Narrated Umm ‘Attiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her): A sheep was sent to me (in charity) and I sent some of it to `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). The Prophetﷺ asked `Aishah for something to eat. `Aisha replied that there was nothing except what Nusaybah Al-Ansaariyyah had sent of that sheep. The Prophet ﷺ said to her, "Bring it as it has reached its place.".

Commentary : One of the special characteristics that the Prophet ﷺand his noble family had was that they would eat from food that was offered as a gift, and not from what was given as alms.
In this hadeeth, Umm ʿAṭṭiyyah al-Ansaariyyah- whose name is Nusaybah - reports that a sheep was sent as a form of charity to her. The sender was the Prophet ﷺ as mentioned in a narration reported in Saheeh Muslim, where said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent me a sheep from the alms. I sent some of it to A’ishah”, meaning: as a gift to her, and not as alms. So, when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and asked her about the food, she said: ‘No, it was nothing except what Nusaybah had sent from this sheep.’ To which, he ﷺresponded, ‘Bring it here; for it has reached its proper place.’ Then, he ﷺ explained that when it was charity, it was permissible for her to dispose of it to the poor by way of sale or gift; for the validity of it being in his possession [could be established.] So, when Nusaybah (may Allah be pleased with her) gifted it to ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) some of the sheep - it was judged for her with the ruling of a gift. Thus, It shifted from the meaning of charity from being in the possession of the giver, and transferred to the meaning of a lawful gift for the Prophet ﷺ.
He ﷺ would only eat what came as a gift, and not what was offered as charity, as a form of honour and etiquette because gifts bring hearts closer and make people love each other, and it is permissible to be rewarded the sender of the gift with something similar or better than it so that no one has favour over the other and no one feels humiliated. All this is not possible with charity, because it is the filth of the people in which they purge the wealth of its impurity.
One benefit that we can conclude from this hadeeth is it shows that things that are forbidden for known reasons become lawfulif those reasons are removed..

1448

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote to me what Allah had instructed His Messenger ﷺ to do regarding the one who had to pay one Bint Makhaad (i.e., one year-old she-camel) as Zakat, and he did not have it but had gotten a Bint Laboon (two-year-old she-camel). He wrote that it could be accepted from him as Zakat, and the collector of Zakat would return him 20 Dirhams or two sheep; and if the Zakat payer had not a Bint Makhaad, but he had Ibn Laboon (a two-year-old he-camel) then it could be accepted as his Zakat, but he would not be paid anything .

1450

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote for him, zakat regulations which Allah's Messenger ﷺ had made compulsory, and wrote that one should neither collect various portions (of the livestock) nor divide the livestock into various portions in order to avoid paying zakat..

1451

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote to me what Allah's Messenger ﷺ has made compulsory regarding zakat. It reads: If the property of two persons is mixed, but they are not partners, its zakat is to be paid as a whole, and then they can settle the differences. .

1452

Narrated Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): A Nomad asked Allah's Messenger ﷺ about the emigration. The Prophet ﷺ said, "May Allah have mercy on you! The matter of emigration is very hard. Have you got camels? Do you pay their Zakat?" The Arab nomad said, "Yes, I have camels and I pay their Zakat." The Prophet ﷺ said, Work beyond the villages and towns, and Allah will not decrease (waste) any of your good deeds.".

Commentary : At the beginning of Islam, it was obligatory upon Muslims to emigrate to al-Madeenah to flee the lands of disbelief, protect their religion, and support the Prophet ﷺ and spread the message of Islam. The best of believers were those who emigrated to him ﷺ and fulfilled the rights of emigration. However, there were some Muslims who could not emigrate due to valid excuses; therefore, Allah facilitated for them another path for good deeds.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that a nomad, which is the term used to refer to Arabs who lived in deserts, asked the Prophet ﷺ to give him the pledge to emigrate to al-Madeenah i.e., to leave his family and homeland and relocate to al-Madeenah to be in the company of the Prophet ﷺ. However, the Prophet ﷺ feared that he would not manage or be able to fulfill its rights; thus, gives it up. For this reason, he ﷺ said to him: “Wayhak” (lit. woe to you), an Arabic phrase used to show compassion and concern for the addressee and explained to him that fulfilling the rights of emigration is too difficult and only a few can fulfill them. It seems the Prophet ﷺ could notice the inability of the man to handle it; thus, he declined his request. Then, he ﷺ asked him if he had any camels that he pays its zakat. The man’s answer was positive and upon which the Prophet ﷺ guided him to do good deeds in his homeland for wherever he would be, his good deeds would benefit him and his reward would not be decreased. It is as if the Prophet ﷺ wanted to say to him: It does not matter where you reside so long as you are fulfilling the obligation that Allah imposed upon you and your family. Allah will not decrease the reward of your good deeds, regardless of your residence.
It has been said that this incident occurred after the conquest of Makkah on which he ﷺ said: “there is no emigration after the conquest [of Makkah].” It was said that emigration was only obligatory upon the Muslims who lived in Makkah. As for the Muslims living in other areas, it was only recommended and liked. It was said: Emigration was obligatory upon the Muslims who lived in rural areas and not upon the people of the desert. It was said that emigration was only obligatory if some of the residents of the town entered Islam while the rest remained on their disbelief. This is so that the Muslims would not be subject to the rulings pertaining to disbelievers. If everyone in the town entered Islam, then emigration is no longer obligatory.
This hadeeth highlights the merit of emigration and emigrants, and shows the virtue of paying zakat on camels and the hastening to do good deeds..

