeds and warning them against sins, by reminding them of what Allah has made for people in the Hereafter i.e., Paradise and Hellfire.

In this hadeeth, ‘Adi ibn Haatim(may Allah be pleased with him) reports that while he was sitting with the Prophet ﷺ, two men approached him to raise their concerns about two issues. The first one complained about poverty,and the other expressed his concern regarding road robberies. The Prophet ﷺ assured the latter that safety will prevail,as it will not be long until caravans will travel without requiring any guard alongside them to provide protection. This happened after Islam spread everywhere. He ﷺ explained to the former that the Day of Judgment will not be established until poverty disappears, and people become affluent, as it will be one of the signs of the Hour. It has been said this will happen during the time of al-Mahdee and Jesus (peace be upon him), after he descends to earth. At that time, wealth will be so abundant, that people will find no one to accept their charity and zakat. It has been said this it will be so because people would opt for the Hereafter, and give up on worldly pleasures, thus, they would be satisfied with whatever Allah provides for them each day, and refrain from saving any money for tomorrow.

Then, the Prophet ﷺ explained that on the Day of Judgment, each person will stand before Allah, Most High, without having any barriers between him and Allah, Exalted be He, who will talk to them directly, without any medium or interpreter. At that point, Allah will ask each one, “Did not I give you wealth?”, “Did not I send a Messenger to you?” The person who withheld his zakat will reply in the affirmative, and acknowledge that Allah sent a Messenger, who conveyed to the people that Allah made zakat one of the pillars of Islam, and that the poor have a right on their money,which should be fulfilled. Then, this person will look to his left and right, and will see nothing but Hellfire. At that moment, he will become certain that he will be punished for his miserliness.

Thereafter, the Prophet ﷺ ordered each and every Muslim to shield himself from Hellfire,by giving charity, even if it was as little as half of a date-fruit. And if they do not find a half date fruit, thenthey should speak good to people, to bring happiness to their hearts. This proves that speaking good words is a form of charity that protects from the Hellfire, and evil words bring about punishment in Hellfire. For this reason, the Muslim should never belittle any charity even if it is extraordinarily little, because it will benefit the person who gave it in charity,as well as the person who will receive it.

This hadeeth warns us from postponing the giving of zakat, because doing so may make the person find no one to take it from him later.

It also serves as evidence that testifies to the Prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ.

Furthermore, it shows that even a little charity is accepted by Allah, Most High, and that we should never look down upon any little charity and urge people to never underestimate any good deed or word, regardless of how little it is.
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1414

Narrated AbooMoosa(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "A time will come upon the people, when one will wander about with gold as zakat, and will not find anybody to accept it. And one man will be seen followed by forty women to be their guardian, because of scarcity of men and great number of women. ".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ would always urge his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to hasten to good deeds, encouraging them to do good deeds, particularly giving zakat and charity to those who deserve it.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ clarifies that there will come a time when wealth will be so abundant, that no person will be in need. This will happen towards the end of time, close to the time of the Hour, as noted in the narration in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, from AbooHurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him). This sign is considered from among the minor signs of the Hour.

It has been said that it will take place during the time of al-Mahdee and when Jesus (peace be upon him) descends to earth. At that time, a person will walk around with his zakat of gold, searching for any poor person to give it to, yet he will find no one to accept it from him. This is because people will become affluent,and no longer be in need of money. It has also been said that this is because people would opt for the Hereafter, and give up on worldly pleasures, and they would therefore be satisfied with whatever Allah provides for them each day, and refrain from saving any money for tomorrow.

It has been said that this hadeeth serves as a warning and threat to those who would delay in giving charity – that is to say, it is a threat to those who intentionally delay giving it to the poor who deserve it, until the poor are no longer in need of money. In this case, the rich will be liable and held accountable because they did not help the poor when they were in need.

Thereafter, the Prophet ﷺ mentions that at that time, each man will be chased by forty women, be they his wives, servants, or relatives i.e., they will pursue him to marry them, to seek his help and protection, or request him to fulfil their needs. The example of this is a tribe that has no men left in it except one, so all the women in that tribe will turn to him. It is possible that the number mentioned in this hadeeth is a metaphor, to indicate the large proportion of women to men, based on a narration in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, wherein Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Prophet ﷺ said: “...Until fifty women will have one guardian”; conversely, it could reflect the actual number.

This hadeeth warns us against postponing the giving of zakat, because doing so may result in the person finding no one to take it from him later.

It also serves as evidence that testifies to the Prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ..

1415

Narrated AbooMas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him): When the Ayah enjoining charity was revealed, we used to carry loads on our backs to earn something that we could give away in charity. One person presented a considerable amount for charity and the hypocrites said: "He has done it to show off." Another one gave away a Saa' [of dates] and they said: "Allah does not stand in need of this person's dates". Thereupon, it was revealed: {Those who defame such of the believers who give charity (in Allah's Cause) voluntarily, and such who could not find to give charity (in Allah's Cause) except what is available to them...}[Quran 9:79].

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were quick to respond to the orders of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, and each one of them would give away in charity what they were able to offer and spend [from their wealth].
In this hadeeth, AbooMasʿood al-Ansaaree (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that “when the ayah of obligatory almsgiving was revealed”, as if he was referring to the ayah: {Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.} [Quran 9:103]
“We bore heavy loads [for profit]”: that is to say: we were carrying [heavy loads] for others on our backs for wages with the intention of earning a wage so that we can give away in charity.’ This is a description of the condition of their poverty and hardship at that time; and he mentioned, according to a narration reported by al-Nasaa’ee: “one of us could not find anything to give alms until he went out to the marketplace; to carry loads for people [for wages]. Then, he would come with a mudd and gave it to the Prophet ﷺ.”
Then a man - it has been said that it was ʿAbd al-Rahmaan ibn ʿAwf - came and offered a lot of his wealth in charity. The hypocrites said: ‘[What a] hypocrite. He did not intend to offer it for the sake of Allah!’ Afterwards, [another] man came and offered a Saaʿ of food in charity. The Saaʿ is equivalent to at least 2036 grams, i.e., two kilograms and thirty-six grams; and at most equalling 4288 grams, namely: four kilograms and two hundred and eighty-eight grams.
Then, the hypocrites said: ‘that Allah is not in need of this Saaʿ! Afterwards, Allah The Mighty and Majestic sent down [the following ayah] {{Those who defame such of the believers who give charity (in Allah's Cause) voluntarily, and such who could not find to give charity (in Allah's Cause) except what is available to them...} [Quran 9:79], and the ayah’s meaning is: [that] those who reproach wealthy, believers voluntarily offering their alms, and also reproach those who [can] obtain [only] a little when it results from what they are capable of [earning]; thus, they mock them by saying: “What is the benefit in you offering [these] alms?!” Allah will mock them, as a recompense for them mocking the believers. And they will have a painful punishment [as well]. This is a requital for their misdeeds and mocking the believers because the recompense is of the same type as the deed. So, He, Exalted be He, will treat them [in the same way] as those who had mocked [the believers]; as a form of retribution for [what they did to] the believers in this world.
From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it urges us to offer charity, whether it is a little or great amount.
It shows that a person should not despise what he offers in charity.
And lastly, that we can see that the [pious] predecessors were humble, eager for the good, and employed themselves in [various] professions and [positions] of service.
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1416

Narrated AbooMas’ood al-Ansaaree (may Allah be pleased with him): Whenever the Messenger of Allahﷺordered us to give charity, we used to go to the market and work as porters and get a Mudd (a special measure of grain) and then give it in charity. (Those were the days of poverty) and today some of them have one hundred thousand.”.

