| 2 Hadiths


Hadith
2587
 ‘Aamir narrated:
I heard Al-Nu‘maan ibn Basheer (may Allah be pleased with him) on the pulpit saying, "My father gave me a gift but ‘Amrah bint Rawaahah (my mother) said that she would not agree to it unless he made Allah's Messengerﷺ as a witness to it. So, my father went to Allah's Messengerﷺ and said, 'I have given a gift to my son from ‘Amrah bint Rawaahah, but she ordered me to make you as a witness to it, O Allah's Messengerﷺ!' Allah's Messenger ﷺ asked, 'Have you given (the like of it) to everyone of your children?' He replied in the negative. Allah's Messengerﷺ said, ‘Fear Allah, and be just to all your children (i.e., treat them all on an equal footing).' My father then returned and took back his gift."
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Commentary :
Every guardian is enjoined to be fair and treat those under his care on an equal footing. A father is a guardian and he is responsible for those under his care, i.e., his wife and children, and establishing the enjoined equality between them entails that he should not favor any of his children over the others in terms of gift-giving, giving some and denying the others.
In this hadeeth, Al-Nu‘maan ibn Basheer Al-Ansaaree (may Allah be pleased with him) related that his father Basheer gave him a gift, which was a male servant. His mother Umm Al-Nu‘maan had asked his father for that servant, as recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim. ‘Amrah bint Rawaahah, his mother, (may Allah be pleased with her) said to her husband that she would not agree to such a gift unless he made Allah's Messengerﷺ as a witness to it, aiming to make it binding. So, Basheer (may Allah be pleased with him) went to Allah's Messengerﷺ and related to him the matter and that his wife ordered him to make the Prophet ﷺ as a witness to it. He ﷺ asked him, “Have you given (the like of it) to everyone of your children?” He (may Allah be pleased with him) replied in the negative. Allah's Messengerﷺ said, 'Fear Allah, and be just to all your children (i.e., treat them all on an equal footing).' The aim of such a command was to foster mutual accord and affection between siblings, eliminating the causes of discord and hatred, and helping them show the enjoined dutifulness towards their father. Basheer (may Allah be pleased with him) obeyed the Prophet’s ﷺcommand, returned, and took back his gift to establish equality between all his children.
The hadeeth urges parents to establish equality between children in terms of gift-giving.
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2590
Asmaa’ (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
Once I said, "O Allah's Messengerﷺ! I have no property except what has been given to me by Al-Zubayr (i.e., her husband). May I give in charity therefrom?" The Prophet ﷺ said, "Give in charity and do not withhold it; otherwise Allah, Exalted is He, will withhold it back from you . "
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Commentary : A wife is entrusted with her husband’s wealth and she shall be held accountable by Allah, Exalted is He, for it. It is incumbent on her to preserve his wealth, take care of it, take from it what she needs only (without excess or waste), and spend from it reasonably.
In this hadeeth Asmaa’ bint Aboo Bakr Al-Siddeeq (may Allah be pleased with them) relates that she once said to the Prophet ﷺ, "O Allah's Messengerﷺ! I have no property except what has been given to me by Al-Zubayr ibn Al-‘Awwaam (i.e., her husband),” meaning he gave her to spend therefrom on the household needs. She (may Allah be pleased with her) added: “May I give in charity therefrom?" The Prophet ﷺ said, "Give in charity and do not withhold it; otherwise Allah, Exalted is He, will withhold it back from you.” The Prophet’s ﷺstatement means, ‘Do not withhold wealth, but rather spend in charity, for withholding wealth may be a cause for being deprived of having it blessed and increased by Allah, Exalted is He. Another version of the hadeeth recorded by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim reads: “Spend according to your means,” meaning spend therefrom reasonably as long as you afford it, even if you can only give very little in charity, and do not hoard wealth and refrain from spending in charity, fearing that your wealth might be exhausted, lest you would be deprived of a blessed Rizq (i.e., provisions).
The Prophet ﷺ may have commanded her to do so and did not ask her to seek her husband’s permission because he ﷺ knew of the leniency of Al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) for which he was known. It is allowable for a wife to spend reasonably from her husband’s wealth (without his knowledge) as long as she knows that he would approve of such disposal of his wealth, that he would not dislike such an act, that she habitually does so and he approves of it, or when she spends in charity small amounts that do not affect the affordability of supporting their dependents, and she would not exceed the proper limits nor aim to waste his wealth. It was narrated on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet ﷺ said: “When a woman gives some of the food in her house (in charity without her husband’s prior knowledge), not wasting it, she will have her reward for what she has given and her husband will have his for what he earned. The same applies to a storekeeper; in no respect does the one diminishe the reward of the other.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
It is deduced from the hadeeth that spending in charity is a reason for having one’s wealth blessed and increased, and that generosity begets abundant Rizq (i.e., provisions).
It is also inferred therefrom that stinginess and withholding from giving (charity), especially the obligatory Zakaah, incurs the loss and ruin of wealth.
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2592
Kurayb, the free slave of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them), narrated that Maymoonah bint Al-Haarith (may Allah be pleased with her) told him that she manumitted a slave-girl without taking the permission of the Prophet ﷺ. On the day when it was her turn to be with the Prophet ﷺ, she said, "Do you know, O Allah's Messengerﷺ, that I have manumitted my slave-girl?" He ﷺ said, "Have you really?" She (may Allah be pleased with her) replied in the affirmative. He ﷺ said, "You would have got more reward if you had given her (i.e., the slave-girl) to one of your maternal uncles."
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Commentary :
Spending in charity is one of the best acts of righteousness, and there are numerous channels of giving and spending in charity.Some should be given precedence over the others depending on the situation and circumstances. Charity offered to one’s relatives is better and more rewardable.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers Maymoonah (may Allah be pleased with her) related that she manumitted a slave-girl without taking the permission of the Prophet ﷺ. She (may Allah be pleased with her) owned this slave-girl, and being a sane adult, her disposal of her own property is valid as per the laws of Islam with no need for her husband’s prior consent. On the other hand, she (may Allah be pleased with her) had known that the Prophet ﷺ would not disapprove of her disposal, and that he ﷺ would even like such act, which did not constitute a violation of the proper conduct of a woman towards her husband in Islam.
On the day when it was her turn to spend the night with the Prophet ﷺ, she said, "Do you know, O Allah's Messengerﷺ,that I have manumitted my slave-girl?" He ﷺ said, "Have you really?" She (may Allah be pleased with her) replied in the affirmative. He ﷺ said, "You would have got more reward if you had given her (i.e., the slave-girl) to one of your maternal uncles,” meaning that it would have been better and more rewardable to give this slave-girl to her maternal uncles to serve them, since they needed a servant, than manumitting her. Her maternal relatives belonged to Banee Hilaal and her mother’s name was Hind bint ‘Awf ibn Zuhayr Al-Haarith (may Allah be pleased with them).
The hadeeth urges Muslims to uphold ties of kinship, and underlines the abundant reward designated for such a worshipful act..

2606
Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)
Allah's Messengerﷺ owed a man some debt (and that man demanded it very harshly). The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) wanted to harm him, but the Prophet ﷺ said to them, "Leave him (unharmed); one who has a right is entitled to speak (i.e., claim his right)." He ﷺ then added, "Buy (a camel) of the same age and give it to him." They (may Allah be pleased with them) said, "We cannot get except a camel of an older age than that of his." He ﷺ said, "Buy it and give it to him, as the best amongst you is he who pays back his debt in the most handsome way.”
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Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ was a merciful teacher, a gentle educator, and a kind mentor. Whenever he ﷺ witnessed someone’s mistake, he ﷺ would not harshly reprimand, rebuke, or alienate the doer, and whenever he ﷺ witnessed something right, he ﷺ would praise and laud it, and reward the doer handsomely.
In this hadeeth, It was narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messengerﷺ owed a man some debt (and that man demanded it very harshly). The creditor was discourteous and impolite in demanding the repayment of the debt, as reported in the version of the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) wanted to harm him verbally or physically, but they refrained from doing so out of politeness towards the Prophet ﷺ, and he said to them, "Leave him (unharmed);” and this mirrored the Prophet’s ﷺgood moral character, kindness, and endurance of people’s harshness despite his ability to retaliate against him, “the one who has a right is entitled to speak (i.e., claim his right)." This means that Allah, Exalted is He, deems it allowable for a person to claim his rights, be he a creditor, landlord, or worker, provided that he does not infringe upon people’s rights. The unpaid debt was a camel. The Prophet ﷺ then added, "Buy (a camel) of the same age and give it to him." The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) could not get except an older, better, and more valuable camel than that of the man. The Prophet ﷺ commanded them to give it to him to repay the debt handsomely. He ﷺ explained the reason for giving him an older, better, and more valuable camel by saying, "the best amongst you is he who pays back his debt in the most handsome way.”
This means that the best of people is the one who is the kindest to others, and fulfills people’s rights, by the repayment of debts or other rights.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that one may delegate another person to repay his debts.
It is also inferred therefrom that one may loan an animal to someone.
It also deduced that whoever owes a debt or is liable to any other financial rights, should repay the debts or fulfill them handsomely.
It is also inferred that a debtor should endure the harshness of a creditor when claiming his rights..