1454

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): When Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) sent me to (collect the Zakat from) al-Bahrayn, he wrote to me the following: “By the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. These are the orders for compulsory alms (Zakat) which Allah's Messenger ﷺ had made obligatory for every Muslim, and which Allah had ordered His Messenger to observe: Whoever amongst the Muslims is asked to pay Zakat accordingly, he should pay it (to the Zakat collector) and whoever is asked more than that (what is specified in this order) he should not pay it; for twenty-four camels or less, one ewe is to be paid as Zakat; for every five camels, one sheep is to be paid, and if there are between twenty-five to thirty-five camels, a one year old she-camel (Bint Makhaad) is to be paid; and if they are between thirty-six to forty-five (camels), one two-years old she-camel (Bint Laboon) is to be paid; and if they are between forty-six to sixty (camels), one three years old she-camel (Hiqqah) is to be paid; and if the number is between sixty-one to seventy-five (camels), one four-years old she-camel (Jadha’ah) is to be paid; and if the number is between seventy-six to ninety (camels), two she-camels aged 2 years (Bint Laboons) are to be paid; and if they are from ninety-one to one-hundred and twenty (camels), two three years old she-camel (Hiqqahs) are to be paid; and if they are over one-hundred and-twenty (camels), for every forty (over one-hundred-and-twenty) one two years she-came (Bint Laboon) is to be paid, and for every fifty camels (over one-hundred-and-twenty) one three years she-camel (Hiqqah) is to be paid; and whoever has got only four camels, has to pay nothing as Zakat, but if the owner of these four camels wants to give something, he can. If the number of camels increases to five, the owner has to pay one sheep as Zakat. As regards the Zakat for the (flock) of sheep; if they are between forty and one-hundred-and-twenty sheep, one sheep is to be paid; and if they are between one-hundred-and-twenty to two hundred (sheep), two sheep are to be paid; and if they are between two-hundred to three-hundred (sheep), three sheep are to be paid; and for over three-hundred sheep, for every extra hundred sheep, one sheep is to be paid as Zakat. And if somebody has got less than forty sheep, no Zakat is required, but if he wants to give, he can. For silver, the Zakat is one-fortieth of the lot (i.e. 2.5%), and if it is less than one-hundred Dirhams, Zakat is not required, but if the owner wants to pay, he can.'..

Commentary : Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam that Allah has dictated upon those whose savings exceed the specified threshold. It is taken from the wealthy and given to the poor (i.e., all those who are eligible to receive it according to the Quran). Allah and His Messenger explained all the rulings and details pertaining to this obligatory act of worship to protect the wealthy ones from injustice and protect the rights of those who are in need.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote him a letter in which he explained the due zakat on livestock that Allah’s Messenger made compulsory upon Muslims. This letter was penned after Abu Bakr appointed Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) to collect the zakat from the people in al-Bahrayn, which is a region that includes, today, the kingdom of Bahrain as well as Al-Ihsaa and al-Qateef in the eastern parts of Saudi Arabia. The reason Aboo Bakr penned this letter to Anas (may Allah be pleased with them) is to use it as reference and consult to calculate the zakat [on livestock] and identify those who are obliged to pay it.
He started the letter with the Basmalah and then explained that the obligatory alms (zakat) are that which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ made obligatory for Muslims and which Allah has ordered His Messenger to collect from the Muslims whose savings exceed a set threshold. This prelude was necessary to clarify that the calculations mentioned afterwards in the letter are not of Aboo Bakr. He explained to Anas from whom he should take zakat and that if the zakat demanded, he should pay it, and whoever is demanded to pay more than the required zakat, then they are not obliged to pay that which is above the zakat, and they may decline the request. The calculation of zakat, according to this letter, is as follows:
Camels:(i) From 5 to 24, one ewe on every five camels;(ii) from 25 to 35, one she-camel that completed one year in age, or in its absence one, one she-camel that completed two years in age and has not yet completed three years in age and in this case the zakat collector should pay the zakat payer 20 dirhams or two sheep to compensate him for the difference. In the event where the zakat payer has no she-camel that completed two years in age and has not yet completed three years but has instead a male-camel who completed 2 years in age and did not complete 3 years in age as yet, the zakat collector should take it without taking anything else from the zakat payer, according to the report recorded in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree; (iii) from 36 to 45, the zakat is one she-camel that completed the age of two years i.e., this she-camel is called in Arabic Bint Laboon (lit. daughter of a milky camel) and the reason it is called as such is that its mother gave birth to more than one thus it started to have milk. As for the male-camel, he is referred to as Ibn Laboon;(iv) from 46 to 60, one she-camel that completed the age of three years and it is called in Arabic Hiqqah because by this age it can be mounted, carry luggage, and is capable of mating; (v) from 61 to 75, one she-camel that completed four years in age and it is called in Arabic Jadh’ah because of the falling of her milk teeth, (vi) from 76 to 90, two she-camels that completed the age of two years, (vii) from 91 to 120: two she-camels that completed the age of threeyears (viii) and over 120, the zakat is one she-camel that completed the age of three years on every forty camels and one three-year-old on every fifty camels i.e., for 121 to 129, three she-camels aged two years, and for 130 to 139, one she-camel aged three years and two she-camels aged two years, for 140 to 149, two she-camels aged three years and one she-camel aged two years, for 150-159, three she-camels aged three years, for 160 to 169, four she-camels aged two years, for 170 to 179, three she-camels aged two years and one she-camel aged three years, for 180-189, two she-camels aged two years and two she-camels aged three years, for 190-199, three she-camels aged three years and one she-camel aged two years, for 200 to 209, four she-camels aged three years or five she-camels aged two years, and so forth. The same calculation is used for whatever is more than 209, so as the zakat on each fifty camels will be one she-camel aged three years, and on each forty camels will be one she-camel aged two years.
The letter specifies the zakat due on camels if they are less than 24. If the number is less than five, there is no zakat due, and if the number is five, the zakat is only one sheep, and so forth until the number reaches 24 as explained above.
Sheep: Below 40 sheep, there is no zakat. From 40 to 120, one ewe, from 121 to 200, two ewes, from 200 to 300, three ewes and over 300, one ewe on every hundred sheep.