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were quick to respond to the orders of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ,and each one of them would give away in charity what they were able to offer and spend [from their wealth].
In this hadeeth, AbooMasʿood al-Ansaaree (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that whenever the Prophet ﷺ ordered for the offering of obligatory alms and charity from their own wealth, some of them would head towards the marketplace, and carry [heavy loads] for others on their back - with the intention of earning a wage so that he could give away in charity - then, he would earn a mudd, which is very close to 1.3 pounds, as compensation for their hire; in order to offer the alms with it. This is an indication of the hardship[s] and poverty conditions that were upon them at the time; yet, despite that, they were eager to work and offer charity with the little which they had to pay from the wages of their labour. Then, the narrator said: “And today, some of them have one hundred thousand”, By this, he referred to what the Companions were enduring in the time of the Prophet ﷺ, from the scarcity of things, and to what they became after him ﷺ as they have become wealthy and well off because of the many conquests [that occurred afterwards]. In spite of that, in the beginning, they used to give in charity whatever they acquired, even if hardship came to them.
In a narration reported by al-Nasaa’ee: “I know a man who has a hundred thousand [Dirham] now, [but] on that day, he did not have a single dirham,” that is to say: ‘On the day which he used to carry loads for hire, because they were destitute at that time. And today, they are rich.’ This may be interpreted, either, as speaking about the blessings of Allah, and His Favour for them after He enriched them. Or, about some [consequence] of what had befallen the people with regards to the transformation [of their hearts] and eagerness [to excel] in this world because after they were poor and eager to offer alms, they became rich. But they did not give charity in the same manner that they used to do before that.
AbooWaa’il, Shaqeeq ibn Salamah, the narrator of the hadeeth on the authority of AbooMasʿood, said in a narration mentioned by al-Bukhaaree: “He said: ‘We believe that he was referring to himself,” meaning: What I think AbooMasʿood meant by [saying] “some of them” was an allusion for himself also, because he was one of the rich.
From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it urges us to offer charity, whether it is a little or great [amount].
It shows that a person should not despise what he offers in charity.
And lastly, we can see that the [pious] predecessors were humble, eager for the good, and employed themselves in [various] professions and [positions] of service.
.

1418

Narrated ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): A woman along with her two daughters came to me asking (for some alms), but she found nothing with me except one date which I gave to her, and she divided it between her two daughters, and did not eat anything herself, and then she got up and went away. Then, the Prophet ﷺ came in and I informed him about this incident. He said, "Whoever is put to trial by these daughters, then these daughters will act as a shield for him from Hell-Fire." .

Commentary : Islam came to uproot the reprehensible customs of the ignorance period that existed before Islam. And from that, it instructed to give special attention to the daughters of one’s offspring, prohibited burying them alive and killing them, and it sowed in the hearts of Muslims love and mercy for them. It has promised a great reward to who show them benevolence and raise them in all [aspects] of goodness.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers, ʿA’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that a woman came to her with her two daughters, asking for some alms out of need, but ʿA’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) did not have anything, except for a date, which she gave to her. Then the woman divided it up between her two daughters and did not eat anything from it.
Afterwards, ʿA’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) informed the Prophetﷺof what happened. So, he ﷺexplained to her that: whoever Allah destines to have and bestows upon him daughters, and he treats them well by providing for them, upholding their rights, educating them, and so on - [then] they will serve as a shield for him front he Hellfire; because he protected them in this world with his kindness and good tact towards them, and because of their upbringing. So, Allah will shield himto serve as a fitting reward.
The gift of having daughters was called a trial because of the hardship and difficulty in providing for them, or due to the people usually disliking them (i.e., they favour having boys over girls), and because they often do not contribute to the sources of earnings or livelihoods of families. So, the trial here means a test, which means: Allah tests people with daughters so that He judges them and see whether they will treat them well or not?
It has been said: what is meant by this is that the reward for providing for [and taking care of] daughters is greater than the reward for taking care of sons; since there is nothing similar was indicated in regards to their rights; and that is - and Allah knows best - because the provisions of daughters and taking care of their affairs is greater than the affairs of the sons since the former are vulnerable and [generally] do not manage their own affairs, nor behave like boys. Likewise, the expectations of the father or brother do not pertain to them [their daughters] with regard to aiding them [their fathers] in facing their enemies, to revive the name of their fathers, continue their lineage and other things which are relevant for males. This requires patience, and sincerity on the part of the one providing for them with good intentions since this is what will rescue him from the Hellfire.
From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it urges us to offer charity, whether it is a little or great amount.
It shows that a person should not despise what he offers in charity.
It highlights the intense eagerness that ʿA’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) had for charity and alms.
And lastly, spending [and providing] for daughters and striving for them is one of the best acts of righteousness that keeps one away from the Hellfire..

1419

Narrated AbooHurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): A man asked the Prophet ﷺ which charity is the most rewardable. He ﷺ replied: “That which you give when you are healthy and inclined to be mean, fearing poverty and hoping to be [financially] self-sufficient. Do not defer itto such a length that you are about to die, and say then: This is for so-and-so, and this is for so-and-so. Behold! it has already come into (the possession of) so-and- so"..

Commentary : The Prophetﷺwould teach his nation about the virtues of generosity and developing solidarity among them, and to hasten towards righteous deeds by giving alms and charity before death strikes them.
In this hadeeth, AbooHurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that a man came to the Prophet ﷺand asked him: ‘Which charity is the greatest in reward, and most beneficial for the one who offers it?’ He ﷺ told him that whatever the person gives while he is healthy and there is no disease or illness that would sever his hope in life. It is a time when those who are frugal do so with avidity, and fear falling into poverty. They hope for riches and wish and covet it for themselves. This is during the entire course of life [for many people], especially [during] the time of affluence and comfort. So, the person will be more cautious. And if he gives charity with all of these obstacles and temptations which urge him to save his wealth, then that will lead to the greatest reward.
Then, the Prophet ﷺ warned the man of a vice which will afflict many people; by waiting, being deliberately slow in delaying offering alms [to others] until: his soul reaches his throat and feels that death is near and becomes convinced that the money will not benefit him and that it is going to leave him - [so] he will bequeath so much to so and so, and so much for so and so. He ﷺ told him it had already belonged to so and so [either] from debts or rights; and that the wealth had become the property of the heirs, so this is the least rewarding. Thus, the Prophet ﷺ explained to us that the best form of charity to offer is while you are alive and healthy, despite your need for money and competence with it. And not in the case of being sick with the context of dying because at that time, the money will leave you, and belong to someone else.
From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it highlights the virtue of giving alms while one is healthy and frugal.
It warns against delaying one’s spending in charity and holding out until the hour of death draws near, and [against] being engaged solely with fulfilling your wishes.
It informs us that sickness shortens the hand of the owner from some of his possessions and being generous with money during his illness does not eliminate the trait of miserliness from him. And that if all of the works of piety are difficult, their reward will be greater.
And lastly, it shows that charity offered during the time when a person is healthy and well is better than a testament [i.e., a will]..

1420

Narrated ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): Some of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ asked him, "Who amongst us will be the first to follow you (i.e., die after you)?" He said, "Whoever has the longest hand." So, they started measuring their hands with a rod and Sawdah's hand turned out to be the longest. Later, we came to know that the long hand was a symbol of practicing charity, so she was the first to follow the Prophet ﷺ and she used to love to give away in charity..