2613
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
Once the Prophet ﷺ went to the house of Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) but did not enter it. ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) came and she told him about that. When ‘Alee asked the Prophet ﷺ about it, he ﷺ said, "I saw a (multicolored) decorated curtain on her door. I am not interested in worldly pleasures." ‘Alee went to Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with them) and told her about it. Faatimah said, "I am ready to dispense with it in the way he ﷺ suggests." The Prophet ﷺ ordered her to send it to such-and-such needy people.
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was led the most ascetic life and renounced the worldly pleasures, because he ﷺ knew well the essence and true nature of the fleeting worldly life. This worldly life is a short-lived phase during which a Muslim should perform as many worshipful acts and good deeds as possible, to taste eternal bliss in Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ keenly instilled these meanings within the hearts and minds of his family and Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
In this hadeeth, ‘Abadullaah Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ went once to the house of Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) but did not enter it. ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) came and found her concerned and distressed. He (may Allah be pleased with him) asked her about it and she (may Allah be pleased with her) told him of what the Prophet ﷺ did. When ‘Alee asked the Prophet ﷺ about it, he ﷺ informed him of the reason for not entering their house: that they had a (multicolored) decorated curtain on the door. The Prophet ﷺ disliked the use of such a curtain merely because it contradicts the lauded asceticism; it is neither unlawful nor disliked to use curtains on the doors as per the laws of Islam. However, the Prophet ﷺ merely disliked it because it was multicolored and decorated, i.e., luxurious, and he ﷺ renounced such worldly pleasures. He ﷺ remarked: “I am not interested in worldly pleasures," meaning that he ﷺ did not like or pursue such worldly luxuries. He ﷺ only sought after the Hereafter, and disliked for his own beloved daughter what he ﷺ disliked for himself, namely, enjoying such luxuries and pleasures in the worldly life.
 ‘Alee went to Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with them) and told her about it. Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "I am ready to dispense with it in the way he ﷺ suggests." The Prophet ﷺ ordered her to send it to such-and-such needy people, to use it or avail themselves of its price.
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2614
‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ gave me a silken dress as a gift and I wore it. When I saw the signs of anger on his face, I cut it into pieces and distributed it among my womenfolk.”
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Commentary : Islamic teaching regarding dress code and adornment is clearly defined in the Book of Allah, Exalted is He, and the Sunnah of His Prophet ﷺ. The Islamic Laws of Islam has set general guidelines that must be taken into account regarding men’s and women’s clothing.
In this hadeeth, ‘Alee ibn Aboo Taalib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺgave him a silken garment as a gift. The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Hullah, which was a suit of two garments (woven with silk stripes). The Prophet ﷺ had forbidden men from wearing silk. When he ﷺ saw ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) wearing it, anger was written all over his face! When he (may Allah be pleased with him) saw the signs of anger on his face, he cut it into pieces and distributed it among his womenfolk, because he (may Allah be pleased with him) did not take another wife besides Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ.
This was further clarified by the version recorded in Saheeh Muslim reading: “Divide it among the Faatimahs (i.e., your womenfolk) to make head covers,” meaning Faatimah, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, Faatimah bint Asad, the mother of ‘Alee ibn Aboo Taalib, and Faatimah bint Hamzah ibn ‘Abd Al-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with them).
It is inferred from the hadeeth that it is allowable to give gifts from one’s property even if it is prohibited or disliked to wear such a gift, because the owner is entitled to dispose of it by means of sale or gift to whomever he wishes from those who are allowed to wear or use it, like women and young boys in this case.
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2615
Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):
A Jubbah (i.e., cloak) made of thick silken cloth was presented to the Prophet ﷺ, and he used to forbid people to wear silk. So, people were pleased to see it. The Prophet ﷺsaid, "By Him in Whose Hands Muhammad's soul is, the handkerchiefs of Sa‘d ibn Mu‘aadh in Paradise are better than this." Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) added, "The present was sent to the Prophet ﷺ by Ukaydir (a Christian) from Dawmah..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ led the most ascetic life and was the keenest in renouncing worldly pleasures, and he ﷺ used to instill these values within his Companions (may Allah be pleased with him), ensuring that their hearts were fixated on and attached to the Hereafter and the eternal bliss prepared by Allah, Exalted is He, for them in Paradise.
In this hadeeth, Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that Ukaydir (a Christian Arab ruler) of Dawmah Al-Jandal, a town near Tabook, northern Saudi Arabia, gifted the Prophet ﷺ a Jubbah. This ruler was seized by Khaalid ibn Al-Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was sent by the Prophet ﷺto Tabook in 9 A.H. He (may Allah be pleased with him) killed this Christian ruler’s brother and took him prisoner. The Prophet ﷺ released him on the condition of paying the Jizyah (i.e., head tax on non-Muslim citizens living under the protection of Muslim rule). This ruler gifted the Prophet ﷺ a Jubbah (i.e., cloak) made of thick silken cloth, and it captured the admiration of people. The Prophet ﷺ used to forbid people to wear silk. Since people were pleased to see it, the Prophet ﷺsaid, "By Him in Whose Hands Muhammad's soul is,” a wording that was often used by the Prophet ﷺ when making an oath, “the handkerchiefs of Sa‘d ibn Mu‘aadh in Paradise are better than this." This is a reference to Sa‘d’s least valuable possessions in Paradise, because handkerchiefs – used to clean the hands and remove impurities - are the least possessions a person will be given therein. The least valuable possessions of Sa‘d in Paradise shall be better than this silken Jubbah that they admired much, because the bliss in Paradise will be like what no eyes have ever seen, no ears have ever heard of, and which has never crossed your hearts or minds. Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do.} [Quran 32:17].
The hadeeth highlights the virtues of Sa‘d ibn Mu‘aadh (may Allah be pleased with him) and proves that he shall be admitted to Paradise.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that the Prophet ﷺ used to accept gifts from non-Muslims..