Zakat on livestock is only limited to animals that gaze for the most part of the year. As for the livestock that are foddered are not eligible for the zakat mentioned in the above calculations. They are subject to zakat according to the calculations made for property and merchandises. There is no zakat on sheep if they are less than forty heads except their owner wishes to pay zakat on them voluntarily.
Silver: Zakat is obligatory on silver, and it is given by paying 2.5 %, i.e., a quarter of a tenth, if it reaches the set threshold, which is about 295 grams [and one lunar year has passed over possessing it]. The threshold of silver is mentioned in the part of the letter where it reads: “For silver, the Zakat is one-fortieth of the lot (i.e., 2.5%), and if its value is less than two-hundred Dirhams, Zakat is not required, but if the owner wants to pay, he can.” The part where it says, “if it is less than one-hundred Dirhams, Zakat is not required,” may give the impression that if it is above 190 and less than 200 Dirhams, zakat is required. However, this is a wrong assumption, because 190 is specifically mentioned since the number is counted in tens, and 200 is the following count; thus, it was mentioned to indicate that no zakat is required if it is less than 200 Dirhams. This is supported by the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said: “There is no zakat to pay on less than five awaaq (plural of Uwqiyyah) of silver, but the owner wants to pay, he can.” And it is known that one Uwqiyyah equals forty Dirhams.
The intended meaning of the part “but the owner wants to pay, he can” is that the owner can voluntarily give away part of it as he is not required to do so, and in this case, it will be accepted and taken from him. This indicates that if the owner wants willingly and happily to give more and better than what he is required to pay, it will be accepted and taken from him.
From the benefits of this hadeeth are learning the zakat payable on camels, sheep, and silver, and that zakat on tangible property to be paid to the Imaam (i.e. ruler of Muslims).
The hadeeth shows that Islam is a religion that is well-structured and systemised in its rulings and obligations. It does not oppress or does injustice to anyone and does not transgress the rights of others.
It highlights the significance of zakat in Islam and the keen interest of the Prophet ﷺ to give a detailed account of its rulings, and it shows that zakat is not waived on the number of livestock that falls between each two thresholds..

1455

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote to me what Allah's Messenger ﷺ has made compulsory regarding zakat. It reads: Neither an old nor a one-eyed animal, nor a ram may be taken as Zakat except if the Zakat collector wishes (to take it)..

Commentary : Zakat is one of the obligations that Allah has imposed upon those whose savings exceed the specified threshold. It is taken from the wealthy and given to the poor (i.e., all those who are eligible to receive it according to the Quran). Allah and His Messenger ﷺexplained all the rulings and details pertaining to this obligatory act of worship to protect the wealthy ones from injustice and protect the rights of those who are in need.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote him a letter in which he explained the due zakat on livestock that Allah’s Messenger made compulsory upon Muslims. This letter was penned after Abu Bakr delegated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with them) to collect the zakat from the people in al-Bahrayn, which is a region that includes, today, the kingdom of Bahrain as well as Al-Ihsaa and al-Qateef in the eastern parts of Saudi Arabia.
According to this letter - as it is mentioned in this hadeeth – the following type of sheep cannot be accepted as zakat: (i) old sheep whose teeth has fallen, (ii) sheep whose one of its eyes is blind, (iii) sheep that have health problems and defects that would disqualify it as a sacrificial animal (i.e., Udhiyyah) such as limping, fatigue or sick sheep, (iv) rams (i.e., male-sheep and male-goats) except of the zakat collector agrees to take it because of it has much meat or fat.
This hadeeth states that it is impermissible to take out defected or undesired property as zakat, and that the zakat collector has the authority to accept or decline zakat that does not meet the criteria that religion has specified. .

1456

Narrated Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "By Allah! If they (pay me the Zakat and) withhold even a young (female) goat which they used to pay during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger ﷺ, I will fight with them for it." `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "It was nothing but Allah Who opened Abu Bakr's heart towards the decision to fight, and I came to know that his decision was right.".

Commentary : The Imaam (ruler) and Caliph is the one responsible for managing the affairs of the Muslim nation, including the collection of zakat. Not only has he the authority to force people to pay their zakat, but also to fight with those who refuse to pay it.
This hadeeth is a part of a long story that is mentioned in another hadeeth wherein Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that after the passing of the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) assuming the position of the Caliph of Muslims, some Arabs apostatized and others refused to pay the zakat. Following those events, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) decided to dispatch military campaigns to fight with them and force them to pay the zakat. However, ‘Umar ibn al-Khataab (may Allah be pleased with him) felt uneasy about it and could not entertain the idea of fighting and shedding the blood of people who testify that there is no god worthy of worship. So, he said to Abu Bakr: 'O Abu Bakr, how can you fight the people when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: I have been commanded to fight the people until they say (there is none worthy of worship except Allah). Whoever says it, his life and his property are safe from me, except for its right, and their reckoning will be with Allah?' However, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) informed him that they have to pay the zakat and that it is as obligatory as the [five daily] prayers. He explained to ‘Umar that they have to fulfill the obligation of zakat and denying it is akin to denying the five daily prayers. He (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I will surely fight those who separate prayer and zakat, for zakat is what is due on wealth.” Then, he swore by Allah that if anyone withholds from him a small-she-goat that they used to give to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ he will fight them. In a different version of the hadeeth, it reads a robe instead of a she-goat, which he said it to signify the seriousness of the matter. He wanted to make it clear that he would fight whoever withholds anything, regardless how trivial it is, they used to pay to the Prophet ﷺ. This is because the obligation of zakat is from what is known from Islam by necessity, and whoever denies or rejects something known from Islam by necessity will be fought. Zakat is a right due on wealth and refusing to pay it means denying one of the fundamental rights of Islam. If a person refuses to pay it, he should be fought just like how a person who denies the five daily prayers should be fought. Upon hearing the justification of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), ‘Umar became convinced and supported his decision of fighting them, and that it is the correct ruling that is established in the Quran and the Sunnah.
This hadeeth highlights the sound judgment and understanding of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), and his courage and firmness in the truth, and the objectivity of ‘Umar (may Alah be pleased with him) and his aptness to accept the truth once he knows it..