Commentary : Charity is one of the best and most rewarding deeds which a person can benefit from and offer himself.
In this hadeeth, The Mother of the Believers, ʿA’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that some of the wives of the Prophetﷺ had asked him: which one of them will die the fastest after him? To which, he ﷺ answered them by [saying] ‘she who has the longest hand.’ They understood this matter according to its literal meaning, so the women grabbed a rod so that they could measure the arms’ length of every one of them and compare [their results], in order to find out which of them had a longer hand than the other, [as] they thought that what he meant ﷺ was truly the length of the hand. [It turned out that] Sawdah bint Zamʿah (may Allah be pleased with her) had the longest hand. Afterwards, it became clear to them after Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her) died what the Prophet ﷺ had intended by the expression regarding the longest hand, which [was actually] alluding to who was the most charitable of the wives; and what he meant by the length of her hand was the frequency of her spending [money on others] and offering alms, as ʿA’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said in a narration reported in Saheeh Muslim: “Zaynab had the longest hand amongst us, because she used to work with her hands and spent [the income] on charity.” Zaynab (may Allah be pleased with her) was the first of his ﷺwives to die after him ﷺ, and she (may Allah be pleased with her) passed away during ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭaab’s caliphate (may Allah be pleased with him), while Sawdah lived until she passed away during Muʿaawiyah’s caliphate, in the month of Shawwaal, the fifty-fourth year [after Hijrah].
From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it highlights the merits and virtues of Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her).
It serves as an indication that the legal ruling [of a matter] stems from the meanings, and not from the wording.
And lastly. It gives a sign thattestifies to the Prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ..

1421

Narrated AbooHurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah ﷺsaid: A man said that he would give something in charity. He went out with his object of charity and unknowingly gave it to a thief. Next morning the people said that he had given his charity to a thief. (On hearing that) he said, "O Allah! All the praises are for you. I will give alms again." And so, he again went out with his alms and (unknowingly) gave it to an adulteress. Next morning the people said that he had given his alms to an adulteress last night. The man said, "O Allah! All the praises are for you. (I gave my alms) to an adulteress. I will give alms again." So, he went out with his alms again and (unknowingly) gave it to a rich person. (The people) next morning said that he had given his alms to a wealthy person. He said, "O Allah! All the praises are for you. (I had given alms) to a thief, to an adulteress and to a wealthy man." After, someone came and said to him, "The alms which you gave to the thief, might make him abstain from stealing, and that given to the adulteress might make her abstain from illegal sexual intercourse (adultery), and that given to the wealthy man might make him take a lesson from it and spend his wealth which Allah has given him, in Allah's cause.".

Commentary : Charity is one of the best deeds which a person can offer himself, and he obtains its great reward from Allah, The Almighty.
In this hadeeth, The Prophet ﷺ tells us about a man - it was said that he was from Banee ‘Israa’eel - who went out to offer alms [to those in need]. So, his alms went into the hands of a thief once. And then in the hand of an adulteress once more. And in the hand of a rich man a third time. In every instance, the people would rise in the morning, talking about what he did in amazement; because charity, according to them, was dedicated to the needy people from amongst the charitable; and that is why they marvelled at the charity that was offered to these people.
The man praised Allah, The Mighty and Majestic; for he had intended for his charity to fall into the hands of an upright poor person that no one knows about his poverty, or an honourable, honest man, or a chaste woman. But Allah’s Decree is a predetermined, divine preordainment, so the man was brought into a dream, and was told that his charity was accepted, as what is narrated in a report in Musnad Ahmad because he was sincere and had intended to do good, however, it was not facilitated for him. It was said to him: ‘As for your charity for the thief, perhaps the thief will abstain from stealing. Maybe the burglar will say: ‘This money will suffice me’ or that he is embarrassed that he had been provided for without stealing, and he knows that, among the servants of Allah, there are those who offer alms in secret at night to those who do not know him. As for the prostitute who commits fornication as an occupation, perhaps she may abstain from it because she may have committed adultery – we seek refuge in Allah from such sin - with the purpose of [earning] money, and something happened to her which stopped her from doing so again. As to the rich man, maybe he will reflect and learn a lesson, causing him to spend from what Allah has given him. This is how a good intention will yield wholesome fruits.
From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it indicates that when a person intends goodness, and strives towards it, and makes a mistake; it is because it was written for him, and it will not harm him.
It shows that the legal ruling [for a matter] is given based on what appears, until it becomes clear otherwise.
It encourages us to submit and be content with the Divine Decree, and praise Allah, and entrust all of your concerns and affairs to Allah, The Mighty and Majestic.
And lastly, it teaches us that we should give charity and alms again if it did not fall in its proper place [i.e., be received by its rightful recipients]..

656

‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Abi ‘Amrah reported: ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān entered the mosque after the Maghrib prayer and sat alone. I sat in front of him, and he said: "O son of my brother, I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: Whoever performs the ‘Ishā’ prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for half the night, and whoever performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for the whole night.'".

Commentary : Allah Almighty multiplied the reward for the congregation prayer until it surpassed the prayer offered individually by twenty-seven degrees, and its merit increases if it is offered during the night, given its closeness to sincerity to Allah Almighty. Indeed, it is one of the greatest acts aimed at getting close to Allah.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i (the generation after the Companions) ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Abi ‘Amrah relates that ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān (may Allah be pleased with him) entered the mosque after the Maghrib prayer and sat alone waiting for the time of ‘Ishā’ prayer to come so that he would offer it in congregation. ‘Abdur-Rahmān said: "I sat in front of him." It is as if he sat to learn from him and ask him about the reason for his sitting and waiting. So, ‘Uthmān (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "O son of my brother." He meant the brotherhood of Islam, not that of blood. "I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: Whoever performs the ‘Ishā’ prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for half the night." In other words, he will obtain a reward like one who engages in worship from the early part of the night to its middle and spends this time in prayer and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). "And whoever performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for the whole night." He will obtain a reward like one who engages in worship all night long and spends this time in prayer and dhikr. So, the reward for offering the Fajr prayer in congregation is double the reward for offering the ‘Ishā’ prayer in congregation, which indicates that getting up for the Fajr prayer is more meritorious than getting up for the ‘Ishā’ prayer. This is because the Fajr prayer is harder and more difficult for the performer and more tough for the devil. Indeed, he who goes to sleep and then gets up finds it harder than one who wants to sleep. Or it means that each of them equals half of the night, and together they amount to one night. So, whoever offers the ‘Ishā’ and Fajr prayers in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for all the night, as related in a version by Abu Dāwūd and At-Tirmidhi: "Whoever attends the ‘Ishā’ prayer in congregation obtains the reward of praying for half the night, and whoever offers the ‘Ishā’ and Fajr prayers in congregation obtains the reward of praying for one night." In any case, this urges and encourages the regular observance of the Fajr and ‘Ishā’ prayers in congregation. This particular merit afforded to them may be because of the hardship involved in attending the mosques to pray them, like the darkness and the fact that in those times people usually take rest, most likely sleep, or spend private time with their families.
The Hadīth indicates that some prayers are characterized by a certain merit not shared with other prayers..

657

Jundub ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever performs the Fajr prayer is under the protection of Allah; so, let Allah not call you to account regarding anything of His protection; and so, He will seize him and throw him upon his face in Hellfire.".

Commentary : One of the best signs of faith is the strict observance of the obligatory prayers. Allah Almighty affords great merit to those who persistently observe these prayers.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says that whoever performs the Fajr prayer in congregation - as reported in the version by Abu Nu‘aym in Al-Mustakhraj - "is under the protection of Allah," i.e., under His safety and guarantee. He singled out the Fajr prayer from all the other prayers due to the hardship involved in its performance and because only those with sincere faith can perform it persistently; they, therefore, deserve to be under the protection, safety, and guarantee of Allah Almighty.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "So let Allah not call you to account regarding anything of His protection, or else He will seize him and throw him upon his face in Hellfire." The prohibition here pertains to what entails accountability for violating Allah's guarantee and protection. The Prophet's words here have one of two possible meanings: First: Whoever performs the Fajr prayer obtains a guarantee from Allah. So, no one should harm or oppress him. Whoever oppresses or harms him, Allah will call him to account regarding His protection. Second: Do not abandon the Fajr prayer, lest the guarantee between you and your Lord will be violated, and so He will call you to account regarding it. Whoever does so, Allah will seize him and throw him upon his face in Hellfire.
In the Hadīth: Urging the performance of the Fajr prayer
And in it: Demonstrating the great bounty of Allah and His vast mercy towards this Ummah, as He prescribed an immense reward for the Fajr prayer
And in it: Clarifying Allah's revenge against those who harm His pious servants
And in it: Demonstrating that nothing on the earth or in heaven escapes the power of Allah, and if He wants to exact revenge upon anyone, he cannot escape Him.