2617
Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him):
A Jewess brought a poisoned (cooked) sheep for the Prophet ﷺwho ate from it. She was brought to the Prophet ﷺ and he was asked, "Shall we kill her?" He ﷺ said, "No." I continued to see the effect of the poison on the palate of the mouth of Allah's Messengerﷺ.
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Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ was the humblest of all people, and a manifestation of his good moral character was that he ﷺ accepted the gifts offered to him from anyone, even small gifts and even if the gift-giver was a non-Muslim, to win his heart and encourage him to embrace Islam. The Jews took advantage of that when they knew of his graciousness, and tried to kill him by serving him poisonous food.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that a Jewish woman, named Zaynab bint Al-Haarith, who was married to Salaam ibn Mishkam, gifted the Messenger of Allah ﷺ a poisoned sheep after the battle of Khyber. She cooked the meat for the Prophet ﷺ and put poison in it. The Prophet ﷺ ate from it, but Allah, Exalted is He, protected him from the immediate effects of the poison and he ﷺ did not die. However, the effect of the poison remained in his body. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Icontinued to see the effect of the poison on the palate of the mouth of Allah's Messenger ﷺ.” It seems that the effect of the poison remained visible, in that some black marks or the like could be seen on palate of the mouth of Allah's Messenger ﷺ. This woman was brought to the Prophet ﷺ. The version of the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh Muslim reads: “(When the effects of this poison were felt by him) she was brought to the Prophet ﷺ and he asked her about that, whereupon she said: “I had determined to kill you.” Thereupon he ﷺ said: ‘Allah will never give you the power to do it.’ (It is possible that this was ‘Alee’s statement).”
The Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ permission to kill her, but he ﷺ refused to have her killed on the spot. This is why he ﷺ forbade them from killing her. However, it was authentically reported that she was killed as narrated in Sunan Aboo Daawood. The Prophet ﷺ killed her, or gave her to the guardians of the blood (i.e., ‘Asabah, or blood male relatives from the father's side) of Bishr ibn Al-Baraa’ ibn Ma’roor, who had eaten from it and died; his guardians had the woman killed in Qisaas (i.e., retribution). To reconcile between the two versions of the hadeeth, it could be said that the Prophet ﷺ did not kill her upon knowing of the poison she put in the sheep and refused the companions’ request to kill her, but when Bishr ibn Al-Baraa’ died of this poison, he ﷺ handed her over to his guardians, and they killed her by virtue of Qisaas (i.e., retribution). It is authentically reported that he ﷺ did not kill her immediately and it is also authentically reported that he ﷺ killed her afterward.
The hadeeth highlights the divine protection bestowed upon the Prophet ﷺ; Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {And Allah will protect you from the people.} [Quran 5:67].
It also underlines a miracle with which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was aided, as Allah, Exalted is He, delivered him from the poison that killed others.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable to accept gifts from non-Muslims.
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2618
‘Abd Al-Rahmaan ibn Abee Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated:
We were one-hundred and thirty persons accompanying the Prophet ﷺ who asked us whether anyone of us had food. There was a man who had about a Saa‘ of wheat which was mixed with water then. A tall pagan with long matted unkempt hair came driving sheep. The Prophet ﷺ asked him, "Will you sell us (a sheep) or give it as a present?" He said, "I will sell you (a sheep)." The Prophet ﷺbought a sheep and it was slaughtered. He ﷺ ordered that its liver and other abdominal organs be roasted. By Allah, the Prophet ﷺ gave every person of the one-hundred-and-thirty a piece of that; he gave all those of them who were present; and kept the shares of those who were absent. He ﷺthen put its meat in two huge basins and all of them ate to their fill, and even then, more food was left in the two basins which were carried on the camel (or said something like it).
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Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, supported His Prophet ﷺ with miracles, and imparted His blessings through him. An example of such a blessing was increasing small quantities of food to suffice large groups of people, by the blessing of the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abd Al-Rahmaan ibn Abee Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that there were one-hundred and thirty people accompanying the Prophet ﷺ,who asked them whether anyone of them had food. There was a man who had about a Saa‘ of wheat which was mixed with water. A tall pagan with long matted unkempt hair pagan came driving sheep. The Prophet ﷺ asked him, "Will you sell us (a sheep) or give it as a present?" He said, "I will sell you (a sheep)." The Prophet ﷺ bought a sheep and it was slaughtered and cooked. He ﷺ ordered that its liver and other abdominal organs be roasted. ‘Abd Al-Rahmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) swore by Allah, Exalted is He, that the Prophet ﷺ gave every person of the one-hundred-and-thirty a piece of that liver; he gave all those of them who were present; and kept the shares of those who were absent! He ﷺordered the meat to be put in two huge wooden basins and all of them ate to their fill, and even then, more food was left in the two basins which were carried on the camel, and this was a miracle performed by the Prophet ﷺ.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable to buy from non-Muslims and accept their gifts.
It is also inferred therefrom that Muslims are urged to share their food whenever necessary.
It is also deduced that a person may swear to confirm his statement, even if he is truthful.
It is also inferred therefrom that it is allowable to buy things from an unknown person until one comes to know of that which entails caution or makes it incumbent to refrain from engaging in business transactions with him, such as usurpation, theft, or their like.
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2620
Asmaa’ bint Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
My mother came to me during the lifetime of Allah's Messengerﷺ and she was a pagan. I said to Allah's Messenger (seeking his verdict), "My mother has come to me and she desires to receive a reward from me, shall I keep good relations with her?" The Prophet ﷺ said, “Yes, keep good relation with her.”
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Commentary : Upholding ties of kinship and dutifulness towards parents are among the good manners preached by Islam and instilled in the hearts of Muslims. The enjoined dutifulness and upholding of kinship ties are not exclusive to Muslims, and are also required for non-Muslim relations, especially close relatives such as the parents, siblings, etc.
In this hadeeth, Asmaa’ bint Abee Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that her mother, Qutaylah bint Al-‘Uzzaa, who was a pagan,came to her during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger ﷺ. Another version of the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim reads: “My mother who was a polytheist came to me when he (the Prophet) ﷺ entered into treaty with Quraysh,” meaning in the period between Al-Hudaybiyah Peace Treaty and the conquest of Makkah. Asmaa’ (may Allah be pleased with her) was then married to Al-Zubayr ibn Al-‘Awwaam (may Allah be pleased with him). She (may Allah be pleased with her) sent to Allah's Messenger (seeking his verdict) and told him that her mother wanted to maintain good relations with her and win her heart, since she offered her gifts and aspired to receive a reward or something else from her, but that her mother was not inclined to Islam. She (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet ﷺ as to whether she should keep good relations with her, despite the fact that she held onto disbelief. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Yes, keep good relations with her,” meaning uphold ties of kinship with her despite her disbelief.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable for a Muslim person to uphold ties of kinship with his non-Muslim relatives.
The hadeeth underlines the merits of Asmaa’ bint Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them), who keenly sought the Prophet’sﷺ verdict beforehand, and mindfully asked about the relevant religious ruling before acting..

2622
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ said, "The bad example is not for us. He who takes back his present is like a dog that swallows back its vomit."
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Commentary :
Taking back gifts is a reprehensible act and awful behavior that contradicts chivalry, and does not conform with a good moral character or sound human nature. Therefore, the Prophet ﷺ warned against it and likened such a deed to the ugliest and most heinous act to alienate Muslims from it.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ stated that it is unbecoming of Muslims to approve of or do such an act; he ﷺ said, "The bad example is not for us. He who takes back his present is like a dog that swallows back its vomit.” In this hadeeth, he ﷺ likened the gift-giver who takes back his gift to a dog that swallows its vomit. The statement underlines that the believers should not do such a reprehensible act, in which we resemble animals. This simile is rarely used in the Laws of Islam texts, which indicates the gravity and heinousness of such act. The Prophet ﷺ likened it to vomit rather than any other impurity to reflect how disgusting and repugnant that is; it is quite revolting for a person to swallow his vomit, and one should detest and find it equally revolting to take back his gifts.
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2624
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Ubaydullaah ibn Abee Maleekah narrated that the tribe of Suhayb, the freed slave of Ibn Jud‘aan, laid claim to two houses and a room that they claimed that the Prophet ﷺ had given to Suhayb. Marwaan said: "Who will testify as witness on your behalf?" They said: "Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).” So, they called him, and he corroborated their claim that the Prophet ﷺ gave Suhayb two houses and a room. Marwaan based his judgment on Ibn ‘Umar's testimony.".

Commentary :
The settlement of people’s disputes is a great role and Islam has strictly regulated the judiciary process and sternly warns against the gravity of passing judgments and rulings without knowledge or acting on one’s sinful desires. Hence, a ruler is enjoined to be substantive (and firm) when settling disputes and adjudicating allegations.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee (a Muslim who saw at least one of the Companions) ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Ubaydullaah ibn Abee Maleekah narrated regarding the tribe of Suhayb ibn Sinaan Al-Roomee (may Allah be pleased with him), the freed slave of ‘Abdullah ibn Jud‘aan who had bought and freed him. The tribe of Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him) laid claim to two houses and a room that they claimed that the Prophet ﷺ had given to Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him). A house referred to a roofed building and it translates into Bayt in Arabic because it the place where one spends the night (as denoted by the Arabic term); a room is one section of a house. The tribe of Suhayb referred to his children and descendants: Hamzah, Sa‘d, Saalih, Sayfee, ‘Abbaad, ‘Uthmaan, Habeeb, and Muhammad. They claimed these two houses and room and argued that the Prophet ﷺ had given them to their father (may Allah be pleased with him), and that they had inherited them from him. Marwaan ibn Al-Hakam, the governor of Al-Madeenah appointed by Mu‘aawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him), requested that they should provide substantial proofs to support their claim. He said, "Who will testify as witness on your behalf?" It is possible that two of them referred the dispute to the governor and the rest of them gave their consent to it. Marwaan addressed the two claimants, as suggested by the wording of the Arabic text, and they said: "Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).” Marwaan called for Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to testify, and he corroborated their claim that the Prophet ﷺ had given Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him) the two houses and a room. The wording of the Arabic text indicates that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) took an oath affirming their claim. Thereupon, Marwaan based his judgment on Ibn ‘Umar's testimony, and gave them the two houses and room. It was also said that he passed his judgment and verdict based on Ibn ‘Umar’s testimony and their oath.
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2625
Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺgave a verdict that a lifelong gift belongs to the one to whom it was given.
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Commentary :
Islam urged interdependence, solidarity, and cooperation between people. The enjoined interdependence and solidarity take many forms, such as Zakaah, charity, and gifts, one of which is lifelong gifts.
In this hadeeth, Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ gave a verdict that a lifelong gift belongs to the one to whom it was given. An example of a lifelong gift is when someone says to another, “My house is now yours as long as I should live,” or “You may reside in my house until I die.” This gift is binding as per the laws of Islam and it is impermissible for the gift-giver to take it back and annul the gift. This is the case when the gift-giver offers the recipient the gift without stipulating any conditions that it should be returned to him after a specified period of time. For example, a person might say, ‘I gift you my house as long as you should live,” or “throughout your life,” or any similar wording indicating the same meaning. Such wordings are indicative of lifelong gifts. The gifted property becomes the property of the beneficiary or receiver and his or her heirs afterward, according to the verdict of the Prophet ﷺ. In the same vein, the Prophet ﷺ said: “If anyone gives a life-tenancy it goes to the one to whom it is given, both during his lifetime and after his death, and to his descendants (heirs).” [Muslim].
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2626
It was narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said, "The ‘Umraee (i.e., lifelong gift) is permissible." ‘Ataa’ said, "Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the same to me on the authority of the Prophet ﷺ.”
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Commentary :
Islam has urged interdependence, solidarity, and cooperation between people. The enjoined interdependence and solidarity take many forms, such as Zakaah, charity, and gifts, one of which is lifelong gifts.
This hadeeth highlights the permissibility of lifelong gifts.  An example of such gifts is when someone says to another, “My house is now yours as long as I should live,” or “You may reside in my house until I die.” This gift is binding as per the laws of Islam, and it is impermissible for the gift-giver to take it back and annul the gift. This is the case when the gift-giver offers the recipient the gift without stipulating any conditions that it should be returned to him after a specified period of time. For example, a person might say, ‘I gift you my house as long as you should live,” or “throughout your life,” or any similar wording indicating the same meaning. Such wordings are indicative of lifelong gifts. The gifted property becomes the property of the beneficiary or receipt and his or her heirs afterward, according to the verdict of the Prophet ﷺ. In the same vein, the Prophet ﷺ said: “If anyone gives a life-tenancy it goes to the one to whom it is given, both during his lifetime and after his death, and to his descendants (heirs).” [Muslim].

