‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ sent to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) once a silken two-piece garment, and when he ﷺ saw ‘Umar wearing it, he ﷺ said to him, "I have not sent it to you to wear. It (silk) is worn by him who has no share in the Hereafter, and I have sent it to you so that you could avail yourself of it (i.e., sell it).”.

Commentary :
Islam has delineated the topics of beautification and theIslamic dress code in the Book of Allah, Exalted is He, and the Sunnah of his Prophet ﷺ. The Laws of Islamhas laid down general rules that should be taken into account pertaining to the Islamic dress code for men and women, one of which is the prohibition of wearing silk for men.
In this hadeeth, ‘AbdullahIbn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet ﷺ once gifted ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) a ‘Hullah,’ a suit of two Yemeni garments (woven with red and black stripes, or red and green stripes). This one was made of pure silk or mixed with silk. He ﷺ may have sent him Hullah Siraa’, which was a Burdah (i.e., a striped cloak) that had strips of yellow or made of pure silk.
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) wore it and when the Prophet ﷺ saw him wearing it, he ﷺ forbade him and clarified that he ﷺhad not given it to him to wear it, but rather to avail himself of it (i.e., its price). He ﷺ underlined that the men who wear silk in the worldly life will not have any “share in the Hereafter”, as stated in the version complied in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reading: “Whoever wears silk in this worldly life will not wear it in the Hereafter.” This means that men who wear pure silk in the worldly life for no (Laws of Islam-approved) excuse, will be denied wearing it in the Hereafter, either by denying them access to Paradise if they had believed wearing it to be lawful, or by being admitted to Paradise, but denied wearing it therein. This places further emphasis on the prohibition of wearing silk for men. It is noteworthy that it is allowable for women to wear silk, as indicated by the authentic narrations in this regard.
Then, the Prophet ﷺ informed ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he ﷺ had sent him that garment to avail himself of it by selling it or giving it to one of his womenfolk or wives, as stated in the version recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, which also included a narration stating that ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) gave the garment to a polytheist brother of his in Makkah..

2105

‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of the Believers, said:
I bought a cushion with images on it. When Allah's Messenger ﷺ saw it, he kept standing at the door and did not enter the house. I noticed the signs of abhorrence written all over his face, so I said, "O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! I repent to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. (Please let me know) What sin have I committed?" Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "What about this cushion?" I replied, "I bought it for you to sit and recline on." Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "The makers of these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection. It will be said to them, 'Put life in what you have created.'" The Prophet ﷺ added, "The angels do not enter a house where there are such images.".

Commentary :
Making images of animate beings is one of the serious prohibitions that must be forbidden and eliminated, and these image-makers imperil themselves to a severe punishment from Allah, Exalted is He.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers, ‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she once bought a cushion, a small pillow, with images on it. It seems that she (may Allah be pleased with her) put it in a prominent place in the house. When the Prophet ﷺ saw it as he was about to enter the house, he ﷺ stopped and did not enter, as he ﷺ disliked what he saw. Seeing the signs of his disapproval, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her) realized that he ﷺ disliked the new cushion. She (may Allah be pleased with her) hastened to proclaim her repentance before she even understood what sin she had committed, saying, “I repent to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. (Please let me know what sin have I committed?)” She (may Allah be pleased with her) inquired about her act and the reason why he ﷺ got angry. The Prophet ﷺ asked her about the cushion, and she (may Allah be pleased with her) replied that she had bought it for him to sit and recline on. He ﷺ informed her that the makers of such images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection. The reference to images here means those featuring animate beings in particular rather than the images of inanimate objects or plants for example. On the Day of Judgment, Allah, Exalted is He, shall command such image-makers to bring back to life those animate beings in their images and statues that they had made in the worldly life, and such a command aims to mock their sinful act and expose their inability to do so. Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ made mention of another punishment, namely that the angels do not enter a house where there are such images (of animate beings). The reference to the angels here means those other than the ones who record people’s deeds. It goes without saying that the recording angels are constant companions of human beings (throughout their earthly life).
This means that the house where there are images of animate beings are denied the blessings of having other angels enter it.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that a Muslim should not enter a place to which he is invited if there are prohibitions and what is deemed forbidden by Allah, Exalted is He, and His Messenger ﷺ.
It is also inferred therefrom that the prohibition of image-making incorporates all images (of animate beings): three-dimensional, painted, engraved, carved, woven images, or otherwise.
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2115