660

Anas reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) visited us, and there was no one other than me, my mother, and my maternal aunt ’Umm Harām. He said: "Stand up so that I will lead you in prayer." It was not a time of prayer, he proceeded to lead us in prayer. A man said to Thābit: "Where did he make Anas stand with him?" He said: "He made him stand to his right." Then, he supplicated for us, the members of the household, with all goodness in this world and the Hereafter. My mother said: "O Messenger of Allah, here is your little servant; supplicate Allah for him." He said: He supplicated for me with all goodness, and the last of his supplication for me was: "O Allah, increase his wealth and children and bless them for him.".

Commentary : One of the things urged and encouraged by Islam is to accept invitations, for this displays brotherliness and cordiality among the Muslims. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) built a good relationship with his Companions, and he used to visit them in their houses so as to teach them and supplicate for them.
In this Hadīth, Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) paid a visit to them in their house, and there was none but he and his mother - ’Umm Sulaym - and his maternal aunt ’Umm Harām. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "Stand up so that I will lead you in prayer." This was not a time for an obligatory prayer. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would like the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to pray for them in their houses, in pursuit of blessing. So, he led them in a two-Rak‘ah voluntary prayer. Thereupon, a man asked Thābit al-Bunāni, who narrated from Anas: Where did Anas stand while he was praying with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and on which side did he make him stand? He told him that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) made him stand on his right side, for when one person prays behind an Imām, he should stand to his right; whereas the women stand in a row behind both of them.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) supplicated for the family of Anas with all goodness in this world and the Hereafter. The mother of Anas said: "O Messenger of Allah, here is your little servant" i.e., your boy who serves you. She said "your little servant" by way of gentleness and appeasement, not belittlement. Hence, she said to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "supplicate Allah for him." She probably made this request so that his supplication for him would be compensation for him in return for his kindness to you by extending service for a long time. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) granted her request and supplicated for him with all goodness, and the last supplication he made was: "O Allah, increase his wealth and children and bless them for him." Anas found the blessing of the Prophet's supplication in his wealth and children. He was the wealthiest person among the Ansār, and he saw lots of children descending from him. In a Hadīth narrated by Al-Bukhāri, he said: "Indeed, I am one of the richest among the Ansār and my daughter ’Umaynah told me that when Al-Hajjāj came to Basra, more than 120 of my offspring had been buried." In a version by Muslim: "and my children and grandchildren are more than one hundred today."
The Hadīth contains supplication for the increase of wealth and children.
It comprises supplication for goodness in this world and the Hereafter, for all this lies in the Hand of Allah Almighty.
And it includes preferring one's child over oneself; and making requests in a gentle manner..

663

’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b reported: There was a man from the Ansār whose house was the farthest house in Madīnah, and he would not miss the prayer with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He said: We felt bad for him, and I said to him: "O so and so, if you buy a donkey, it will shield you from the heat of the scorching sand and shield you from the vermin of the earth." He said: "By Allah, I do not like that my house be close to the house of Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)." He said: I was troubled by that and came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and told him. He said: He sent for him, and he said the same to him and mentioned that he hoped for a reward for his steps. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "You will have what you hoped for.".

Commentary : The Companions of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) were the most keen among people on doing good, and they would constantly look for deeds that increased their rewards with Allah Almighty.
In this Hadīth, ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that there was a man from the Prophet's Companions from the Ansār - the people of Madīnah - and it is mentioned in Musnad that he was the cousin of ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with both of them), whose house was the farthest house from the Prophet's Mosque. Despite the remoteness of his house, he would not miss the prayer in the mosque with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) felt pity for him for the hardship and tiredness he would go through while coming and going back. So, they said to him: If you buy a donkey, it will shield you from the heat of the scorching sand; and it will shield you from the vermin of the earth. Vermin is a term that refers to creatures with lethal poison, like serpents, and it may also refer to creatures that are not to be killed, such as insects.
He swore by Allah to them that he would not like his house to be adjacent to the Prophet's house; rather, he liked that it be far away from it, so that his reward would increase with the increase of steps he would take from his house to the mosque. He did not intend to negate his love for being close to the house of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) out of hatred for him, but in the hope of a greater reward with the increase of those steps. ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) assumed by his statement that he meant hatred for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). So, ’Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I was troubled by that" i.e., I found that to be grave and was distressed by it, given the repugnance and horridness of what he said and its evil connotation, namely that he hated the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). In a version by Ahmed, he said: "I have not heard a statement about him more hateful to me than it." ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) interpreted his statement wrongly and thought ill of it because Madīnah abounded with hypocrites at the time, and they were keen to live away from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Then, ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b came to the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and informed him about what this man said. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent for him, and he said the same to him as he said to ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b, and he mentioned to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) that what made him say so was that he hoped for and pursued reward and recompense from Allah for his walking. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "You will have what you hoped for", i.e., Allah Almighty will give you the reward for your steps which you took for the sake of Allah, Exalted be He, and kept in store with Him. Hoping for reward means that one performs a deed for the sake of Allah and thereby seeks recompense and reward from Allah.
The Hadīth points out the merit of walking to the mosques..

664

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: Our houses were situated far away from the mosque. So, we wanted to sell our houses and move near the mosque. But the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) forbade us, saying: "With every step there is a degree for you.".

Commentary : Taking many steps to the mosque is one of the greatest means of reward. The more distant the mosque and the more steps are taken to it, the greater the reward.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that their houses were situated far from the mosque, as they lived on the outskirts of Madīnah. These are the dwellings of Banu Salamah, a group of the Ansār. They wanted to sell these dwellings, given their remoteness, and buy dwellings close to the mosque, seeking to be the neighbors of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). But, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade them from that and explained to them the reward of which they didn't know. He said to them: "With every step there is a degree for you." When your house is more distant from the mosque, every step you take brings a high rank in Paradise, and the more steps you take, the greater the reward. Thus, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urged them to stay in their houses and not leave them. As related in a Hadīth reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated by Al-Bukhāri: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) disliked that Madīnah be vacated", i.e., that parts of Madīnah become empty of people and houses. So, by staying in their places, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted the areas of Madīnah to be inhabited, so that the Muslims would seem large in number in the eyes of the hypocrites and polytheists, frightening them and showing toughness towards them. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not explicitly say it to them; he only mentioned to them the clear benefit, which would encourage them to agree and prompt them to stay at their houses.
The Hadīth shows the Prophet's concern about his Ummah and his keenness to direct them to what is good and to make the best use of it..

665

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: The area around the mosque became empty. So, Banu Salimah wanted to move near the mosque. News of this reached the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and he said to them: "I was told that you want to move near the mosque." They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah, we want to." Thereupon, he said: "O Banu Salimah, your houses, your footsteps are recorded; your houses, your footsteps are recorded.".