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2628
Ayman narrated:
I went to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and she was wearing a coarse dress costing five Dirhams. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "Look up and see my slave-girl who refuses to wear it in the house though during the lifetime of Allah's MessengerﷺI had a similar dress which no woman desiring to appear elegant (before her husband) failed to borrow from me."
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Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) devoted their good deeds exclusively to Allah, Exalted is He, aspiring to His rewards only rather than worldly gains. Thus, Allah, Exalted is He, caused them to be the means to perfect the divine light of guidance bestowed upon humanity through the Prophet ﷺ, and rewarded them by conferring upon them abundant wealth and blessings.
In this hadeeth, Ayman Al-Habashee Al-Makhzoomee narrated that he went to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) while she was wearing a coarse dress costing five Dirhams. The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Qitr, which referred to a reddish coarse cotton dress from Yemen. It was also said that Qitr meant a dress made of a coarse fabric or cotton in particular. Another saying was that the name Qitr was derived from a village in Bahrain called Qatar. The point is that such a dress was coarse, and its price was about five Dirhams (of silver). ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) disapprovingly said, “Look up and see my slave-girl who refuses to wear it in the house,” meaning that she looked down on such an inexpensive dress in the house. She (may Allah be pleased with her) then described the changed conditions in comparison to her past life conditions during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. She added that during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger ﷺ she had a similar dress that the women of Al-Madeenah admired so much that no woman desiring to appear elegant (before her husband in their wedding) failed to borrow from her, since people were less fortunate and had smaller properties, and therefore perceived such inexpensive dress as elegant and expensive at that time.
This underlines the changed life conditions and the riches acquired by Muslims after the conquests. Women used to borrow such a coarse dress to beautify themselves for their husbands in weddings, but ‘Aa’ishah’s slave-girl refused to wear such a dress in the house!
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable to lend and borrow clothes, and the same goes for other precious jewelry and jewels for a bride and others.
It is also inferred therefrom that a woman may wear elegant dresses inside her home and what some servants may wear.
It also highlights the humbleness of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and the fact that she renounced worldly pleasures at times when she (may Allah be pleased with her) was given wealth.
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739
Abu Is'hāq reported: I asked Al-Aswad ibn Yazīd about what ‘Ā’ishah narrated to him regarding the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). She said: He would sleep in the earlier part of the night and stay awake in the latter part. Then, when he needed intercourse with his wife, he would fulfill his need and then sleep. When the first call was pronounced, she said: He jumped - and no by Allah, she did not say: He stood up - and poured water over himself - and no by Allah, she did not say: He took a bath, and I know what she meant - and if he was not sexually impure, he would perform ablution like a man's ablution for prayer and then offer two Rak‘ahs..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would offer Qiyām al-Layl in his house as much as Allah willed him to pray. The Companions - and the Tābi‘is after them - were keen on knowing the details of his worship and would inquire about the acts of worship that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would perform at home which they could not see.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Abu Is'hāq as-Sabī‘i informs that he asked the Tābi‘i Al-Aswad ibn Yazīd about what ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) had told him with regard to the voluntary prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during the night. He told him that she had said: "He would sleep at the earlier part of the night" after the ‘Ishā’ prayer, in order to give his body its share of rest. And he would get up at the latter part of the night to fill it with prayer, Tahajjud, and Witr. This is the time in which Allah Almighty descends to the worldly heaven, as related in a Hadīth by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim, in which Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Our Lord, Glorified and Exalted, descends every night to the worldly heaven when the last third of the night remains and says: ‘Who supplicates Me so that I may answer him? Who asks Me so that I may give him? Who seeks forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?'"
Then, when he finished his prayer in the night, he would fulfill his need for his wives, in case he had a need for them. In the version by An-Nasā’i: "he would go to his wife", which indirectly refers to copulation; and then he would then sleep. Thereafter, when the time of Fajr came and he heard the Adhān - the first call - he would 'jump' i.e., he would get up in a quick and active manner, and he would pour water over himself, taking a ritual bath if he was sexually impure from the copulation with his wives. In case he was not sexually impure, he would only make ablution and then offer two Rak‘ahs as the Sunnah of Fajr.
By his words: "No by Allah, she did not say: He stood up" and "No by Allah, she did not say: He took a bath, and I know what she meant", the narrator means that he conveyed the very words said by ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), which are: "and he poured water over himself"; and she did not say: "He took a bath". And he knows that by "he poured water", she meant: He took a bath. This shows his care and meticulousness in conveying what he heard as he heard it, not by its meaning.
The Hadīth indicates that a sexually impure person may sleep without performing ablution.
It shows the interest in worship and the active engagement in it, as denoted by the words "he jumped"..

740
‘Ā’ishah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray at night until his last prayer would be the Witr..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer Qiyām al-Layl in his house as much as Allah willed him to pray. The Companions were keen on knowing the details of his worship and would inquire about the acts of worship that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would perform at home which they could not see.
In this Hadīth, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) informs that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer Qiyām al-Layl for part of the night and would pray two Rak‘ahs at a time, and the last prayer he would perform was the Witr, whose time ends with the rise of dawn. When the dawn rose, there would be no Witr, even between the Adhān of Fajr and its Iqāmah.
There are various forms and ways of the Prophet's performance of Witr, as well as the number of its Rak‘ahs. Based on all of them, it becomes apparent that Witr can be three, five, seven, nine, or eleven Rak‘ahs. If he observed Witr as three Rak‘ahs, this would have two legitimate ways: First: He would offer the three Rak‘ahs consecutively with one Tashahhud. Second: He would make Taslīm after two Rak‘ahs and then offer one Rak‘ah as Witr. But when he observed Witr as five or seven Rak‘ahs, he would offer them all together, with only one Tashahhud and Taslīm at the end. And when he observed Witr as nine Rak‘ahs, he would offer them all together and sit for Tashahhud at the eighth Rak‘ah and then stand up without Taslīm, and he would say Tashahhud in the ninth Rak‘ah and make Taslīm. When he observed Witr as eleven Rak‘ahs, he would make Taslīm after every two Rak‘ahs and then conclude them with one Rak‘ah. The minimum of what is valid and sufficient in terms of Witr is to perform two Rak‘ahs and make Taslīm and then perform one Rak‘ah and make Taslīm; and it is permissible to make one Taslīm, but with one Tashahhud, not two.
The Hadīth indicates that the last prayer at night should be Witr..