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
We were accompanying the Prophet ﷺ on a journey and I was riding an unmanageable camel belonging to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), and I could not bring it under my control. So, it used to go ahead of the group and ‘Umar would check it and force it to retreat, and again it went ahead and again ‘Umar forced it to retreat. The Prophet ﷺ asked ‘Umar to sell that camel to him. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, "It is for you, O Allah's Messenger ﷺ!" Allah's Messenger ﷺ commanded ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to sell him that camel (not to give it as gift). So, ‘Umar sold it to Allah's Messenger ﷺ. Then the Prophet ﷺ said to ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar "This camel is for you, O ‘Abdullah (as a gift) and you could do with it whatever you like.".

Commentary :
Among the distinct moral qualities of the Prophet ﷺ were his consideration and thoughtful regard for the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)and his keenness to bring joy to their hearts.
In this hadeeth, ‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that they were once with the Prophet ﷺ on a journey, and ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with him) was riding an unmanageable camel that belonged to his father ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). It was unmanageable because it was young and untamed, and therefore, ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with him) could not control it. It used to go ahead of the group, and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would check it and force it to retreat it and so on. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ asked ‘Umar to sell him that camel. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, "It is for you (as a gift), O Allah's Messenger ﷺ!" However, Allah's Messenger ﷺ repeated his request, to indicate his wish to buy the camel rather than take it as a gift. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) complied and sold him the camel. Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ gifted the camel to ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with him) and said to him: "This camel is for you O ‘Abdullah (as a gift) and you can do with it whatever you like." It means, ‘You are entitled to dispose of it as you wish,’ by selling or gifting it. The Prophet ﷺ said so lest Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) mistakenly assume that he must not dispose of a gift given to him by the Prophet ﷺ by sale, and it was an unmanageable camel and therefore retaining its ownership would have been inconvenient for him.
The Prophet ﷺ gifted it to ‘AbdullahIbn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) immediately upon buying it from ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) before they left the contracting session, although it was narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Both parties in a sales transaction have a right to annul it so long as they have not separated.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]. To reconcile between the two hadeeths, it was said that if a seller does not object to the buyer’s disposal of the purchased commodity upon concluding the purchase before leaving the contracting session, this disentitles him to exercise his right to Khiyaar Al-Majlis (i.e., an option whereby the parties have right to unilaterally withdraw from a contract so long as the parties do not leave the session of contract). This is because his lack of objection to such a disposal serves as a tacit approval, and is held as equal to a verbal approval, as if he had said: “I hereby finalize this transaction.”
It was also said that the Prophet’s disposal of the purchased camel here indicates that the meaning of ‘separation’ or ‘leaving the contracting session,’ may mean physically leaving the contracting session or verbally finalizing the sales transaction.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to venerate the Prophet ﷺ by refraining from going ahead of him while walking or riding along with him.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that ownership is established by virtue of Hibah agreement (i.e., gift contract).
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2117

‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
A person came to the Prophet ﷺ and told him that he was always cheated in sale transactions. The Prophet ﷺ told him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating.".

Commentary :
Islam has regulated the contracts when conducting business transactions between people, to preserve their wealth and their interests and spare them potential Gharar (i.e., risk and uncertainty in transactions) and deceit that may be exercised by some people.
In this hadeeth, ‘AbdullahIbn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)said that a man told the Prophet ﷺ that he was not very good in sales transactionsand was cheated often because of his weak-mindedness. This man was named Hibbaan ibn Munqidh ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him), as narrated in Al-Mustadrak by Al-Haakim, or his father Munqidh, as narrated in Sunan Ibn Maahjah, and he had a serious head injury that impaired his mental abilities and speech, but his mental faculties werestill fully eligible to exercise his legal rights as per the laws of Islam. It was narrated by Aboo Daawood on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that his family had asked the Prophet ﷺ to declare him legally incompetent to conduct sales and business transactions, and the Prophet ﷺ forbade him from conducting sales, but he (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I cannot refrain from conducting (my own) sales transactions!’ The Prophet ﷺ allowed him to conduct sales, but wanted to protect him from potential deception. Therefore, he ﷺ ordered him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating”, to the other party of the business transaction, to remind him of the enjoined truthfulness, honesty, and sincerity. It means, ‘Do not cheat me; Islam forbids cheating, and it is unbecoming of a Muslim cheat others. The Prophet ﷺ established his right to annul sales after three days, as recorded in Sunan Ibn Maajah.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is prohibited to cheat others in sales transactions or do whatever may harm the interests of Muslims..