1460

Narrated Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him): I went to the Prophet ﷺ and he said: “By Allah in Whose Hands my life is (or probably said, 'By Allah, except Whom none has the right to be worshipped) If any man has camels, cattle, or sheep on which he does not pay what is due, they will be produced as large and fat as can be on the Day of Resurrection and will trample him with their hoofs and gore him with their horns. As often as the last of them pass him the first of them will be brought back to him until judgment is pronounced among mankind.”.

Commentary : Zakat is one of the obligations that Allah has imposed upon those whose savings exceed the specified threshold. It is taken from the wealthy and given to the poor (i.e., all those who are eligible to receive it according to the Quran). Whoever thanks Allah, Exalted be He, by fulfilling this obligation and paying his zakat to those who deserve it will be given a reward that is complete; and whoever fails to fulfill this obligation will earn nothing but loss and failure in this life and the Hereafter.
In this hadeeth, Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that he visited the Prophet ﷺ one day, and he heard him ﷺ swears by Allah, Exalted be He, the One in His Hand all souls, or, 'by Allah, except Whom none has the right to be worshipped’ that whoever does not pay zakat on livestock (such as camels, cows, and sheep), they will be produced as large and fat as can be on the Day of Resurrection, because the condition of cattle varies i.e., they could be fat, fatigue, small or large, and then those with hoofs (i.e., camels) will trample him and those with horns will gore him to cause his as much pain as possible. They will be subject to this punishment while the creation is standing in the land of resurrection, and it will continue until the reckoning of the people is over.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is that not thanking Allah’s blessings and failing to fulfill His right in them will make us subject to punishment and hardship on the Day of Judgment.
The hadeeth indicates that Allah, Exalted be He, will resurrect the camels, cows and sheep whose zakat was withheld to punish their owners with them.
It shows the great punishment that is made for those who withhold zakat, and that some sinners will be subject to a special punishment on the Day of Judgment before the reckoning of the people is over..

1461

Narrated Anas in Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him): "Abu Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him) had more property of date-palm trees gardens than any other amongst the Ansaar in al-Madeenah and the most beloved of them to him was Bayruhaa’ garden, which was in front of the Mosque of the Prophet ﷺ. Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to go there and used to drink from its fresh water." Anas added, "When these ayaat were revealed: --{By no means shall you attain righteousness unless You spend (in charity) of that which you love.} (Quran 3.92) Abu Talhah said to Allah's Messenger: 'O Allah's Messenger! Allah, the Blessed, the Superior says: {By no means shall you attain righteousness, unless you spend (in charity) of that which you love.} And no doubt, Bayruhaa’ garden is the most beloved of all my property to me. I want to give it in charity in Allah's Cause and I expect its reward from Allah. So, spend it wherever Allah makes you think it better.' The Prophet ﷺ said, 'Well done! This is a profitable property. This is a profitable property. O Abu Talhah! I have heard what you have said, and I think it would be proper if you spend it on your Kith and kin.' Abu Talhah said, I will do so, O Allah's Messenger.' Then Abu Talhah distributed that garden amongst his relatives and his cousins." [According to the report from the route of] Yahya ibn Yahya and Isma’eel narrated from Maalik, it reads: property that brings about reward and benefits to its owner“..

Commentary : Giving away in charity money that is precious to the heart only for the pleasure of Allah is evidence on the sincerity of the person, the truthfulness of his faith, and a means to attain the good in this life and the Hereafter.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that Abu Talhah – whose name is Zayd ibn Sahl al-Ansaaree – (may Allah be pleased with him) was the wealthiest man amongst the Ansaar and he had plenty of date-palm trees. The most precious and beloved property to him was the Bayruhaa’ garden in al-Madeenah, opposite to the Mosque of the Prophet. The garden had a fresh water source that the Prophet ﷺ used to attend to drink from. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) adds that after the ayah {By no means shall you attain righteousness unless You spend (in charity) of that which you love} was revealed, Abu Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him) went to the Prophet ﷺ and recited the ayah to him. Then, he explained that the most beloved property to his heart was the garden of Bayruhaa’ and that he is giving it away in charity for the sake of Allah while hoping for its reward and good outcome from Allah, Exalted be He, and that he is leaving the decision of where and how to spend it to the Prophet ﷺ so, he can do with it what Allah orders him. The Prophet ﷺ rejoiced and exclaimed his awe of the good initiative of Aboo Talhah, and informed him that this is indeed a profitable property [in terms of Allah’s reward]. In another version, it reads: property that brings about reward and benefits to its owner. It has been said, it means, property that gives its owner reward day and night.
The Prophet ﷺ instructed him to spend it on his relative so he divided it between them. The reason the Prophet ﷺ advised him to do so is that giving charity to relatives gives the person the reward of charity and the reward of joining kinship.
The meaning of the ayah: {By no means shall you attain righteousness unless You spend (in charity) of that which you love} is that you will not attain all the good or attain Allah’s mercy, pleasure, and Paradise until you spend from the money that you favour and love. This includes intangible forms of wealth such as using one’s social status to help people and exerting efforts to do good deeds and putting the life at the service of Allah.
This hadeeth directs us to consult the people of virtue and merit on how to give charity and do good deeds. It shows that a pious person may be described as wealthy or acknowledge his wealth without that being a defect in his piety.
It shows that when the value of charity is high the giver ought to be praised and highlights the merit of Abu Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him).
It shows that giving charity to close relatives who are in need is more rewarding and takes priority. .