746
Zurārah reported: Sa‘d ibn Hishām ibn ‘Āmir wanted to fight for the sake of Allah. So, he came to Madīnah and wanted to sell some real estate that belonged to him there, allocate it for arms and horses, and conduct Jihad against the Romans until he dies. When he came to Madīnah, he met a group of people from Madīnah, who forbade him from doing so. They informed him that a group of six people wanted to do that during the lifetime of the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), yet the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade them. He said: Is there not a role model for you in me?! When they narrated that to him, he took back his wife, whom he had divorced, and he brought witnesses to her return. He came to Ibn ‘Abbās and asked him about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Ibn ‘Abbās said: Shall I direct you to the most knowledgeable one among the people of the world about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)? He said: Who? He said: ‘Ā’ishah. Go to her and ask her and then come to me and tell me about her response to you. So, I headed to her. I met Hakīm ibn Aflah and asked him to take me to her. He said: I would not come close to her, for I forbade her from saying anything about these two groups, but she refused and decided to engage in that. He said: I adjured him by Allah. As a result, he came, and we headed to ‘Ā’ishah. We asked her for permission to enter. She gave us permission, and we entered her place. She said: Are you Hakīm? She recognized him. He said: Yes. She said: Who is with you? He said: Sa‘d ibn Hishām. She said: Who is Hishām? He said: Ibn ‘Āmir. She invoked Allah's mercy upon him and spoke well of him. Qatādah said: He was wounded during the battle of ’Uhud. I said: O Mother of the Believers, tell me about the character of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). She said: Do you not recite the Qur’an? I said: Yes. She said: Indeed, the character of the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the Qur’an. He said: I resolved to get up and not ask anyone about anything till I die; then a thought came to me, and I said: Tell me about the Qiyām (late-night prayer) of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). She said: Do you not recite: {O you the enwrapped one}? I said: Yes. She said: Indeed, Allah Almighty prescribed Qiyām al-Layl at the start of this Surah. So, the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions performed Qiyām for one year. And Allah held back its concluding portion for twelve months in heaven, till Allah sent down alleviation at the concluding verses of this Surah. Consequently, Qiyām al-Layl became optional after being obligatory. He said: I said: O Mother of the Believers, tell me about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). She said: We used to prepare for him his tooth stick and water for his ablution, and Allah would resurrect him to the extent He wished during the night. He would use the tooth stick, perform ablution, and offer nine Rak‘ahs, without sitting in them except in the eighth one; he would remember Allah, praise Him, and supplicate Him, and then get up without making Taslīm and offer the ninth Rak‘ah. Then, he would sit, remember Allah, praise Him, supplicate Him, and then make Taslīm loud enough for us to hear. Then, he would offer two Rak‘ahs after Taslīm while he was sitting. These are eleven Rak‘ahs, O young son. When the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) grew old and put on weight, he would observe Witr with seven and do in the two Rak‘ahs as he had done formerly. These are nine, O young son. When the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered a prayer, he liked to offer it on a persistent basis. But if he missed Qiyām al-Layl due to sleep or illness, he would perform twelve Rak‘ahs during the daytime. I am not aware that the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) recited the whole Qur’an in a night, prayed for a night till the morning, or fasted a whole month other than Ramadan. He said: Then I headed to Ibn ‘Abbās and told him her Hadīth. He said: She spoke the truth. If I could come close to her or visit her, I would certainly go to her so that she would verbally narrate it to me. He said: I said: If I had known you would not enter her place, I would not have narrated her Hadīth to you. [And in a version]: He divorced his wife and then headed to Madīnah to sell his real estate, and he related a similar Hadīth..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer Qiyām al-Layl in his house as much as Allah willed him to pray. The Companions - and the Tābi‘is after them - were keen on knowing the details of his worship and would inquire about the acts of worship that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would perform at home which they could not see.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Zurārah ibn Awfa al-Harashi al-Basri relates that the Tābi‘i Sa‘d ibn Hishām ibn ’Umayyah al-Ansāri wanted to completely devote himself to the campaign and Jihad in the cause of Allah. So, he divorced his wife and came to Madīnah, and he was then in Basrah, residing there along with his father, the Companion Hishām ibn ‘Āmir (may Allah be pleased with him). He wanted to sell some real estate - and real estate is an immovable object, like a piece of land or a house. It may also refer to possessions - and purshase with their proceeds weapons, like a sword, spear, and bow, and horses, to engage in Jihad against the Romans till he would die in that state. Apparently, he sought celibacy and asceticism from worldly life.
When he came to Madīnah, he met a group from among the people of Madīnah. Having known what he intended to do, they forbade him from it, and told him that a group of six people had wanted to do the same as he intended - to divorce their wives and sell their possessions to engage in the campaign during the Prophet's lifetime - yet the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade them and said: "Is there not a role model for you in me?!" i.e., a good example for you to follow?! Sa‘d ibn Hishām acted upon the advice given to him by those people. So, he took back his wife. A man can take back his wife if he divorced her for the first or second time and her waiting period is yet to end. He brought witnesses to her return as a wife to him, which he did in compliance with the verse that reads: {Then when they have approached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honorably or part with them honorably. Call two just men from among yourselves as witnesses.} [Surat at-Talāq: 2]
Thereafter, Sa‘d went to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) and asked him about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Witr is the last prayer a Muslim observes after performing the supererogatory Qiyām al-Layl, the best voluntary act of worship to be performed by a Muslim. Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "Shall I direct you to the most knowledgeable one among the people of the world about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)?" Meaning, that the best one to tell you about it from among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and who is more knowledgeable about it than others, though Witr is a famous act that is known to the knowledgeable and others. However, since Sa‘d particularly linked his question to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), it was more appropriate that specialists should provide the answer, as long as they were present. So, Sa‘d asked him about that person. Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: ‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her). And he instructed him to go and pose his question to her and then return and tell him about her response and answer. Indeed, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was more knowledgeable about that because Witr is a night prayer that is performed at home. So, the Mothers of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with them) had more knowledge about it, and the foremost among them was ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), given her great keenness to memorize the traditions of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
So, Sa‘d dashed off and went to her, as he was ordered by Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). On his way, he passed by the Tābi‘i Hakīm ibn Aflah. He asked him to accompany him and go with him to ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). Ibn Aflah said: "I would not come close to her" i.e., I do not want to be near her and will not go with you to her. "for I forbade her from saying anything about these two groups" i.e., the two factions, which refers to the group of ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and the group of Az-Zubayr ibn al-‘ِAwwām and Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydullāh (may Allah be pleased with both of them). The meaning: I forbade her from getting in this occurring war; but she refused and did not comply, and she insisted on going ahead with what she wanted. She sided with the opponents of ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) in the battle of the Camel.
Sa‘d informed that he adjured him by Allah and appealed to him to go to ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). Hakīm agreed, and they went together to ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). They asked her for permission to enter. ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) gave them permission to enter. She asked the one who entered: Are you Hakīm? She recognized him, probably by his voice when he greeted her. In response, Hakīm said: Yes. She asked him about the one accompanying him. Hakīm told her that he was Sa‘d ibn Hishām. She asked about who Hishām was. Hakīm informed her that he was Hishām ibn ‘Āmir ibn ’Umayyah (may Allah be pleased with him). Thereupon, she invoked Allah's mercy upon ‘Āmir and spoke well of him. In another version in the Sahīh Muslim Collection: "What an excellent man ‘Āmir was." ‘Āmir (may Allah be pleased with him) was one of those who were martyred and killed in the battle of ’Uhud, in the third Hijri year.
Sa‘d asked her: O Mother of the Believers, tell me about the character of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). She said to Sa‘d: "Do you not recite the Qur’an?" This is an affirmative question, for she knew he was one of those who recited the Qu’an. He replied: Yes. i.e., he was one of those who recited the Qur’an. So, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said to him: "She said: Indeed, the character of the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the Qur’an," i.e., he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) assumed all the noble manners enjoined in the Qur’an and abided by them, and he avoided all that is prohibited therein. So, his character was to act upon it, stop at its limits, adopt its ethics, and take lessons from its examples and stories.
Then, Sa‘d informed that he thought to himself that he would leave her place and depart and never ask anyone about anything of the Prophet's character till he died, for she comprehensively described to him the Prophet's noble manners and good morals. She referred him to the noble Qur’an which comprises all excellent attributes. So, he could explore the Prophet's character from it, generally and specifically. Thus, nothing of his manners would remain for him to need to ask about.
After he resolved to leave the place of ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), he entertained the idea of asking her about the Qiyām al-Layl of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his supererogatory worship during the night. As he asked her to tell him about that, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked him: "Do you not recite: {O you the enwrapped one}?" i.e., the whole Surah. He replied that he recited it. She said: "Indeed, Allah Almighty prescribed" i.e., He ordained the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions to perform "Qiyām al-Layl in the start of this Surah." This occurs in the verse that reads: {Stand up in prayer at night except a little.} [Surat al-Muzzammil: 2] As a result, the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions prayed during the night for a whole year. In the version by Abu Dāwūd: "till their feet became swollen." And Allah Almighty held back with Him the concluding portion of this Surah - which contains alleviation and facilitation by prescribing the recitation of as much of the Qur’an as is easy - for twelve months in the heaven, till Allah sent down alleviation at the end of this Surah, in the verse that reads: {Indeed, your Lord knows that you [O Prophet] stand up in prayer for nearly two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or one-third of it, as do others among your companions. Allah determines the night and the day; He knows that you [Muslims] cannot keep an accurate count of it, so He pardoned you. Recite then as much of the Qur’an as is easy for you [in the night prayers]. He knows that there are some among you who will be ill, and others traveling in the land, seeking the grace of Allah, and others fighting in Allah’s way. So recite as much of it as is easy for you; establish prayer and give Zakah; and lend to Allah a goodly loan. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah, much better in condition and much greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah, for indeed Allah is All-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.} [Surat al-Muzzammil: 20] Consequently, Qiyām al-Layl became optional after being obligatory.
She (may Allah be pleased with her) was disputed over the period between the revelation of the beginning of the verse and the revelation of its end. It is said: After ten years, which is apparently correct view, for the Surah is a Makkan one, and it was one of the first verses of the Qur’an to be revealed, except for the two concluding verses of it, which were revealed in Madīnah.
Then, Sa‘d ibn Hishām asked her about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), the manner of its performance, and the number of its Rak‘ahs. She (may Allah be pleased with her) told him that they used to prepare for him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) his tooth stick and the water for his ablution, so that he would perform ablution after getting up from sleep. This is because he used to sleep after the ‘Ishā’ prayer and then "Allah would resurrect him". She used the word 'resurrect' because sleep is similar to death. In other words, He would awaken him from sleep. So, he would use the tooth stick, make ablution, and offer nine connected Rak‘ahs without sitting or making Taslīm therein except in the eighth Rak‘ah, after which he would sit for Tashahhud, and "he would remember Allah" i.e., he would say Tashahhud, and praise Allah, ascribing to Him the attributes of perfection that befit Him, and supplicate Him and ask Him for the fulfillment of his needs. Then, he would rise from the eighth Rak‘ah, without making Taslīm thereafter, and offer the ninth Rak‘ah. Then, he would sit for Tashahhud and remember Allah and praise and supplicate Him in his Tashahhud. Then, he would make Taslīm after the ninth Rak‘ah in a way loud enough for them to hear. Then, he would offer two Rak‘ahs while sitting, before dawn. In Hadīths in the Two Sahīh Collections and numerous other well-known Hadīths, it is enjoined to make Witr the last prayer at night. An example is a Hadīth in which ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Make the last of your prayer at night the Witr." As for these two Rak‘ahs which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered after the Witr and before dawn, this was to demonstrate the permissibility of praying after the Witr, and they were not offered on a constant basis. Indeed, what he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did persistently was to observe the Witr.
Then, she (may Allah be pleased with her) informed Sa‘d that these mentioned Rak‘ahs, the nine and the two, amount to a total of eleven Rak‘ahs. She addressed him by "O young son" by way of compassion and gentleness. She also told him that when the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) grew old and put on weight more than he had in most of his life, he would observe Witr with seven Rak‘ahs and would do in the two Rak‘ahs as he had formerly done, i.e., he would offer them after making Taslīm from the seven Rak‘ahs while sitting. These seven Rak‘ahs along with the two Rak‘ahs are nine.
Then, she informed him that when the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered a prayer, he would like to offer it on a persistent basis. And if he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was prevented by sleep or illness from Qiyām al-Layl, he would perform twelve Rak‘ahs during the daytime, in return for the Qiyām al-Layl he missed during the night. This points out that he used to perform it on a regular and persistent basis. The Hadīth does not explicitly indicate that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) missed the Witr; rather, he apparently did not miss it. He missed Qiyām al-Layl only, apart from the Witr. It also apparently indicates that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe the Witr by way of precaution if he thought that he would be unable to get up for the supererogatory prayer.
Thereafter, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) informed that she was not aware that the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) recited the whole Qur’an in a night, prayed for a night till the morning, or fasted a whole month other than Ramadan. This all shows the Prophet's approach of facilitation and that he used to perform worship in accordance with his capacity and ability, by way of teaching his Ummah.
Sa‘d ibn Hishām said that he returned to Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated to him the Hadīth of ‘Ā’ishah. Thereupon, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) "spoke the truth" in what she narrated to you. He also informed him that if he could visit her and talk to her, he would certainly go to her so that she would narrate this Hadīth to him, directly. Sa‘d said to Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him): "If I had known that you would not visit her, I would not have narrated her Hadīth to you." He said that to rebuke him for refraining from visiting her and to recompense him for that by depriving him of the benefit, which would force him to visit her. The abandonment of talk with her was probably because of the dispute that took place between both of them over ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with them), or because of something else.
The Hadīth indicates that it was part of the Prophet's guidance to use the tooth stick upon getting up from sleep.
It points out the merit of ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and her knowledge of the Prophet's conditions.
It includes doing justice and acknowledging the merit of those who are meritorious, as well as modesty.
A Muslim may be honored by mentioning the merits of his father and invoking Allah's mercy upon him.
A person should be gentle with himself and engage in worship moderately and refrain from deep engrossment in it.
The Hadīth shows the Prophet's care about the Witr prayer.
When a knowledgeable person is asked about something and he knows that someone else has more knowledge about it, he is recommended to direct the questioner to him, for indeed religion is sincere advice..