2118

‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her):
Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "An army will invade the Ka‘bah and when the invaders reach a Baidaa’ (i.e., a desert), all the ground will sink and swallow the whole army." I said, "O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! How will they sink into the ground while amongst them would be their marketplaces (i.e., people who worked in business) and those who had nothing to do with them?" The Prophet ﷺ replied, "All of those people will sink but they will be resurrected and judged according to their intentions.".

Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, assigned to Makkah and Al-Madeenah a superior status to other places and lands, and hastened the punishment for those who wish ill and seek to harm their people.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ stated that at the end of time, a great army shall march towards Makkah with the aim of demolishing the Ka‘bah. As they reach a Baydaa’, which is an empty open land with a smooth surface, meaning a desert between Makkah and Al-Madeenah, Allah, Exalted is He, will command the ground to sink and swallow the whole army. The version complied in Saheeh Muslim reads: “… until there is no one left of them except a fugitive who will tell of what happened to them.” ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) wondered how such a punishment would be afflicted on all people in Makkah, while there shall be people who would have nothing to do with those invaders and would be trading in their marketplaces but happened to be there at the time when such punishment befell. Such people would have no intention to invade Makkah nor demolish the Ka‘bah. She (may Allah be pleased with her) could not understand how the punishment should befall those who would not be involved in such fighting, and the Prophet ﷺ clarified to her that the earth will swallow them all, and then Allah, Exalted is He, shall resurrect them on the Day of Judgment, and each will be held accountable according to his intention. If they intended good, they will reap the fruits of such good intentions, otherwise they shall face the consequences of their actions.
The hadeeth highlights the importance of the intention and its impact on (the fate of) a servant of Allah.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that Allah, Exalted is He, protects the Sacred House.
It is also inferred therefrom that whoever joins a people, shall be subjected to the same Laws of Islam rulings that apply to them as far as the outward worldly punishments are concerned.
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2119

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)
Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "A congregational prayer performed by anyone amongst you is more than twenty (five or twenty-seven) times in reward than his prayer (performed individually) in the marketplace or in his house, for if he performs ablution perfectly and then goes to the mosque with the sole intention of performing the prayer, and nothing urges him to go to the mosque except the prayer, then, on every step which he takes towards the mosque, he will be raised one degree or one of his sins will be forgiven. The angels will keep on asking Allah's forgiveness and blessings for every one of you so long as he keeps sitting at his praying place. The angels will say, 'O Allah, bless him! O Allah, be merciful to him,' as long as he does not do Hadath (i.e., state of ritual impurity, invalidating his ablution by passing urine, stool, or wind) or gives trouble to others." The Prophet ﷺ further said, "One is regarded in prayer so long as one is waiting for it.".