Commentary : Taking many steps to the mosque is one of the greatest means of reward. The more distant the mosque and the more steps are taken to it, the greater the reward.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that the area around the Prophet's Mosque became empty; "so, Banu Salimah wanted" [some of it]. Banu Salimah was a group of the Ansār, and their houses were far away from the Prophet's Mosque, located behind Mount Sal’, west of Madīnah. They wanted to move and stay close to the Prophet's Mosque, thus becoming neighbors to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was told about that. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "I was told." In other words, your news reached me "that you want" and desire "to move near the mosque." They replied: Yes, we desire to do that, O Messenger of Allah. "We want to." So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "O Banu Salimah, your houses." That is: Stay at your houses and remain therein and do not move from there. "Your footsteps are recorded." That is: Your steps to the mosque are recorded. You gain a reward for the steps you take to the mosque. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) repeated his statement once again: "Your houses, your footsteps are recorded." This was to urge and encourage them to obey his command and stay in their houses and not leave them. As related in another Hadīth reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated by Al-Bukhāri: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) disliked that Madīnah be vacated." In other words, parts of Madīnah become vacated. So, by staying in their places, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted the areas of Madīnah to be inhabited, so that the Muslims would seem large in number in the eyes of the hypocrites and polytheists, thus frightening them and showing toughness towards them. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not explicitly say it to them; he only mentioned to them the clear benefit, which would encourage them to agree and prompt them to stay at their houses.
The Hadīth highlights the merit of walking to the mosques..

671

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The places that are dearest to Allah are the mosques, and the places that are most hateful to Allah are the markets.".

Commentary : Places vary in terms of goodness and evilness. The mosques are places where Allah's mercy and grace descend. By contrast, markets are the places of the devil's acts of greed and heedlessness.
In this Hadīth, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mentions that the mosques are the dearest places to Allah Almighty, for they are houses of worship and dhikr and are founded on fear from Allah Almighty. In them, the Qur’an is recited, knowledge is disseminated, the believers get together, the rituals of the religion are displayed, and the angels attend. Also, Allah attributed them to Himself, by way of honor and extolment, saying: {The mosques are for Allah alone.} [Surat al-Jinn: 18]
He also said that the markets are the most hateful places to Allah Almighty, for they witness a lot of false swearing, cheating and deception, heedlessness from the remembrance of Allah Almighty, breaking promises, and impolite treatment, as well as other similar things. Love for the mosques means love for the pious acts that take place therein and hate for the markets means hate for the sins and misdeeds committed therein.
Love and hate are two of Allah's attributes that are established for Him by the Qur’an and the Sunnah in their apparent meanings and in the way that befits the majesty of Allah Almighty, as He established them for Himself without comparison or denial.
The Hadīth urges us to go to the mosques and frequent them in pursuit of Allah's love and pleasure, and to go to the markets less frequently and only when it is needed, so that we can keep away from Allah's dislike and avoid the means leading to His hatred and punishment..

672

Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If there are three persons, let one of them be their Imām, and the worthiest among them for being Imām is their best reciter.".

Commentary : Prayer is a Tawqīfi act of worship, which we must perform as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) taught it to us. He clarified to us its obligations, Sunnahs, and its etiquette, including the one who is more worthy of leading the prayer.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) tells us that if there are three or more people, they should choose one of them to lead the prayer. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined that so that no difference, conflict, or dispute should happen among them. Imām here refers to the leader in prayer, as demonstrated by the last part of the Hadīth, as he said: "and the most entitled among them to be the Imām is their best reciter" who is most among them in memorizing the Qur'an and the best in understanding it. In another version by Muslim: "The one who should lead the people in prayer is the best reciter of them in the Book of Allah." So, if there are a group of people qualified to lead the prayer, the best reciter of the Qur'an among them is the worthiest of being the Imām, by virtue of this merit in him. Hence, if they memorize the entire Qur'an, the one of them who recites it in the most perfect, accurate, and measured manner should be given precedence, for he is the best reciter compared to them. And it is preferred that he should be the best reciter of the Book of Allah among them and the most knowledgeable about the Sunnah and its rulings.
It may be understood from the apparent meaning of the Hadīth that the group concerning the prayer should not be less than three persons. But, what is indicated by the Sunnah is that the group can also consist of two persons, with one of them being the Imām for the other.
The Hadīth shows the merit of he who is the best in reciting the Qur'an, for he is the worthiest of leading the prayer..

673

Abu Mas‘ūd al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The one who should lead the people in prayer is the best reciter of the Book of Allah among them. If they are equal in terms of the recitation, then the one most knowledgeable about the Sunnah among them; if they are equal regarding the Sunnah, then the earliest one among them to have emigrated; if they are equal in terms of emigration, then the earliest one among them to have embraced Islam. No man should lead another man in prayer where the latter has authority or sit in his special place in his house without his permission.” [In another version] "age" is reported in place of "embracing Islam"..

Commentary : Congregational prayer in mosques occupies a high status and brings a great reward. The Shariah regulated this prayer and arranged the rows behind the Imām (prayer leader), so that the worshipers can be in orderliness and mental and physical discipline during the prayer.
In this Hadīth, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) directs the Muslims on how to choose a prayer leader if they are a group of people, stating that the one who should lead the people in prayer is the best reciter of the Book of Allah among them. There is a difference of opinion regarding the meaning intended by "the best reciter". It was said: It means the best of them in recitation and the most knowledgeable about its rulings, even if he is the least among them in terms of memorization. Another view says: It means the best memorizer of the Qur’an among them, for he regarded recitation as the basis for leading people in prayer and gave it precedence over all the other characteristics mentioned along with it. And another view says: It means the most knowledgeable, for if you consider the conditions of the Companions, you will find that the most knowledgeable among them is the best reciter among them. Thus, the Prophet's words, "the best reciter of the Book of Allah among them," mean: the most knowledgeable among them.
If they are equal in terms of the acceptable level of recitation, memorization, and mastery, then it's the most knowledgeable of the Sunnah among them; that is: the one who possesses the best understanding of it and the most knowledgeable about the rulings related to the prayer and the Prophet's Sunnah concerning it. If the Imām is ignorant of the prayer's rulings and what may arise during its performance, like forgetfulness and addition or omission, he will spoil it.
If they are equal in all the foregoing, the earliest one to have emigrated should be given precedence. Emigration means leaving the land of disbelief to the land of Islam. Thus, the one who moves from the land of disbelief to the land of Islam earlier is worthier in leading the prayer than the one who does so later. It was said: He is given precedence either because being earlier in emigration is an honor that entails precedence, or because he who emigrates earlier is usually more knowledgeable than the one who emigrates later. It was said: The emigration associated with the precedence in prayer leadership is not intended to particularly refer to the Hijrah during the Prophet's lifetime, but it is the emigration that does not cease until the Day of Judgment, which is mentioned in a Hadīth narrated by An-Nasā’i: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Hijrah will not cease so long as the disbelievers are being fought." That is, it is enduring until the Day of Judgment.
If they are equal in terms of emigration, then the earliest one among them to have embraced Islam takes precedence. In another version, "age" is reported in place of "accepting Islam". In other words, if they are equal in all the foregoing - in knowledge, recitation, and emigration - and one of them excels the others by virtue of embracing Islam earlier or being older in age, he is given precedence because this is a merit that affords precedence.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No man should lead another man in prayer where the latter has authority." This is his place where he alone assumes authority, a place he owns, or a place where he gives judgment. So, the owner of a place is worthier. He can step forward, if he wills, or choose someone else to lead, if he wills. This is his dominion, and he can dispose as he wishes in it. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade that a man should sit in another man's house in his special place - which is reserved for him and intended to honor him, like a mat and so on - unless he is granted permission. This prohibition pertains to sitting in the special place of a man in his house. This is because the place where the head of a household sits is usually the location for certain things not liked to be seen by others, or that it overlooks his entire house or the parts he wants to see; thus, he can follow the conditions of the members of his household and tell them whatever he wants. So, if he gives permission to someone to sit in that place, this indicates that the place is free in terms of all these aspects.
The Hadīth demonstrates the order to be observed in stepping forward to lead people in prayer.
It also indicates that prayer leadership is one of the important things in the religion. Hence, the lawgiver enjoined that it should be undertaken by the most proficient person.
It also states that the head of a household is worthier than others in leading the prayer therein.
It also states that no one should sit in the place reserved for the head of the house without his permission.
It also highlights the superiority of immigrants over others..