1462

Narrated Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): On `Eid al Fitr or `Eid al-Adha, Allah's Messenger ﷺ went out to the Musalla. After finishing the prayer, he ﷺ delivered the sermon and ordered the people to give alms. He said, "O people! Give alms." Then he ﷺ went towards the women and said: "O women! Give alms, for I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-Fire were you (women)." The women asked, "O Allah's Messenger! What is the reason for it?" He ﷺ replied, "O women! You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion who can make a cautious wise man irrational than you." Then he ﷺ left. When he ﷺ reached his house, Zaynab, the wife of Ibn Mas`ood, came and asked permission to enter. The Prophet ﷺ was informed of her visit so it was said, "O Allah's Messenger! It is Zaynab." He ﷺ asked, 'Which Zaynab?" The reply was that she was the wife of Ibn Mas'ood. He said, "Yes, allow her to enter." And she was admitted. Then she said, "O Prophet of Allah! Today you ordered people to give alms and I had an ornament and intended to give it as alms, but Ibn Mas`ood said that he and his children deserved it more than anybody else." The Prophet ﷺreplied, "Ibn Mas`ood had spoken the truth. Your husband and your children have more right to it than anybody else.".

Commentary : Zakat, which Allah has made obligatory, charity, which Allah has encouraged and made optional, are two great deeds that can help us attain safety in this life and the Hereafter. He who has indulged in sins and disobedience should give charity to purify himself from his sins, hoping from Allah, Exalted be He, His blessings and goodness. The Prophet ﷺ would encourage people so often to give charity and explain its virtue and who are most deserving of it.
In this hadeeth, Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ went to the Musalla to offer the Eid prayer on ‘Eid al-Fitr or ‘Eid al-Adhah. The Musalla is a spacious outdoor area, and the location of the Musalla of the Prophet ﷺ was in a known area in al-Madeenah, that is 1000 arms away from the gate of his Mosque. After he ﷺ finished the ‘Eid prayer, he ﷺ addressed the attendees and preached to them about what would benefit them in their worldly life and the Hereafter. The preaching sermon should be short and not lengthy. He ﷺ exhorted to give in charity and then walked to the Musalla of women to exhort and preach them since they were segregated from men and may not have heard his first preach. Or, it is possible that he went to them to give them a special reminder. He reminded them of Paradise and Hellfire and addressed all of them in his speech by saying: O women! Then, he ﷺ ordered them to give away in charity, and explained that he saw during the ascending journey - or in other events – that most of the dwellers of Hellfire were from women. This makes the reason he ordered them to give away in charity is that giving charity increases the scale of good deeds and extinguishes the Lord’s anger. In other words, he ﷺ directed them to a good deed that would save them from Hellfire, hoping that Allah will have mercy on them because of their charity. The women asked the Prophet ﷺ about the reason that made them most of the people in Hellfire. He clarified that it is because of their excessive verbal abuse and cursing or invoking against others to be expelled from Allah’s mercy. The other reason he ﷺ offered was that women are often ungrateful to their husbands i.e., a woman would deny that her husband was ever kind to her whenever she is upset with him or sees from him something not of her liking even if it was a trivial matter. This part of the hadeeth sends women a strong warning against verbal abuse and cursing and warns them against denying the favors and kind treatment of their husbands. Then, he ﷺ described them of being deficient in intelligence and religion and that their influence is so strong such that it can even lure a resolve and sensible man. The latter is used in the form of exaggeration to highlight their strong influence over men to show that if they are determined to do something they would keep argue with men until they do it, regardless of it being right or wrong.
Their deficiency in intellect and religion is explained in the authentic hadeeth in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, which reads:”They asked, “What is the deficiency of our religion and our intelligence, messenger of God?” He replied, “Is not the testimony of a woman equivalent to half the testimony of a man?” They said, “Yes.” Remarking that that pertained to the deficiency of her intelligence, he asked, “Is it not the case that when she menstruates, she neither prays nor fasts?” When they replied, “Yes,” he said, “That pertains to the deficiency of her religion.” The mention of their deficiency of religion and intellect is not to blame them, it is intended to warn men from falling for their temptations, and not as a derogatory remark or to blame them, because it is beyond their power and a part of their innate nature that Allah has created.
After, the Prophet ﷺ left to his house. Zaynab, the wife of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood followed him to his house and asked his permission to enter. The one who informed the Prophet ﷺ of her visit and request to enter upon him was Bilaal ibn Rabaah (may Allah be pleased with him). He ﷺ allowed her to enter after he learned who she was. She informed him ﷺ that her husband, ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him), objected when she wanted to giveaway in charity some of her jewelry, and explained that he and their children are more deserving of her charity. The Prophet ﷺ supported the view of Ibn Mas’ood and confirmed that her poor husband and children are more deserving of her charity. He ﷺ, according to the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, further added: “She will have two rewards, the reward for charity and the reward for upholding ties of kinship.”
From the benefits that we could learn from this hadeeth is knowing that cursing and ungratefulness between spouses are admonished.
It shows that the word “kufr” (translation: denying and ungratefulness) can be used to refer to sins that do not take people outside the fold of Islam to highlight its seriousness.
It teaches us that giving a harsh advice could be a way to rid of a quality that is condemned, and encourages us to give charity, particularly to poor and needy relatives, and that charity keeps us away from Allah’s punishment.
It shows that a student can discuss the opinion of his teacher about aspects that he does not understand.
It depicts to us the great character of the Prophet ﷺ, his tolerance, compassion, and kindness. .