Commentary : The congregational prayer is one of the best acts of worship by which a servant of Allah draws closer to his Lord, who multiplies its reward many times.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ informed us of the virtue of congregational prayer, and that it is better and more rewardable than praying individually at work or home, by twenty-few times. The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is (Bidh‘) which means a number between three to nine. The version recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim reads: “… twenty-seven times,” and another version reads: “… two and fifty times.” The difference in the numbers used in these narrations is due to the different situations of the worshippers; some may be awarded twenty-five times the reward and others would be awarded twenty-seven times, according to the perfection of their prayers, observing its acts and obligations, adhering to Khushoo‘ (i.e., state of the heart when it stands before its Lord in full submission, humbleness, and absolute concentration), the number of the worshippers in the congregational prayer, their virtues, and the sacredness of the place where the prayer is being performed. Then the Prophet ﷺ explained the reason for the superiority of the congregational prayer, as he ﷺ said: “… for if he performs ablution perfectly and then goes to the mosque with the sole intention of performing the prayer, and nothing urges him to go to the mosque except the prayer,” and this serves as an emphasis on his sole intention to go to the mosque to perform the prayer and not for any other purpose. Whoever does so, will earn the designated reward: “… on every step which he takes towards the mosque,” Allah, Exalted is He, will raise him “one degree or one of his sins will be forgiven,” by Allah, Exalted is He.
Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ stated that the angels shall continue to seek Allah’s forgiveness for him and supplicate in his favor during his stay in the place where he performs the prayer at the mosque, meaning, as long as he stays in the mosque waiting for the prayer. The angels shall say: “O Allah, bless him! O Allah, be merciful to him.’ The meaning of the Arabic word ‘Salaah’ with respect to Allah, Exalted is He, is to praise His servant in the assembly of the angels, and it has also been said that it means to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on His servant, or that it means both. The angels continue to do so, “as long as he does not do Hadath,” meaning as long as he does not invalidate his ablution and becomes in a state of ritual impurity, and it was also said to mean as long as he does not commit a sin such as gossip or backbiting, “or give trouble to others,” meaningas long as he does not do what harms other people or angels.
Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ underlined that a worshiper continues to receive the reward of prayer as long as he is in his mosque waiting for the prayer.
The hadeeth highlights the great virtues and merits of congregational prayer and its abundant reward.
It also underlines the virtues and merits of ablution at home before going to the mosque..

2122

Aboo Hurayrah Al-Dawasee (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
Once the Prophet ﷺ went out during the day. Neither of us talked to the other till he ﷺ reached the marketplace of Banee Qaynuqaa‘ and then he ﷺ sat in the courtyard of Faatimah's house and asked about the small boy (i.e., his grandson Al-Hasan), but Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) kept the boy in for a while. I thought she was either putting a necklace on him or giving him a bath. After a while the boy came out running and the Prophet ﷺ embraced and kissed him and then said, 'O Allah! Love him, and love whoever loves him.'.

Commentary :
It is incumbent on every Muslim to show love, affection, reverence, and respect for the family of the Prophet ﷺ.
This hadeeth highlights the virtues of the Prophet’s grandson, Al-Hasan ibn ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with them), as narrated by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. It was narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he once went with the Prophet ﷺ sometime during the day, and they did not speak during their walk, perhaps because the Prophet ﷺ was thinking about something regarding the divine revelation or otherwise, and Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) did not speak out of respect for the Prophet ﷺ. This was the practice of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them); they used to leave the Prophet ﷺ unbothered whenever they found himpreoccupied.
When the Prophet ﷺreached the marketplace of Banee Qaynuqaa‘, i.e., a Jewish tribe in Al-Madeenah that inhabited it prior to the Prophet’s migration and built a marketplace inside their fortress named after them. Then he ﷺ left, as recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, and went to the courtyard of his daughter Faatimah's house and sat there.
He ﷺ then called upon them saying, “Is the little chap (i.e., Al-Hasan) there? Is the little one here?” (i.e., Is there anyone home?) The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Luka‘, and one of its meanings is a very young child, referring to Al-Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him).
Afterward, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) kept his grandson Al-Hasan in for a while. He (may Allah be pleased with him) thought that she was either putting a necklace on him or giving him a bath. The Arabic word for necklace that was used in the hadeeth is Sikhaab, which was a necklace made of cloves, musk, oud and the like of pleasant perfumes, made in the shape of a rosary necklace for young boys and servants, or it was a string of beads called Sikhaabaa because it produced a sound when its beads moved, and the name Sikhaab linguistically denotes mixed sounds.
After a while the boy came out running, upon hearing the Prophet ﷺcalling for him. The Prophet ﷺaffectionately embraced and kissed him, mirroring the mutual love between him and his grandchildren. He ﷺ then supplicated Allah, Exalted is He, in his favor saying, 'O Allah! Love him, and love whoever loves him.' This means that the reward for loving the Prophet’s family will be earning the love of Allah, Exalted is He.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that young boys should be cleaned and dressed properly, especially when meeting adults.
The hadeeth also urges adults to play with young children and treat them kindly to foster mutual love and affection.
The hadeeth also underlines the virtues and merits of Al-Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him).
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2123

Naafi‘ narrated: Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) told us that people used to buy foodstuff from the trading caravans during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ, and he used to forbid them to resell the purchased goods at the very place where they had purchased them (but they were rather required to wait) till they carried the purchased goods to the marketplace where foodstuff was customarily sold. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'The Prophet ﷺ also forbade the reselling of foodstuff by somebody who had just bought it unless he had received it with exact full measure.'.