746
‘Ā’ishah reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did some act, he would do it persistently, and when he slept at night or fell sick, he would offer twelve Rak‘ahs during the daytime. She said: I did not see the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pray a whole night till the morning, nor did he observe fast for a whole month consecutively except that of Ramadan..

Commentary : The Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to observe the Prophet's conditions day and night, as an observer and questioner. So, she became well aware of his guidance and Sunnah and taught it to those who came after her and those who asked her about his conditions (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
In this Hadīth, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) informs that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) "did some act, he would do it persistently" i.e., he would perfect it and do it regularly. "and when he slept at night or fell sick", and there was a reason preventing him from performing Qiyām al-Layl, "he would offer twelve Rak‘ahs during the daytime", i.e., he would make up for Qiyām al-Layl during the daytime, in return for the prayer he missed during the night. This points out that he used to perform it on a regular and persistent basis. She did not mention the Witr because he did not make up for it; it seems that he did not miss it. Perhaps if something arose and would prompt him to miss Qiyām al-Layl, he would hasten to observe Witr, performing it at the earlier part of the night, and delay the other prayer and make up for it during the daytime.
Then, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) informed that it was not part of the Prophet's guidance to perform Qiyām al-Layl for the whole night; rather, he would sleep for part of the night and pray for some part of it; and that he did not fast a whole month other than the month of Ramadan, and this is because it is the month of obligatory fasting. Mentioning it is intended to negate other months, meaning that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would not fast a whole month on a voluntary basis; rather, he used to fast some days every month of the year and would not fast a whole month except for Ramadan; lest such a fast might be thought to be obligatory. This all shows the Prophet's approach of facilitation and that he used to perform worship in accordance with his capacity and ability, by way of teaching his Ummah.
The Hadīth indicates that one may make up for Qiyām al-Layl during the daytime.
It also mentions that Qiyām al-Layl performed during the daytime is Shaf‘ (even-numbered)..

747
‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever sleeps and fails to recite his hizb (usual portion of the Qur'an, dhikr, or prayer), or part of it, and then recites it between the Fajr prayer and the Zhuhr prayer, it will be recorded for him as if he recited it during the night.".

Commentary : Out of Allah's grace towards His believing servants, He prescribed for them dispensations with which they can make up for the missed acts of worship - obligatory and voluntary.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) points out that "Whoever sleeps and fails to recite his hizb or part of it" at night, as established in another version narrated by An-Nasā’i: "Whoever sleeps and fails to recite his hizb at night" i.e., he is overcome by sleep or gets prevented from it by a valid reason, yet he had the intention to do it. Hizb: The portion to which a person commits himself as a habit that he engages in voluntarily, like recitation of the Qur'an, dhikr, and prayer. Allah, out of His grace, gives him plenty of time. So, if he "recites it between the Fajr prayer and the Zhuhr prayer" i.e., he makes up for it during this time, because this is a good length of time during which a person can compensate for what he has missed in the night. Also, this is probably intended to encourage him to do it, for this is a time connected to the latter part of the night without separation between them save for the Fajr prayer. As recompense, the full reward will be added to his record of deeds as if he has done it at its usual time. Here is a slight manifestation of Allah's gentleness towards His servant, who perpetuates a certain condition of goodness. If anything arises from him that changes this condition, Allah bestows His favor upon him and does not detract from his reward, as if he has done it by virtue of his good and sincere intention.
In the Hadīth: Urging people to make up for the missed supererogatory worship, lest they may get used to abandoning any of the act of worship altogether if they miss it
And in it: The legitimacy of adopting a regular portion of worship at night
And in it: The legitimacy of making up for the regular portion of worship at night if it is missed due to sleep or some other excuse.

748
Al-Qāsim ash-Shaybāni related that Zayd ibn Arqam reported that he saw some people pray in the forenoon and he said: "They definitely knew that praying at other than this hour is better, for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: The prayer of the oft-returning to Allah is when weaned camels are bitten by excessive heat.'".

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and the Tābi‘is (may Allah have mercy upon them) were the keenest among people seeking the Prophet's guidance. This was for them to learn his guidance and Sunnah and then teach it to those who came after them and to those who asked them about the Prophet's circumstances concerning his prayer, Qiyām al-Layl, voluntary worship, and so on.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Al-Qāsim ibn ‘Awf ash-Shaybāni relates that the Companion Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) saw some people praying in the forenoon. - And in a version by Ahmad: "He saw some people praying in the Qubā’ Mosque in the forenoon" [Duha prayer] - and they were praying it at the time of sunrise, as related in another version by Ahmad. So, Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "They definitely knew that praying at an hour other than this one is better." In other words, their performance of the Duha prayer at this time is not preferred, for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The prayer of the oft-returning to Allah," i.e., those who obey Allah, glorify Him, and often turn to Him in repentance and sincerity in worship. Their prayer "is when weaned camels are bitten by excessive heat" i.e., when the hooves of weaned camels burn due to the extreme heat of sand caused by exposure to the sun. Weaned camels are young camels, and he singled them out because their hooves burn before the end of extreme heat, given the tenderness of the skin of their hooves. They separate from their mothers at the beginning of extreme heat, and they let them go. This happens at the latter time. So, prayer at this time is better, for people's souls are inclined to rest and comfort during this time, and this is one of the prayers whose performance is recommended to be delayed.
In the Hadīth: The merit of performing the Duha prayer at the latter time.
And in it: Indicating to seize the opportunity to perform worship and engage in acts of obedience to Allah during the times of comfort, calm, and rest..

753
Abu Mijlaz reported: I asked Ibn ‘Abbās about Witr, and he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "One Rak‘ah at the end of the night.".

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and the Tābi‘is (may Allah have mercy upon them) were the keenest among people on seeking the Prophet's guidance. This was for them to learn his guidance and Sunnah and then teach it to those who came after them and to those who asked them about the Prophet's circumstances concerning his prayer, Qiyām al-Layl, voluntary worship, and so on.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Abu Mijlaz Lāhiq ibn Humayd informs that he asked Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) about the Witr prayer, the number of its Rak‘ahs, and the best time for performing it. In response to him, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "One Rak‘ah at the end of the night", i.e., its minimum is one Rak‘ah at the end of the night. This one Rak‘ah which a person offers at the end turns all the prayers he has performed during the night into Witr (odd-numbered), after they were Shaf‘ (even-numbered). The last part of the night is the last time to pray Witr, which is shortly before dawn. It is related in another version by Muslim: "Indeed, prayer at the end of the night is witnessed (by the angels)"; as the angels of mercy witness it. This prayer occurs at the time of Sahar (shortly before dawn), when Allah descends to the worldly heaven in a way that befits His majesty; and that is better.
There are various forms and ways of the Prophet's performance of Witr, as well as the number of its Rak‘ahs. Based on all of them, it becomes apparent that Witr can be one, three, five, seven, nine, or eleven Rak‘ahs.
The Hadīth mentions that the minimum of Witr is one Rak‘ah.
It indicates that the last time for praying Witr is the latter part of the night.
It also demonstrates the facilitation with regard to this prayer, as it is sufficient to observe it as one Rak‘ah..