1463

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "The Muslim does not have to pay zakat on his horse or slave.".

1465

Narrated ‘Ataa’ ibn Yasaar: I heard Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) say: “Once the Prophet ﷺ sat on a pulpit, and we sat around him. Then he ﷺ said, "The things I am afraid of most for your sake (concerning what will befall you after me) is the pleasures and flowers of the world and its beauties which will be made available to you." Somebody said, "O Allah's Messenger! Can the good bring forth evil?" The Prophet ﷺremained silent for a while. It was said to that person, "What is wrong with you? You are talking to the Prophet ﷺ while he is not talking to you." Then we noticed that he ﷺ was receiving revelation. Then the Prophet ﷺ wiped off his sweat and said, "Where is the questioner?" It seemed as if the Prophet ﷺ liked his question. Then he ﷺ said, "Good never brings forth evil. Indeed, it is like what grows in spring which either kills or makes the animals sick, except if an animal eats its full from the fresh vegetation and then faces the sun, and then defecates and urinates, and grazes again. No doubt this wealth is sweet and green. Blessed is the wealth of a Muslim from which he gives to the poor, the orphans and to needy travelers. (Or the Prophet said something similar to it) No doubt, whoever takes it illegally will be like the one who eats but is never satisfied, and his wealth will be a witness against him on the Day of Resurrection.".

Commentary : Allah has willed and predestined with His divine wisdom that this life be a place of tests and trials. Some people fall into its temptation and compete to attain its pleasures, while others realize its reality; thus, they endeavor to attain that which Allah has made for His believing servants in the Hereafter and never be misguided by worldly temptation.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ sat on the pulpit of his Mosque one day and his Companions gathered around him. He ﷺ then expressed his concern about his nation after this worldly life presents its pleasures and flower to them. The intended meaning of pleasures and beauty here is money and wealth, and he ﷺlikened wealth to flowers because flowers wilt and wither quickly to say that worldly pleasures change and wither quickly too.
One man asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ how could that which is good brings forth or causes evil! The Prophet ﷺ remained silent for a while and his Companions realised that his silence was because of receiving revelation. After receiving the divine revelation, he ﷺ wiped the sweat of his face because whenever he received revelation, sweat would drop from his forehead. Then, he ﷺ asked about the questioner. It was as if he ﷺ approved the question and commended him for asking such a question. The Prophet ﷺ explained that the good do not bring forth evil – that is to say, when wealth is acquired from lawful sources and is managed and used as Allah orders, it will be considered from the kind of good that only bring forth nothing but goodness. The example of this is Islam; it is all good and brings forth nothing but good. However, there are other kinds of goodness that are not entirely good which could bring forth evil such as money. It is considered good, but it may bring forth evil if earned from unlawful sources or spent unwisely, etc. The same applies to all lawful work that is considered good but becomes evil when it is sought through forbidden means, or the money earned from it is unlawful.
Then, the Prophet ﷺ gave two examples to explain his statement and help his Companions understand how wealth is good, but it can bring forth evil as much as it can bring forth good. The first example was about the plants that grow in spring to explain how the good can turn into evil, and it has been said that spring here refers to the banks of a water-stream. He ﷺ said that what grows in spring or on the banks of a water-stream is good, but some of it still can cause great harm to the livestock that graze it, such as when a sheep consumes a large quantity of grains such that it causes its sickness. The meaning of this example is that it is harmful for a person to focus on acquiring as much wealth as possible to the extent it becomes all he cares about and then spends it in his own pleasure. It is the same as food and drinks; when one eats and drinks more than his need, it will make him feel unwell and comfortless. This example is addressing those who are keen on acquiring wealth and collecting money who withhold the rights of others his wealth (i.e., he does not pay zakat on it or use it to in lawful means). The reason of mentioning spring is that good plants and grass grow in it, which the livestock enjoy so much that they overeat and thus fall sick or causes their death.
The exception made in the example is about the livestock that only eat green plants moderately without exaggeration thus do not become sick because of it. This example is given to demonstrate the case of that which is good and only brings forth that which is good when dealt with appropriately. In this example, the Prophet ﷺ describes the case where livestock consume only good and fresh vegetations and that after they are full, they would roam around under the sunlight to benefit from the warmth. As a result, they would defecate easily, keeping the beneficial elements of the food and defecating that which is harmful. This example is given to describe the person who is moderate in his endeavours to collect and earn lawful money and use it for lawful causes.
Then, the Prophet ﷺ explains that money is desired and loved so much such that people are naturally keen on collecting it just like how we desire and like fruits and fresh vegetables that look nice and taste delicious. If a person pays zakat on his wealth, which he earns from lawful sources, and spends [some of] it on those who are poor and needy, orphans and wayfarers who do not have enough money during his journey, then his wealth will testify in his favour on the Day of Judgment. As for those who earned their wealth unlawfully, Allah will take away the barakah from it and deprive its owner from contentment so that he never feels he has enough even if he is given all the treasures of this world. He will be like a person who eats without ever being satiated, no matter how much food he consumes. On the Day of Judgment, the wealth of this kind of person will testify against him and expose his extravagance, unlawful spending, and strong keen on collecting it.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is learning that the Imaam sits on the pulpit while people sit around him listening to his preaching.
This hadeeth teaches us that we should give examples to clarify meanings so people can easily understand the intended message.
It shows that earning money from unlawful sources are devoid of Allah’s blessings and barakah, and the scholar should warn who listen to him about the temptation of money and similar temptations and explain to them how people may fall into such temptation.
It encourages us to be moderate in spending and collecting money, give away in charity, and avoid withholding our money from good causes.
It highlights that the Sunnah is a divinely inspired, and that one can object or blame someone for asking a question when feared that the question is inappropriate,.