Commentary :
The Laws of Islam regulates people’s dealings and interactions when conducting sales and business transactions. It has laid down rules and principles clarifying the essential matters to avoid disputes among people and help them conduct lawful and smooth business transactions that are free of disputes and Laws of Islam violations.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with them) related that they used to buy foodstuff from the trading caravans, meaning the traveling traders who used to carry and sell their goods in different towns, during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ used to send someone to forbid them from reselling the purchased foodstuff in the place where they had bought them from the trading caravans until they had carriedit first to the marketplace where people customarily bought foodstuff. This is because Taqaabudh (i.e., immediate and reciprocal exchange and taking possession of the purchased commodity and its monetary equivalent by the buyer and seller respectively in the contracting session) is a condition for the validity of the sale, and this condition is met by carrying the purchased goods to the marketplace.
Another version of the hadeeth reads: “The Prophet ﷺ forbade reselling the purchased foodstuff except after taking possession of it first,” meaning, they must not dispose of the purchased foodstuff by means of sale except after taking it into their possession, and then they may resell it as they wish.
The Prophet ﷺ explained the reason behind the prohibition of reselling the purchased foodstuff from the trading caravans before taking possession of it, as being more convenient and beneficial for people. Therefore, it was reported in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim that it was prohibited to go out to meet the trading caravans before they arrived at the marketplaces, because this involves harming others. Therefore, he ﷺ commanded the buyers to transfer the purchased foodstuff to the marketplaces (before reselling their purchased goods) to avoid inconvenience for other traders, and to protect them from selling their goods before knowing their values and prices at the marketplaces.
The hadeeth highlights the Prophet’s keenness to preserve the worldly interests of people.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that it is prohibited to use any method of sale and purchase that may lead to monopolies and price spikes..

2125

‘Ataa’ ibn Yasaar narrated:
I met ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them) and asked him, "Tell me about the description of the Prophet ﷺ that was mentioned in Torah (i.e., Old Testament.") He (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, 'Yes. By Allah, he ﷺ was described in Torah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Quran as follows: (Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner,} [Quran 33:45] and a protection for the unlettered. You are My servant and Messenger. I have called you Al-Mutawakkil" (i.e., the one who duly relies upon Allah). You are neither discourteous, harsh, nor noisemaker in the marketplaces. You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you rather deal with them with forgiveness and kindness. Allah, Exalted is He, will not cause him to die until He has made the crooked community straight so that they should proclaim, "None is worthy of worship save Allah,” and by it they will open blind eyes, deaf ears, and enveloped hearts.'".