754
Abu Sa‘īd reported: They asked the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about the Witr (odd) prayer, and he said: "Perform the Witr prayer before the morning.".

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were the most keen among people to seek the Prophet's guidance and observe his circumstances, by watching and asking, so as to learn his guidance and Sunnah, including his prayer, Qiyām al-Layl, voluntary worship, and so on. And the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach them the obligatory and supererogatory prayers and their etiquettes and the best times for performing them. Also, he would guide them to the highest level of worship and the minimum amount of what is sufficient in it.
In this Hadīth, Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said that some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about the Witr prayer and its time, so he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Perform the Witr prayer before the morning." In other words, perform the Witr prayer before the coming of the time of the obligatory prayer of the morning. Morning here refers to the true dawn. This indicates that the Witr prayer is to be performed at the end of the night prayer, and its time extends until the rise of dawn. When the dawn rises, no Witr can be performed, even between the Adhān and iqāmah of the Fajr prayer.
In the Hadīth: The time for the Witr prayer ends before the Fajr prayer.
And in it: Indication that delaying the Witr prayer is better..

755
Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone fears that he will not wake up at the end of the night, let him offer the Witr prayer at its beginning, and if anyone expects to wake up at its end, let him offer the Witr prayer at the end of the night. Indeed, prayer at the end of the night is witnessed, and that is better." Abu Mu‘āwiyah said: "In a version: attended.".

Commentary : In this Hadīth, Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reports: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone fears that he will not wake up at the end of the night, let him offer the Witr prayer at its beginning," i.e., whoever fears that he may not wake up at the latter part of the night to perform the Witr prayer should perform it before he sleeps." And if anyone expects to wake up at its end, let him offer the Witr prayer at the end of the night," i.e., whoever knows from his condition that he will be able to get up at the latter part of the night should perform the Witr at the end of the night. "Indeed, prayer at the end of the night is witnessed," i.e., prayer at the end of the night is witnessed by the angels of mercy, as this prayer is offered at the latter part of the night before dawn at the time when Allah descends in a way that befits His majesty and that is better," i.e., the time at the end of the night is better for him than its beginning. Abu Mu‘āwiyah - one of the narrators - said: 'attended' i.e., attended by the angels of the night and the day.
In the Hadīth: The preferability of Witr at the end of the night
And in it: Some times are more meritorious than others.
And in it: Prayer at the end of the night is attended and witnessed by the angels of mercy.

756
Jābir reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best prayer is the prolonged qunūt (standing in prayer).".

Commentary : Prayer is the mainstay of religion, and it is the main pillar of Islam that every Muslim must fulfill without any excuse. The Prophet's comfort was provided through prayer. Therefore, he used to perform a lot of supererogatory prayers, to the extent that he would offer Qiyām al-Layl until his feet would swell due to his prolonged standing before Allah Almighty, reciting, supplicating, showing humility, and imploring Allah.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs us that the best thing regarding prayer, in general, is the long qunūt, which refers to the prolonged standing in prayer for recitation. It is explicitly mentioned in a Hadīth narrated by Abu Dāwūd, in which ‘Abdullāh ibn Habashi al-Khath‘ami (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was asked: "Which deed is the best?" He said: "The prolonged standing." Qunūt may also refer to supplication, humility, and subservience before Allah Almighty. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to do that, especially during supererogatory prayers and Qiyām al-Layl. He would pause at every verse and would not go past any verse containing a supplication without supplication with it, or a punishment without seeking the refuge of Allah Almighty from it, and so on.
An obligatory prayer - even if it does not include prolonged standing, recitation, and supplication - is better than a supererogatory prayer that contains such prolongation. This is because Allah Almighty ordained the obligatory prayer and fixed a certain time and a number of Rak‘ahs for it, and He punishes those who abandon it. It is also because it was commanded that the obligatory prayer be offered in congregation and in a brief manner, in consideration of those who are sick, those who are in need, and so on. As for the supererogatory and voluntary prayer, a person can prolong it as much as he is able to. Thus, every prayer retains its advantage and merit.
In the Hadīth: The merit of prolonged qunūt and standing for recitation in prayer, along with humility and supplication.

757
Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "There is an hour at night during which no Muslim man happens to be asking Allah for the goodness of this world or the Hereafter except that He will give it to him, and this occurs every night.".

Commentary : There are times in the night during which people's souls become peaceful, worship becomes more pleasant, and supplications are answered. Allah Almighty distinguished these times by bestowing greater bounty upon His servants during them and giving abundant goodness to those who ask for it.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says that "there is an hour at night", which is a specific time. The use of the indefinite article before it denotes its significance, that it should be looked out for, and that the opportunity should be seized to catch it. It is an obscure hour like the hour on Friday. It was said: It is most likely to occur at the last third of the night, in which Allah Almighty descends to the heaven of the world, in a way that befits His majesty and does not resemble the descent of the created beings, and says, as narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections: "Who supplicates to Me so that I may respond to him?" And it was said: The wisdom behind concealing it is to urge people to strive exceedingly to fulfill the objective all night long, not to limit the worship to a certain time to the exclusion of others, and not to lose hope for missing the advantage.
During this hour, no Muslim man happens to be - and the word 'man' includes males and females - supplicating to Allah and asking for the goodness of this world and the Hereafter except that He will respond to him and grant his request. Goodness refers to all that is beneficial, on a prompt or delayed basis and in terms of religious or worldly affairs, and for which a person will not be blamed in the Hereafter.
The existence of this hour is constant every night, all the time. This does not particularly apply to some nights. Rather, it exists in all of them—out of Allah's great bounty and abundant giving.
In the Hadīth: Urging supplication during the night, the pursuit of this hour therein, and working diligently in it.
And in it: Establishing the existence of the hour of answered supplications every night..

759
Abu Hurayrah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to encourage the performance of Qiyām in Ramadan, without vehemently enjoining them to do so. He would say: "Whoever performs Qiyām during Ramadan, out of faith and in pursuit of reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven." The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) passed away while this was the case, and then it remained like that during the caliphate of Abu Bakr and the earlier part of the caliphate of ‘Umar..

Commentary : Ramadan is the best month, and performing Qiyām during its nights is a sublime act. So, whoever performs Qiyām during the entire Ramadan and stays awake in its nights for worship, out of desire for reward from Allah Almighty, without regarding it as burdensome or boring, will have his sins forgiven.
In this Hadīth, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to urge his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to perform Qiyām during the nights of Ramadan. Yet, he did not enjoin them to do so by way of obliging, and he did not impose it upon them. Vehemently: denotes resolve to make something happen. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to say: "Whoever performs Qiyām during Ramadan, out of faith and in pursuit of reward from Allah" i.e., out of belief in the merit of these nights and the virtue of the good deeds performed therein, and in pursuit of Allah's pleasure and out of desire for being rewarded by Him, Exalted be He. Whoever does that, it is hoped that Allah will forgive his past sins. The recompense is expressed in the past tense in Arabic, even though the forgiveness will happen in the future, to denote certainty and assurance about its occurrence, as a favor from Allah Almighty upon His servants. Thus, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged his Ummah to do good and righteous deeds, which lead to the expiation of sins and the increase of their rewards.
Then, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) informed that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) passed away "while this was the case" i.e., the people refrained from praying behind one Imām in the Tarāwīh prayer. Rather, they would pray individually and separately; some would pray in the early part of the night, while others would pray in the latter part; and some would pray at home, while others would pray in the mosque, either because they were observing i‘tikāf (retirement in the mosque) or they belonged to the people of As-Suffah, or due to some other reason. This continued to be the case throughout the caliphate of Abu Bakr and during the early phase of the caliphate of ‘Umar. Then, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) gathered them behind one Imām and appointed ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) as their Imām, and he led them in congregational prayer. It continued to be performed congregationally.
‘Umar's action follows the Prophet's action when he led people in this prayer once; yet he did not repeat that for fear that it might be made obligatory for them. Then, when this reason ceased to exist with the death of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the revelation stopped, ‘Umar held that it was more appropriate for them to offer it in a congregation as they had done during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
This falls under the legitimate Ijtihād (independent reasoning), for it has a basis in the religion upon which it relies and from which it stems. As for the illegitimate Bid‘ah (religious innovation), it has no basis in the religion or proof upon which it relies.
The Hadīth urges the performance of Qiyām during Ramadan and demonstrates its merit.
It shows the good understanding and judgment of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) regarding the religious interests of Muslims, as he also displayed good judgment regarding their worldly interests..