1466

Narrated Zaynab, the wife of `Abdullah ibn Mas’ood, said, "I was in the Mosque and saw the Prophet ﷺ saying, 'O women! Give alms even from your ornaments.'" Zaynab used to provide for `Abdullah and those orphans who were under her protection. So, she said to `Abdullah, "Will you ask Allah's Messenger ﷺ whether it will be sufficient for me to spend part of the Zakat on you and the orphans who are under my protection?" He replied "Will you yourself ask Allah's Messenger ﷺ? Zaynab added: So, I went to the Prophet ﷺ and I saw there a woman from the Ansaar who was standing at the door (of the Prophet ﷺ with a similar problem as mine. Bilaal passed by us, and we asked him, 'Ask the Prophet ﷺ whether it is permissible for me to spend (the Zakat) on my husband and the orphans under my protection.' And we requested Bilaal not to inform the Prophet ﷺ about us. So, Bilaal went inside and asked the Prophet ﷺ regarding our problem. The Prophet ﷺ asked, "Who are those two?" Bilaal replied that she was Zaynab. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Which Zaynab?" Bilal said, "The wife of `Abdullah (ibn Mas`ood)." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Yes, (it is sufficient for her) and she will receive a double reward (for that): One for helping relatives, and the other for giving Zakat.".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ encouraged giving away in charity, explaining that the most rewarding type of charity is that which we give to our poor and needy relatives. This is because it reinforces solidarity and help those who are in need, let alone it fulfills the joining of kinship.
In this hadeeth, Zaynab the daughter of Mu’aawiyyah – or the daughter of Abee Mu’aawiyyah – the wife of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reports that she saw the Prophet ﷺ in the Mosque and heard him saying to the women: “give alms even from your ornaments” i.e., give away in charity if it was from the ornaments that you beautify yourselves with. At that time, Zaynab was spending on her husband, ‘Abdullah ibn Ma’sood and the orphans who were under her care. It was said the orphans were her nephews i.e., the children of her brother and sister. She asked her husband, Abudllah ibn Mas’ood, to ask Allah’s Messenger ﷺ whether her spending on him, who was a poor man, and her relative orphans would suffice as a charity. However, ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) excused himself from this and asked her to ask the Prophet ﷺ directly. The reason he did not like to do it was because of his reverence to the Prophet ﷺ and it was said that asking such a question would make him look like as if he greedy, given the circumstances (i.e., she was spending on him) at that time.
So, she headed to the house of the Prophet ﷺ where she found a woman from the Ansaar waiting outside. The woman had the same inquiry about the charity given to relatives. It has been said that this woman was Zaynab, the wife of ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amr al-Ansaaree, alias Aboo Mas’ood. She added that while they were outside, Bilaal passed by, so we asked him to pass her question to the Prophet ﷺ about whether spending on her husband and the orphans who were under her care is sufficient and accepted. It has been said that this spending refers to the obligatory spending while others said it refers to the optional spending. If it is the former, then it is understood to refer to that which is not binding upon the giver to give to his relatives. Then, she and the other woman asked not to disclose our names to the Prophet ﷺ i.e., do not say that so and so is asking such and such but rather say there are two women asking such and such. Or it is to say, do not disclose our names if he ﷺ inquired about them, which is not really intended literally since it is obligatory to answer the Prophet ﷺ if he ﷺ inquired about their identity. They only wanted to ensure they would avoid showing off or liked to exercise the best option. After, Bilaal (may Allah be pleased with him) entered upon the Prophet ﷺ and presented their question to him ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ asked Bilaal about the name of both women and to which Bilaal (may Allah be pleased with him) said, they are named Zaynab. Thereupon, he ﷺ asked about their identity so Bilaal said that it was Zaynab, the wife of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him). He only mentioned one of them as he sufficed by mentioning the one who is older and more virtuous. According to the report mentioned in Sunan al-Nasaa’iee, the name of the other Zaynab was also mentioned, as it reads: Zaynab al-Ansaariyyah. Obviously, Bilaal clarified who they were because it is obligatory to answer the question of the Prophet ﷺ immediately. To which, the Prophet ﷺ explained that it is sufficient and that the wife may give charity to her husband and children, and as a result she will receive two rewards, one for joining kinship and one for charity.
From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is that spending on relatives and kinship is encouraged and gives us two rewards. It shows that it is permissible for the wife to give away in charity whatever she likes from her own property without the permission of her husband since women gave away in charity their earrings and jewellery.
It establishes the permissibility for the Imaam to preach to women and men speaking with foreign women when there is a valid need, and no temptation is anticipated. This is given based on the act that Bilaal conversed with the two Zaynabs while the Prophet ﷺ was aware of it and he ﷺ did not object..

1467

Narrated Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her): I asked: "O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! Shall I receive a reward if I spend for the sustenance of Aboo Salamah's offspring, and in fact they are also my sons?" The Prophet ﷺ replied, "Spend on them and you will get a reward for what you spend on them.".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ encouraged giving away in charity, explaining that the most rewarding charity is that which we give to our poor and needy relatives. This is because it reinforces solidarity and help those who are in need, let alone it fulfills the joining of kinship.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers, Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her), whose name is Hind bint Abee Umayyah, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, asked the Prophet ﷺ whether she will be rewarded for spending on her children from Aboo Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Asad who was her [first] husband and then died, and afterwards the Prophet ﷺ married her. Her children were, ‘Umar, Muhammad, Zaynab and Durrah; they were orphans without any source of income. She wanted to say that they are my children and I take care of their financial needs out of my compassion and feeling of responsibility towards them as their mother, not to mention they have more right in my charity than anyone else i.e., because they are orphans and needy, let alone her own children. She was concerned that she would not be rewarded for this good deed since it is driven by her feelings of motherhood. However, the Prophet ﷺ informed her that she will be rewarded for everything she would spend on them.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is that we are rewarded for spending on own children and others, even if this is what our innate nature necessitates. .