Commentary :
The name and description of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ were mentioned in the heavenly books revealed to the previous nations, the Torah and the Gospel.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee (a Muslim who saw at least one of the Companions) ‘Ataa’ ibn Yasaar stated that he met ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them) and asked him about the description of the Prophet ﷺ in the Torah, because ‘Abdullah was quite familiar with it. He (may Allah be pleased with him) told him that the Prophet ﷺ was described in Torah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Quran. Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner,} [Quran 33:45] meaning as a witness for your believing nation, testifying to their belief in you, your prophethood, and the implications of the divine message with which you were sent, and a witness for the disbelievers as well, testifying to their disbelief. It could also mean a witness for the previous Messengers of Allah, testifying that they had communicated the divine message to their people. Another quality was ‘a bearer of glad tidings,’ meaning that he ﷺdelivered good news to the believers, and ‘a warner’ for the disbelievers, communicating to them the warnings of a feared fate, urging them to avoid it and take proper precautions. It could also mean that the Prophet ﷺ was a bearer of glad tidings for the believers that they shall enter Paradise, and a warner for the disbelievers that they shall be thrown into Hellfire. He ﷺ was also described as ‘a protection for the unlettered,’ meaning Arabs. They shielded themselves with him against Satan or the dominion and power of non-Arabs. It is noteworthy that Arabs were described as ‘unlettered’ because most of them did not read or write. The description goes on, “You are My servant and Messenger. I have called you Al-Mutawakkil,” because he ﷺ duly relied on Allah, Exalted is He, and was content with his little share of worldly Rizq (i.e., provision), aspired to none but Allah for victory, adhered to patience while waiting for His relief, embodied noble morals, and fully trusted the promise of Allah, Exalted is He. He ﷺ was “neither discourteous,” meaning ill-mannered and rude, “harsh,” meaning coldhearted, “nor noisemaker in the marketplaces,” meaning that he ﷺ did not raise his voice in the marketplace as indicative of having a bad moral character, and he ﷺdid not shout at others. Rather, he ﷺ was lenient and kind towards people. The description goes on, “You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you rather deal with them with forgiveness and kindness,” unless the ordinances of Allah are violated. Allah, Exalted is He, will not cause him to die until He has made the crooked community straight”, the crooked community here is a reference to the disbelievers, and making them straight means guiding them to Islam. It was also said that the hadeeth refers to the divine religion revealed to Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham) and people who lived during the Fatrah (i.e., a period of time when no Messenger was sent to people), who went astray and therefore either added or omitted parts of the religion, and then Islam was revealed to put things in order and lead people back to the straight path by proclaiming that "None is worthy of worship save Allah.” It can be fairly said that the advent of Islam marks the divine command to such people to give up Shirk (i.e., polytheism) and usher people back to Tawheed (i.e., Islamic monotheism). By means of Islam, Allah, Exalted is He, “will open blind eyes,” to see the truth, “deaf ears,” to hear the call to goodness, “and enveloped hearts,” that have been veiled by the darkness of Shirk. The Prophet ﷺ was a reason for people’s guidance to Islam and edifying them on the religion of Allah, Exalted is He.
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2127

Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Haraam died owing debts to others. I asked the Prophet ﷺ to intercede with his creditors for some reduction of the debts (i.e., to be able to afford repayment). The Prophet ﷺasked them (to reduce the debts) but they refused. The Prophet ﷺ said to me, "Go and put your dates (in heaps) according to their different kinds. The ‘Ajwah dates on one side, the cluster of Ibn Zayd on another side, etc., and then call me." I did that and called the Prophet ﷺ came and sat at the head or in the middle of the heaps and ordered me to measure (the dates) for the people (i.e., creditors). I measured for them till I repaid all the debts. My dates remained as they were; as if nothing had been taken from them!
Another narration reads, "He (i.e., ‘Abdullah) continued measuring for them till he repaid all the debts." The Prophet ﷺ said (to ‘Abdullah), "Cut (clusters) for him (i.e., one of the creditors) and measure for him fully.".

Commentary :
A Muslim is a brother of his fellow Muslim, and it is becoming of a Muslim to strive to fulfill the needs of his Muslim brothers, especially those who explicitly ask for his help. He should (hasten to their help and) stand by them until their need is fulfilled.
In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that his father, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Haraam (may Allah be pleased with him) passed away owing a debt to someone. He (may Allah be pleased with him) had been martyred during the Battle of Uhud. He asked the Prophet ﷺ to help him convince the creditors to reduce their debts so that he would be able to repay them. The Prophet ﷺ interceded for him with the creditors, who were Jews, but they refused. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ asked Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) to go back to his orchard and arrange his dates in heaps according to their different kinds. The ‘Ajwah dates, which were the finest kind of dates in Al-Madeenah, on one side, the cluster of Ibn Zayd, which were low-quality dates, on another side, and so on. Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) did as he ﷺ commanded and then notified him. The Prophet ﷺ came and sat at the head or in the middle of the heaps and ordered Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) to measure the dates for the creditors to repay his late father’s debts. He ﷺ said: "Cut for him,” meaning ‘cut the clusters of dates for one of the creditors, “and measure for him fully,” meaning to repay the debt in full. He (may Allah be pleased with him) measured for them till he repaid all the debts, and his dates remained as they were; as if nothing had been taken from them, by the blessing of the Prophet ﷺ.
The hadeeth highlights a miracle exercised by the Prophet ﷺ and a sign indicating his prophethood.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is permissible to seek debt relief or remittance ofpart of it, if the debtor is unable to repay it in full; but the creditor has the choice either to accept or refuse such request..