762
Zirr ibn Hubaysh reported: I asked ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b, saying: "Your brother ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd says: 'Whoever performs Qiyām all the year long will reach Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree).' He said: "May Allah have mercy upon him. He wanted the people not to be passively reliant. Indeed, he knew that it occurs in Ramadan, that it occurs in the last ten days, and that it is the twenty-seventh night." Then, he swore - without exception - that it is the twenty-seventh night. I said: "Based on what do you say that, O Abu al-Mundhir?" He said: "On the sign - or the mark - which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed us about that it (the sun) rises on that day with no rays.".

Commentary : Laylat al-Qadr occupies great status and significance. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) held it in high regard and commanded us to seek it and perform Qiyām al-Layl therein out of faith and in pursuit of reward from Allah. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) determined that it occurs on the odd-numbered nights within the last ten days of Ramadan and mentioned certain signs that point to it.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Zirr ibn Hubaysh relates that he asked ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) about the statement by ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) to the effect that whoever performs Qiyām all year long will certainly reach Laylat al-Qadr on one of its nights. He did not specify this night for them. It is understood from this statement that he thought it to be an obscure night that moves throughout the year and is not limited to Ramadan.
When 'Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) heard that, he supplicated so that Allah shows mercy to Ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him), and that was the supplication of someone who knew the intent of the statement made by Ibn Mas‘ūd, and by way of presenting an excuse for him. Then, he explained that Ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him), by his statement, intended to deter people from abandoning Qiyām al-Layl and instead waiting for Laylat al-Qadr; so, they would perform Qiyām al-Layl only on this night or neglect to perform Qiyām on the other nights of the year; and thus the wisdom behind obscurity, for which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was made to forget it, would be missed. So, he wanted to prompt the people to diligently seek this night by performing Qiyām al-Layl a lot.
Then, 'Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) informed that Ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) was aware that it occurs in Ramadan, that it occurs within the last ten days, and that it is the twenty-seventh night. Then, ’Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him) took a solemn oath, without saying thereafter: if Allah wills, "that it is the twenty-seventh night". ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) assured that Laylat al-Qadr is the twenty-seventh night of Ramadan and swore emphatically about that.
Thereupon, Zirr ibn Hubaysh: What is your proof for that, O Abu al-Mundhir? This is the surname of ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him). ’Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: The sign - or the mark - which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed us about, namely that the sun rises in the next morning of this night with no rays. Rather, it is pure and no extended rays are seen for it. So, its light spreads without rays, as the moon gives light without rays. The rays of the sun are what you see in sunlight that resembles ropes and rods coming towards you, when you look at it.
There is a difference of opinion over specifying Laylat al-Qadr. According to the opinion more likely to be correct, it occurs on the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days, as demonstrated by the pure Sunnah. Out of His wisdom, Allah Almighty kept it hidden from the people so that they diligently seek it within these nights, and engage in a lot of worship that brings them benefit.
The Hadīth points out that some of the Companions would adopt the approach of resolve to reach their objectives.
It informs that one of the signs of Laylat al-Qadr is that the sun rises in the next morning of this night with no rays..

763
Ibn ‘Abbās reported: I spent one night in the house of my maternal aunt Maymūnah bint al-Hārith. I said to her: "Awaken me when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stands up." The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stood up, and I stood on his left side. He took hold of my hand and made me stand on his right side, and whenever I dozed off, he would take hold of my earlobe. He said: He offered eleven Rak‘ahs. Then, he sat with his legs drawn and wrapped in his garment and slept so that I could hear his breathing while asleep. And when the dawn became apparent to him, he offered two short Rak‘ahs..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to know the Prophet's worship in detail and used to ask about the acts of worship the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would perform at home which they could not see. Some of them would seek to learn about that by virtue of their bond and kinship with the noble Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him); one of those was ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās, the cousin of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the nephew of his wife Maymūnah (may Allah be pleased with them).
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he spent one night in the house of his maternal aunt, the Mother of the Believers Maymūnah bint al-Hārith (may Allah be pleased with her). This night was her turn with the noble Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He said to his maternal aunt (may Allah be pleased with her): "Awaken me when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stands up" for prayer at night; out of his keenness to follow the Prophet's condition in Qiyām al-Layl. After a part of the night had passed, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stood up for prayer. Thereupon, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) stood up and performed ablution like that of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), as related in the Two Sahīh Collections. Then, he stood on the left side of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) took hold of his hands from behind his back and made him stand on his right side. This demonstrates how the Imām and the one led in prayer should stand in a congregational prayer offered by two persons. Whenever Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) dozed off during the prayer, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would rub his earlobe to alert and awaken him in the prayer.
Then, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) informed that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered eleven Rak‘ahs that night, two Rak‘ahs at a time, and then observed the Witr. "Then, he sat with his legs drawn and wrapped in his garment." This is when a person sits on his buttocks and keeps his legs upright and drags his legs towards his abdomen with a garment and gathers them with his back, and he pulls the garment over it while in this state, or he pulls it over his legs with his hand. His words "so that I could hear his breathing while asleep" mean that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sat for a little while in that state and then lay down, according to the versions in the Two Sahīh Collections, till Ibn ‘Abbās could hear the sound of the Prophet's breathing, which indicates deep sleep. When the time of dawn came, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stood up and offered two short Rak‘ahs as the Sunnah of the Fajr prayer, without performing ablution, for the Prophet's eyes sleep but his heart does not; hence, his ablution was not invalidated, given the attentiveness of his heart. Then, he went out to the mosque and led the people in prayer, as related in the Two Sahīh Collections.
This version narrated by Muslim is the version of Ad-Dahhāk ibn ‘Uthmān, and it contradicts the version by most prolific Hadīth narrators. He said: "Then, he offered eleven Rak‘ahs." And it is reported in the version by most Hadīth narrators that he offered thirteen Rak‘ahs, and their version is the memorized one, for he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would first offer two short Rak‘ahs, then two long Rak‘ahs, then six Rak‘ahs, and then three Rak‘ahs thereafter. These amount to a total of thirteen Rak‘ahs.
The Hadīth indicates the permissibility of alerting a heedless person during the prayer by pulling his ear and the like.
It also indicates that a supererogatory prayer may be offered in the congregation.
The Hadīth points out that a boy may pass the night in the house of one of his mahrams (non-marriageable female relatives) in the presence of her husband..

763
Ibn ‘Abbās reported: that he spent a night in the house of his maternal aunt Maymūnah. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up at night and performed a short ablution from a water-skin hanging there. He said: He described his ablution. He kept it short and quick. Ibn ‘Abbās said: I got up and did the same as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had done. Then, I came and stood on his left side. He made me go around and stand on his right side. He offered prayer and then went to sleep till he began to snore. Thereafter, Bilāl came to him and notified him of the prayer. He went out and performed the Fajr prayer without performing ablution. Sufyān said: This is for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in particular, as it has been conveyed to us that the eyes of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sleep, but his heart does not sleep..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to know the Prophet's worship in detail and used to ask about the acts of worship the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would perform at home and they could not see. Some of them would seek to learn about that by virtue of their bond and kinship with the noble Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him); one of them was ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās, the cousin of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the nephew of his wife Maymūnah (may Allah be pleased with them).
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he spent one night in the house of his maternal aunt Maymūnah, the wife of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). This was her night in which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would stay with her. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up after he had slept a part of the night. He performed ablution from a leather container that had water in it. The Prophet's ablution this time was a short one.
The words "He described his ablution. He kept it short and quick" were said by Sufyān ibn ‘Uyaynah, as narrated in Sahīh Al-Bukhāri Collection. He informs that his Shaykh ‘Amr ibn Dinār described the Prophet's ablution as short and quick. The meaning: By keeping it short, he refers to the complete washing of the body parts (without washing them more than once), which is the minimum valid ablution for prayer. In the Two Sahīh Collections: "Then, he performed a good ablution between the two ablutions" i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed ablution between the short ablution and the complete one. It is more likely that he reduced the use of water while doing the washing three times. This is because he described it as good, and thus it would not be less than three times.
‘Abdullāh got up and did the same as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had done, performing a short ablution and getting prepared for prayer. Then, he came and joined the prayer with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and stood on his left side. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) held him by the hand from behind his back and made him stand on his right side in prayer. This demonstrates and affirms how the Imām and the one being led in prayer should stand in a congregational prayer offered by two persons, even if it is supererogatory.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prayed as much as Allah willed him to pray. It is narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered thirteen Rak‘ahs. "then he went to sleep till he began to snore" i.e., he plunged into sleep till the sound of his breathing could be heard, which indicates deep sleep. Thereafter, Bilāl ibn Rabāh (may Allah be pleased with him) - the Prophet's Muezzin - came and notified him that the time of Fajr was due. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up from sleep and went out for the Fajr prayer and performed it without renewing his ablution.
Clarifying the reason for this act by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), Sufyān said: "This is for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in particular, as it has been conveyed to us that the eyes of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sleep, but his heart does not sleep" i.e., this is a merit for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) which none among his Ummah shares with him: that his ablution does not get invalidated when he sleeps, for his heart does not sleep.
The Hadīth mentions some of the Prophet's peculiar characteristics.
It indicates that a boy may pass the night in the house of one of his Mahrams (female relatives who he is not allowed to marry) in the presence of her husband.
It also mentions that the Muezzin may come to the Imām so that he may go out for the prayer.
The Hadīth points out a supererogatory prayer may be offered in the congregation..