679

Khufāf ibn Īmā’ reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) bowed in Rukū‘ and then raised his head and said: "May Allah forgive Ghifār; may Allah make Aslam peaceful; ‘Usayyah disobeyed Allah and His Messenger; O Allah, curse Banu Lihyān and curse Ri‘l and Dhakwān." Then, he fell prostrating. Khufāf said: Invoking a curse upon the disbelievers was permitted because of that..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to draw close to Allah by supplication under every condition. This includes the supplication of Qunūt which he would make during the prayer.
In this Hadīth, Khufāf ibn Īmā’ (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) bowed in Rukū‘ during his prayer, and when he raised his head from Rukū‘ in the last Rak‘ah - as related in the version by Ahmad - and before he went down for prostration, he stood for supplication. Part of what he said in his supplication was to supplicate for the tribe of Ghifār and the tribe of Aslam, two of the Arab tribes. He said about Ghifār: "may Allah forgive Ghifār". He supplicated so that Allah forgives Ghifār for their heinous acts during Jāhiliyyah. About Aslam, he said: "may Allah make Aslam peaceful". He supplicated so that Allah Almighty makes peace with Aslam and does not command war be waged against them. This may also be information that Allah Almighty forgave the tribe of Ghifār and made peace with Aslam and prevented war against them.
About the tribe of ‘Usayyah, he said that they "disobeyed Allah and His Messenger", as they entered a treaty with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). This gives the sense of complaining about them and it entails supplication against them to be disgraced for their disobedience, not supplication for them to disobey.
Then, he supplicated against some neighborhoods in the tribe of Banu Sulaym, saying: "O Allah, curse Banu Lihyān and curse Ri‘l and Dhakwān." This is because they disobeyed Allah Almighty and His Messenger (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and acted treacherously towards his noble Companions, killing the reciters whom the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent to them to teach them their religion. Then, when he finished his supplication, he fell prostrating.
Thereafter, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stopped supplicating against them when Allah Almighty revealed the verse that reads: {It is not for you [O Prophet] to decide} [Surat Āl ‘Imrān: 128] as related in the Two Sahīh Collections. This noble verse was a sign to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) that Allah Almighty might guide those people to Islam.
It was not the habit of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to supplicate against the polytheists in every situation. Rather, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was most merciful and compassionate towards them. But, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would sometimes supplicate against them when their violence and harm increased and grew and at other times he would supplicate for them when no trouble was feared from them and it was hoped they could win their hearts and embrace Islam.
Khufāf (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Invoking curse upon the disbelievers was permitted because of that," i.e., supplication against the disbelievers was adopted and became legitimate because of this act by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his invocation of a curse upon those disbelieving tribes. So, if they attack the Muslims, they should be supplicated against, in line with the Prophet's example.
The Hadīth demonstrates a merit and good characteristic for both Aslam and Ghifār..

680

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We stopped for rest along with the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and did not awake till the sun rose. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Each man should take hold of his mount's head, for this is a place where the devil has visited us." He said: We did accordingly. Then, he asked for water and performed ablution and then offered two prostrations - [In a version] Then, he prayed two prostrations - Then, the Iqāmah for prayer was pronounced and he performed the morning prayer..

Commentary : Prayer is the greatest among the practical pillars of Islam, and it enjoys particular significance in the Shariah. Allah Almighty appointed specific times for its performance, and whoever misses the appointed time should make up for the missed prayer and not leave it.
In this Hadīth, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that they were on a journey with the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and they stopped at a place in the latter part of the night for rest and sleep and did not wake up till the rise of the sun, whose heat awakened them; as in a Hadīth reported by ‘Imrān ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim. Consequently, they missed the Fajr prayer. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) woke up, he said to his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them): "Each man should take hold of his mount's head" i.e., hold the bridle of his mount and get out of this place; "for this is a place where the devil has visited us." And he caused them to be heedless of the time of prayer in this place, and it is as if he was still around them with this heedlessness. So, by their departure from this place, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to turn away from the devil. They complied with the Prophet's command and got out of their place, and then they proceeded on the way for a while. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked for water, performed ablution, "and then offered two prostrations". And in a version: "Then, he prayed two prostrations" i.e., he performed two Rak‘ahs, in return for the Sunnah of the Fajr prayer. Then, the Iqāmah was pronounced for the obligatory prayer. "and he performed the morning prayer", which is the Fajr prayer.
The Hadīth mentions making up for the regular supererogatory prayer.
It indicates that the Fajr prayer is also known as the morning prayer.
It also urges avoidance of the places where the devil is present..

681

Abu Qatādah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) addressed us and said: "You will proceed with your journey in the evening and night. Then, you will come to a place of water, Allah Willing, tomorrow." So, the people proceeded without paying any heed to one another. Abu Qatādah said: "As the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) traveled until it was midnight, and I was by his side, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) dozed off and leaned (to one side) of his camel. I went to him and lent him support without waking him up until he sat upright on his riding mount. He went on traveling until a major part of the night was over and he leaned (to one side) of his camel. I supported him without waking him up until he sat upright on his mount. Then, he traveled until it was near dawn. Then, he leaned, but far more than the two earlier leanings, and he was about to fall. So, I went to him and supported him, and he lifted his head and said: 'Who is this?' I said: 'It is Abu Qātadah.' He said: 'How long have you been traveling along with me like this?' I said: 'I have been traveling in this very state since the night.' He said: 'May Allah guard you as you have guarded His Prophet.' Then, he said: 'Do you see that we are out of the sight of the people?' Then, he said: 'Do you see anyone?' I said: 'Here is a rider.' I again said: 'Here is another rider, until we gathered together, and we were seven riders.' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stepped aside off the road and placed his head and then said: 'Guard our prayers for us.' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the first to wake up, and the rays of the sun were falling on his back. We got up startled. He said: 'Ride on.' So, we rode on until the sun had risen. He then dismounted and called for a jug of water which I had with me. There was a little water in it. He performed ablution which was less thorough than his usual ablutions, and some water was left. Then, he said to Abu Qatādah: 'Keep for us your jug of water; it will have a word.' Thereafter, Bilāl made the Adhān (call for prayer), and then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) observed two Rak‘ahs and then observed the Fajr prayer as he did every day. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) rode on and we rode along with him, and some of us whispered to the others saying: 'What is the expiation for the negligence we committed in our prayers?' Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Is there not in me a role model for you? There is no negligence in sleeping. Negligence is not observing the prayer until the time of the next prayer comes. So, whoever does this should observe the prayer when he becomes aware of it, and on the next day, he should observe the prayer at its prescribed time.' Then, he said: 'What do you think the people would do (at this hour) when they would not find their Prophet with them in the morning. Abu Bakr and ‘Umar said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is behind you, and he does not leave you behind.’ Other people said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is ahead of you.’ So, if they obey Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, they will follow the right path.' We proceeded on until we came up to the people (from whom we had lagged behind), and the sun had considerably risen, and everything became hot, and they said: 'O Messenger of Allah, we are dying, we are thirsty.' Whereupon, he said: 'You will not die (of thirst).' And he then said: 'Bring that small cup of mine.' Then, he asked for the jug of water to be brought to him. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) poured water, and Abu Qatādah gave them water to drink. When the people saw that there was water in the jug, they gathered in crowds around it. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Behave well in your gathering; you will drink to your fill.' They complied. So, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would fill (the cup), and I would serve them until no one was left except me and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He then filled (the cup) with water and said to me: 'Drink it.' I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I will not drink until you drink.' He said: 'The server of the people is the last among them to drink.' So, I drank, and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) also drank, and the people came to the place of water quite happy and satiated." ‘Abdullāh ibn Rabāh said: "As I was narrating this Hadīth in the grand mosque, ‘Imrān ibn Husayn said: 'Consider, O young man, how you narrate, for I was one of the riders in that night.' I said: 'So, you must know this Hadīth well.' He said: 'Who are you?' I said: 'I am one of the Ansār.' Thereupon, he said: 'You narrate, for you know your Hadīths better.' I, therefore, narrated it to the people. Then, ‘Imrān said: 'I was also present that night, but I do not know anyone who memorized it the way I memorized it.'".