2128

Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma‘dee Karib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.".

Commentary :
The divine blessing is one of the bounties bestowed by Allah, Exalted is He, to increase what is little, preserve it, and prevent its loss. The Prophet ﷺ guided us to a number of means to receive the blessing of Allah, Exalted is He.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ underlined one of such means, namely, the use of measures for foodstuff, including: wheat, barley, dates, raisins, and others, when buying or selling, or when paying their due Zakaah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “…you will be blessed,” meaning that Allah, Exalted is He, will enable you to better avail yourselves of its blessing, good, and great benefits, and both the sellers and buyers get to taste such benefits. It is also possible that the hadeeth refers to what a person spends on his dependents, and thus it would mean, “When you allocate foodstuff for your family and dependents, use measures to estimatethe exact amount that would suffice you for a specified period of time.” They did not use measures and therefore would eat to excess.
It is noteworthy that this hadeeth does not contradict the one narrated on the authority of the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim reading: “…I hada small quantity of barley I had on a shelf and from which I kept eating for a long time. Then when I measured what was left of it, it soon finished.” To reconcile between the two hadeeths, scholars underlined that it is recommended to use measures when conducting sales transactions because it preserves the rights of the contracting parties. However, it is disliked to use measures for foodstuff given in charity, because it is motivated by miserliness.
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2129

‘Abdullah ibn Zayd narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Prophet Ibraaheem declared Makkah a (sacred) sanctuary, and asked for Allah's blessing to be bestowed upon it. Likewise, I declared Al-Madeenah a (sacred) sanctuary as Ibraaheem declared Makkah a (sacred) sanctuary and I asked for Allah's Blessing to be bestowed upon its measures the Mudd and the Saa‘ as Ibraaheem did for Makkah.”.

Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, assigned to Makkah and Al-Madeenah a superior status to other places and lands.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ stated that Prophet Ibraaheem declared Makkah a sanctuary and supplicated Allah, Exalted is He, in its favor, as stated in the ayah that reads (what means): {And [mention] when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day."} [Quran 2:126]. Likewise, the Prophet ﷺ declared Al-Madeenah a sanctuary, as Prophet Ibraaheem declared Makkah one, and he ﷺ supplicated Allah, Exalted is He, to bless its measures as Prophet Ibraaheem supplicated Him to bless Makkah.
The Saa‘ and Mudd were dry measures used for agricultural produce by the Arabs, and their exact measures differed according to the different towns and lands where they were used. The Saa‘ was the larger measure, and it equals four Mudds.
The sacredness of Al-Madeenah is manifested in the fact that whatever lies within its boundaries is declared inviolable (as per the laws of Islam). No animal may be hunted, and no tree may not be cut down, except those planted by people; it is permissible to cut down and eat from such trees only. Moreover, no religious innovation, offence, act of injustice, or violation of the Laws of Islam warranting the application of Hadd (i.e., a corporal punishment prescribed by the Laws of Islam for certain crimes) may be committed therein. The Prophet ﷺ underlined that in his statement after the conquest of Makkah, narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them), and recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, reading: “Makkah was declared sacred by Allah, Exalted is He, the day He created the heavens and the Earth. Fighting therein was not permitted for any one before me or after me, rather it was permitted for me for a short part of a day. At this moment it is a sanctuary that is sacred by the decree of Allah until the Day of Resurrection. Its green grass may not be uprooted or cut, its trees may not be cut down, and its animals may not be chased (or hunted)… . It is not permissible to pick up its lost property (Luqtah) except by one who will announce it publicly (i.e., toreturn it to the owner).”
Furthermore, it was recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺsaid, “Al-Madeenah is a sanctuary from such-and-such place to such-and-such place. Its trees may not be cut down and no religious innovation nor sin may be committed therein, and whoever introduces a religious innovation or commits sins (and evil deeds) therein, will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all people.”
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2134

It was narrated on the authority of ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "A barter of gold for gold is Ribaa (i.e., interest), except if they are exchanged hand to hand (i.e., on the spot) and are equal in amount, and wheat grain for wheat grain is Ribaa except if they are exchanged hand to hand and are equal in amount, and dates for dates is Ribaa except if they are exchanged hand to hand and are equal in amount, and barley for barley is Ribaa except if they are exchanged hand to hand and are equal in amount.".