Commentary : Prayer is the greatest among the practical pillars of Islam, and it enjoys particular significance in Shariah. Allah Almighty appointed specific times for its performance, and whoever misses the appointed time should make up for the missed prayer and not leave it.
In this Hadīth, Abu Qatādah al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) addressed the army which he led, saying: "You will proceed with your journey in the evening." This extends from midday to sunset, the latter part of the daytime, (and night), which means: You will go out on the path of your journey in the evening and proceed with your journey throughout the night. "Then, you will come to a place of water, Allah Willing, tomorrow," i.e., they would reach the water in the morning. His words, Allah Willing, point to the Prophet's compliance with this command of Allah Almighty: {And never say about anything: "I will surely do this tomorrow," without adding: "if Allah wills."} [Surat al-Kahf: 23-24] So, he would say "Allah Willing" in any future matter. When the people heard his words, they proceeded fast with their travel without paying any heed to one another. In other words, they did not pay attention or turn toward one another. Rather, each person was walking alone and not paying heed to the company, caring for himself in pursuing and reaching the water. "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) traveled until it was midnight," i.e., it was the middle of the night and darkness accumulated; or a major part of the night did pass and one-third of it was remaining. Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) was by his side. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) started dozing off
- the beginning of sleep - as he moved. He began to lean and almost fell off his mount. Meanwhile, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) would support him to help him sit upright and not fall. He did all that without awakening the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did that a number of times, and this happened when a major part of the night was over. Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) kept supporting him so that he would not fall off his riding animal." The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went on traveling, and when it was near dawn, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) leaned so heavily that he almost fell. So, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) came to him and lent him support, like a bolster under him. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up from his sleep, raised his head, and asked: Who is this one who is helping me? Abu Qatādah replied that it was him. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked him: Since when? Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) replied that he kept guarding and supporting him from the first time he slept during that night. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) supplicated that may Allah guard him as he guarded His Messenger. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked him: "Do you see that we are out of the sight of the people?" In other words, have we delayed and lagged behind them? This is because the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), due to his drowsiness, was not aware of how much he lagged behind the army. This also indicates that no one was with him except Abu Qatādah. It was the Prophet's habit to travel at the rear of the army to show leniency towards the army, carry the weak, and prod those who lag behind. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked him: "Do you see anyone?" Based on that, he wanted to determine whether to move faster with his mount or at the same pace. Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: Here is a rider, and here is another rider. This means that they were catching up with the army personnel, one after another. They gathered together until they became seven in number. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) turned away from the road - lest they may be harmed by any vermin moving therein - and headed, along with those with him, for sleep, and he placed his head. The version narrated by Al-Bukhāri pointed out that the Prophet's (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stepping aside was at the request of some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "I fear you may oversleep and fail to perform the prayer." Bilāl said: "I will wake you all up. So, lie down."
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Guard our prayers for us," i.e., its time. This refers to the Fajr prayer. Do not fail to perform it due to sleep. They felt sleepy and lay down. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fell into a deep sleep, and they did not wake up for the Fajr prayer. "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the first to wake up, while the rays of the sun were falling on his back." This indirectly indicates that it was the heat of the sun that awakened him. Abu Qatādah said: "We got up startled." They were startled because they missed the Fajr prayer due to sleep. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered them to ride their mounts before making up for the Fajr prayer. He mentioned in a version narrated by Muslim and reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the reason behind their departure from the place before praying is that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "This is a place where the devil visited us." They proceeded until they went out of that place and kept moving until the sun had risen. In another version narrated by Muslim and reported by ‘Imrān ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him): "until the sun shone brightly", i.e., it went high, and its yellowness or redness disappeared. The intended meaning: The extent to which the sun goes high with which prayer after sunrise ceases to be disliked. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) dismounted and called for a jug of water, which was with Abu Qatādah and contained a little water. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used its water for performing ablution which was less thorough than his usual ablutions, i.e., a moderate ablution, given the shortage of water. He did not perform ablution thoroughly as usual. Or that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) adopted the one-time approach in its performance and did not pour a lot of water, for he wanted to keep some of it so that his blessing and his miraculous act would appear therein. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to Abu Qatādah: "Keep for us your jug of water" and the water it contains. "It will have a word." i.e., momentous news or a miracle in the future - the blessing that would come to the people.
Then, Bilāl (may Allah be pleased with him) made the Adhān for the missed prayer. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) first performed the two-Rak‘ah Sunnah of the Fajr prayer and then the obligatory Fajr prayer as a missed prayer. His prayer was the same as the prayers he would perform every day at their appointed times, with no difference between his performance of prayer at the appointed time and his performance of it as a missed prayer. After the prayer was over, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) rode his mount, and so did the people, and they went out traveling on their way. But they began to whisper to one another in a low voice, saying: "What is the expiation for our negligence towards our prayers?" They feared the sin and the penalty for that. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) heard their words, seeking to comfort them amid their grief over missing the Fajr prayer, he said: "Is there not in me a role model for you?" In other words, an example to imitate and follow. This seems to indicate that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted them to understand that their performance of the prayer as a missed prayer is an expiation for missing it. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There is no negligence in sleeping," and no neglect in missing the prayer because a sleeping person has no choice. Rather, neglect and sin are upon a wakeful person who fails to perform a prayer - intentionally and out of neglect and lethargy - until the time of the next prayer comes. "So, whoever does this" - i.e., he oversleeps and fails to perform a prayer until its time elapses - "should observe the prayer when he becomes aware of it" - i.e., after he wakes up - "and in the next day, he should observe the prayer at its prescribed time." In other words, he should not delay the prayer beyond its usual time. This does not mean that he should perform the missed prayer twice, one time at that moment and another time the next day.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked those present with him: "'What do you think the people have done?" He meant the front part of the army and those who went ahead of them. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was inquiring about their condition since the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) unusually lagged behind them. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) answered his question and informed those with him that Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) are saying to the people: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is behind you;" i.e., he is after you and lagging behind you and has not come yet, for he would not "leave you behind, i.e., he would not go ahead of you and leave you behind. They meant to ask the people to wait for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) until he could catch up with them. Some others said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went ahead of us. Thus, they were asking the people to proceed. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "So, if they obey Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, they will follow the right path" because they are right and correct, as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was in the state Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) talked about.
Thereafter, Abu Qatādah informed that they reached the front of the army in which Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) were, as "the sun had considerably risen" - i.e., the sun went high - "and everything became hot;" i.e., the heat became severe. Everyone was suffering from exhaustion and hardship, saying: "O Messenger of Allah, we are dying" - i.e., from the hot weather - "and thirsty" due to the lack of water. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) reassured them that they will not die. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Bring that small cup of mine," i.e., untie my luggage, take my small cup out of it, and bring it to me. And he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked for the jug of water which was with Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) began to pour water into the jug, while Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) was giving them water to drink. When the people saw that a lot of water was coming out of the jug, they gathered in crowds around it to drink and store water from it. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Behave well;" that is, be good in manners and dealing with one another as you drink. He gave them good news that they would all quench their thirst and drink from that water. So, do not act badly by jostling and pushing. They complied with the Prophet's command. So, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) continued to pour water and Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) was giving them the water to drink. This continued until none remained but Abu Qatādah and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) poured water and said to Abu Qatādah: 'Drink.' Out of politeness, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "O Messenger of Allah, I will not drink until you drink." So, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The one who serves water to people is the last of them to drink." So, Abu Qatādah drank, and the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the last to drink among the people. This is one of the etiquettes to be observed in drinking water. After that, the people reached the place of water which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) told them about when he addressed them on the first day - "quite happy", i.e., restful and in good condition, and "satiated", i.e., having drunk water to their fill.
The Tābi‘i ‘Abdullāh ibn Rabāh mentioned that he was narrating this Hadīth in the grand mosque, i.e. in Basra. So, ‘Imrān ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "Consider, O young man, how you narrate;" i.e., what Hadīth you are narrating; or about what condition you are narrating, "for I was one of the riders in that night." In other words, pay attention, O young man, and narrate in an accurate way, for I am one of those who witnessed this incident, and I will check what you narrate against what I witnessed. He replied to him: "So, you must know this Hadīth better," since you were one of the riders and witnessed this incident. ‘Imrān ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "Who are you?" He replied: "I am one of the Ansār," the dwellers of Madīnah. Thereupon, ‘Imrān (may Allah be pleased with him) asked him to narrate, as he praised the Ansār, saying: "You know your Hadīths better." When ‘Abdullāh narrated the Hadīth and finished its narration and it was consistent with ‘Imrān's account, ‘Imrān (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "I was present that night, but I do not know anyone who has committed it to memory as good as I have done." Thus, he praised him for memorizing the Hadīth so accurately and was amazed at how well he memorized it, even though he did not witness the incident.
In the Hadīth: The one who serves water to people is the last among them to drink.
And in it: Whoever oversleeps and fails to perform a prayer has to make up for the missed prayer.
And in it: The Prophet's miracle in foretelling things of the Unseen, which Allah revealed to him, and in the blessing and increase of the little water.
And in it: Serving virtuous people, especially during travel.
And in it: Demonstrating some of the etiquettes related to taking rest during travel, namely, to avoid the road.
And in it: Supplicating for the one who offers good service, as a reward for his doing good.
And in it: Feeling sad and regretful over missed virtuous deeds, even if no negligence is involved.
And in it: Making up for the missed supererogatory prayer.
And in it: Urging the improvement of manners among people, particularly in situations involving crowdedness and annoyance..

683

Abu Qatādah reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) alighted at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he alighted before dawn, he would erect his forearm and place his head on his palm..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to devote attention to the Prophet's guidance in his deeds, words, and approvals, to follow his example and learn from him. In this Hadīth, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went on a journey, he would alight in the first part of the night for sleep and rest, sleep on his right side, and place his head on a pillow or the like, thus giving himself the due share of sleep. And when he wanted to sleep at the latter part of the night, shortly before dawn, he would erect his right 'forearm' and "place his head on his palm," fearing he might be overtaken by sleep and thus fail to perform the Fajr prayer at its earliest time. The right side is favored regarding sleep given the honor of tayāmun (using the right side or starting with it) and its general merit in everything. It was the Prophet's habit to favor the right side, except in repulsive things, in which he would use the left side.
This also indicates that a person should give himself the due share of rest and not forget the worship of his Lord. In the first part of the night, he can get sufficient sleep before dawn and then get up. Yet in the latter part of the night, he should sleep lightly, rather than deeply, lest he may miss the Fajr prayer.
In the Hadīth: Alighting for rest during travel in case of tiredness, while being cautious not to miss the prayer
And in it: Using alarms and the like to alert one to the times of prayers.

686

Ya‘la ibn Umayyah reported: I said to ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb: "{There is no blame on you to shorten the prayer, if you fear that the disbelievers may harm you} [Surat an-Nisā’: 101]. And people have become secure!" He said: "I wondered about the same thing you wondered about, and I asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about that, and he said: 'It is a charity that Allah has given you; so accept His charity.'".

Commentary : Travel is a piece of torment, and it is most likely to involve tiredness and hardship. Hence, Allah Almighty alleviates things for travelers and facilitates the Shar‘i rulings for them, especially those related to prayer and fasting.
In this Hadīth, Ya‘la ibn Umayyah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he asked ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) about the verse that reads: {When you are traveling through the land, there is no blame on you to shorten the prayer, if you fear that the disbelievers may harm you.} [Surat an-Nisā’: 101] It means: If you travel in the land, there is no sin on you in shortening the four-Rak‘ah prayers (the Zhuhr, ‘Asr, and ‘Ishā’ prayers) to two Rak‘ahs - if you fear harm from the disbelievers.
"And people have become secure" now, and their fear, which was the reason behind prescribing the shortening of prayer, is no longer there. So, why do they shorten the prayer? Or what is the objective of shortening if its reason is no longer there? In response, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) informed him that he had the same thought as Ya‘la ibn Umayyah and so he asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about shortening the prayer in the absence of its reason - namely the fear from the enemy - and the existence of security, and the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) told him that shortening the prayer is a favor from Allah Almighty which He bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah and honored them with; it is a charity Allah has given them, by way of facilitation and mercy. "So, accept His charity," i.e., whether there is fear or not; shortening the prayer is established in case of security as well. Allah's words: That the disbelievers may harm you} refers to what is most likely, for most of the journeys of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions were not fear-free, given the multitude of fighting enemies at the time.
This indicates that the shortening of prayer during travel was prescribed to make things lenient and easy for people, and it does not have the sense of order or obligation for the traveler. Indeed, the Ummah unanimously agreed that a person to whom charity is offered is not obligated to accept it.
In the Hadīth: Shortening the prayer during travel with or without fear
And in it: Demonstrating the mercy of Allah Almighty and His complete favor upon His servants, as He prescribed for Muslims to shorten the prayer during travel given the hardship they suffer..

687

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: "Allah has prescribed the prayer by the tongue of your Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as four Rak‘ahs when resident, two when traveling, and one in case of fear..

Commentary : Making things easy and light is one of the merits of the tolerant Islamic Shariah. Allah Almighty laid down dispensations for the Muslims therein so that they will not suffer hardship that causes them harm or burdens them with unbearable things. These dispensations include shortening the prayer during travel and at the time of war.
In this Hadīth, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) says: "Allah has prescribed the prayer by the tongue of your Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)" by revelation from Allah Almighty. So, it is "four Rak‘ahs when resident," i.e., the four-Rak‘ah prayers: Zhuhr, ‘Asr, and ‘Ishā’- "two when traveling;" the four-Rak‘ah prayer is shortened to two Rak‘ahs only during travel. And He prescribed "one in case of fear." The prayer of fear is when the time for obligatory prayer becomes due while Muslims are fighting an enemy, guarding borders, and the like. The Hadīth apparently indicates that the prayer of fear consists of one Rak‘ah in case of severe fear and war. It was said: What is meant by one Rak‘ah is that he offers one Rak‘ah with the Imām and one Rak‘ah alone. This is because most reports about the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) state that the prayer of fear consists of two Rak‘ahs, to be performed in different ways depending on the condition of the enemy in terms of nearness and remoteness. There is no effect for the severe fear, but they should perform two Rak‘ahs, according to their ability, in whatever direction they turn to, while walking and riding, nodding with their heads..

Book of Hadith

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