Commentary :
Dealing with Ribaa (i.e., interest, usury) is one of the major sins, and Allah, Exalted is He, threatened those who deal with it of a war [against them] from Him and His Messenger ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺclarified the rules and principles governing business transactions in Islam, and underlined the different forms of Ribaa so that the Muslims should not fall into it, and he ﷺ also clarified the different forms of lawful sale transactions.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explained how barters of two similar commodities should be conducted. He ﷺ said: “A barter of gold for gold is Ribaa, except if they are exchanged hand to hand (i.e., on the spot) and are equal in amount,” and the meaning is that the two commodities must be exchanged hand to hand before leaving the contracting session. Selling gold for gold is an unlawful transaction that involves Ribaa in all cases, except when the two commodities are exchanged on the spot, fulfilling the Taqaabudh requirement (i.e., immediate exchange and reciprocal taking possession of the purchased commodity and its monetary equivalent by the buyer and seller respectively in the contracting session). The reference to the Taqaabudh requirement in the hadeeth was given by the words ‘exchanged hand to hand.’ Likewise, the ruling applies to wheat and barley. If the seller and buyer want to conclude such transactions, the commodities must be exchanged hand to hand on the spot, before leaving the contracting session.
A second requirement for the validity of a barter of similar commodities is that the exchanged commodities must be of equal amounts.
It was narrated on the authority of Aboo Sa’eed Al-Khudhri (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said, stating the requirement of being of the same amount: “Do not sell gold for gold or silver for silver unless both are of equal weight.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
The version recorded in Saheeh Muslim reads: “Gold is to be paid for by gold, silver by silver, wheat by wheat, barley by barley, dates by dates, salt by salt, like by like, provided that payments are made hand to hand (i.e., immediate exchange on the spot). He who made an excess, or asked for an excess, in fact dealt with Ribaa. The receiver and the giver are equally guilty.”
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2135

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of foodstuff before receiving it (i.e., taking possession of it). I believe that all sale transactions should be done in the same way..

2136

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ said, "A buyer of foodstuff may not resell it before it has been measured for him." Ismsa‘eel narrated instead, "He may not resell it before receiving it.".

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

| Hadiths

‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
A person came to the Prophet ﷺ and told him that he was always cheated in sale transactions. The Prophet ﷺ told him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating.".

Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma‘dee Karib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.".

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of foodstuff before receiving it (i.e., taking possession of it). I believe that all sale transactions should be done in the same way..

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ said, "A buyer of foodstuff may not resell it before it has been measured for him." Ismsa‘eel narrated instead, "He may not resell it before receiving it.".

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.".

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.".

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.".

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..

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..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): A person came to the Prophet ﷺ and told him that he was always cheated in sale transactions. The Prophet ﷺ told him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating.".

Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma‘dee Karib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Prophet ﷺ said, "Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.".

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of foodstuff before receiving it (i.e., taking possession of it). I believe that all sale transactions should be done in the same way..

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "A buyer of foodstuff may not resell it before it has been measured for him." Ismsa‘eel narrated instead, "He may not resell it before receiving it.".

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.".

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.".

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.".

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..

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..

‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
A person came to the Prophet ﷺ and told him that he was always cheated in sale transactions. The Prophet ﷺ told him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating.".

Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma‘dee Karib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.".

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of foodstuff before receiving it (i.e., taking possession of it). I believe that all sale transactions should be done in the same way..

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ said, "A buyer of foodstuff may not resell it before it has been measured for him." Ismsa‘eel narrated instead, "He may not resell it before receiving it.".