763

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: I spent the night in the house of my maternal aunt Maymūnah and observed how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prayed. He said: He got up and relieved himself. He then washed his face and hands and then went to sleep. Then, he got up and went near the water-skin and loosened its strap and then poured some water in a bowl and inclined it with his hand. He then performed a good ablution between the two extremes and then stood up to pray. I came and stood by his left side. He said: He took hold of me and made me stand on his right side. The prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was completed with thirteen Rak‘ahs. He then slept till he began to snore, and we would know that he was asleep by his snoring. Then, he went out for the prayer and prayed, and he kept saying during his prayer - or his prostration: "O Allah, place light in my heart, light in my hearing, light in my sight, light on my right, light on my left, light in front of me, light behind me, light above me, light below me, and make light for me," or he said: "Make me light." [In a version]: I met Kurayb, and he said: Ibn ‘Abbās reported: I was in the house of my maternal aunt Maymūnah, and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came there... then he narrated the rest of the Hadīth as narrated by Ghundar and said these words: "Make me light," and he was not doubtful..

Commentary : Our Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the best among people in terms of worshiping his Lord and standing before Him, Exalted be He. And the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to learn from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and take his Sunnah, apply it, and convey it to those who came after them. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) was keen on that since he was young.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he spent the night in the house of his maternal aunt Maymūnah bint al-Hārith, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), and the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was spending the night in her house, in her allocated night. He said: "and I observed how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prayed" i.e., he wanted to watch how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would pray in the night. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came into his house after the ‘Ishā’ prayer and talked with his wife for a while and then went to sleep, as related in versions of the Two Sahīh Collections. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up and relieved himself and then washed his face and hands. Then, he went to sleep. Then, he got up from sleep once again and headed to the skin, a vessel made of tanned and stitched leather for holding fluids and water - and loosened its strap. Then, he poured water from it in a bowl, which is a spacious and big vessel. So, he placed the water that was in the skin on this bowl so that it would be easier for him to use it. Then, he performed a good ablution between the two extremes, i.e., between what is light and quick and what is deliberate and perfect. It is more probable that he minimized the use of water while washing the body parts of ablution thrice. This is because he described it as good, and so it would not be less than thrice. It is reported in the version of the Two Sahīh Collections that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered his house after the ‘Ishā’ prayer and went to sleep. Then, he got up and used the Siwāk - a small stick made from the Arak tree - and brushed his teeth and cleansed his mouth, and then he made ablution as he recited the verses that read: {Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth and the alternation of the night and day are signs for people of understanding, those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect upon the creation of the heavens and earth [saying]: "Our Lord, you have not created all this in vain. Glory be to You. Protect us from the punishment of the Fire. Our Lord, whoever You cause to enter the Fire, You have surely disgraced him, and the wrongdoers will have no helpers. Our Lord, we have heard the caller to faith calling, ‘Believe in your Lord,’ so we believed. Our Lord, forgive us our sins, expiate our misdeeds, and cause us to die among the righteous. Our Lord, give us what You have promised us through Your messengers, and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection, for You never break Your promise."} [Surat Āl ‘Imrān: 190-194] It is reported in a version by Muslim that he recited to the end of the Sūrah.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) began to pray. Shortly thereafter, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) came and stood beside the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) after making ablution like that of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), as reported in the Two Sahīh Collections. He stood on the Prophet's left side. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) held him by the hand, turned him around from behind his back, and made him stand on his right side. This points out and emphasizes how the Imām and the one who is led in prayer should stand when the congregational prayer includes two persons only, even if it is supererogatory.
Then, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered thirteen Rak‘ahs as Qiyām al-Layl, praying two Rak‘ahs each and then observing Witr with one Rak‘ah, thus completing thirteen Rak‘ahs.
In a version by Muslim: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) "offered two Rak‘ahs and prolonged the standing, bowing, and prostration therein and then left" after he finished the two Rak‘ahs. "He then slept till he began to snore" i.e., he breathed with a sound. This is an indication of deep sleep. "Then he did that three times," i.e., he got up from sleep and offered two Rak‘ahs and then slept, until he offered in that night "six Rak‘ahs. Meanwhile, he used the Siwāk, performed ablution, recited those verses, and then observed Witr with three Rak'ahs," i.e., he concluded his prayer with Witr consisting of three Rak‘ahs. It was said: This version opposes the other versions of this same Hadīth regarding the sleep between the Rak‘ahs, the repetition of ablution, and the number of Rak‘ahs. He did not mention in other versions the sleep between the Rak‘ahs and the number of Rak‘ahs as thirteen. He probably did not include in this prayer the first two light Rak‘ahs with which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to commence prayer in the night, as explicitly mentioned by Hadīths in the Sahīh Muslim Collection and others. Therefore, he said: "He offered two Rak‘ahs and prolonged therein" indicates that they came after the two light Rak‘ahs. So, the two light Rak‘ahs were followed by the two long Rak‘ahs, and then the six mentioned Rak‘ahs, and then the three Rak‘ahs after them, as mentioned by him; the total became thirteen Rak‘ahs.
After the prayer, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) slept so deeply that a sound coming out with his breathing was heard. Then, his Muezzin Bilāl (may Allah be pleased with him) came to tell and notify him of the Fajr prayer, as demonstrated by the versions in the Two Sahīh Collections. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came out for the Fajr prayer. The versions in the Two Sahīh Collections point out that he did not renew his ablution after waking up. This is particularly reserved for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), for his eyes would sleep but his heart would not, and so his ablution would not be broken.
Then, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) kept supplicating in his prayer or in his prostration. And it is reported in a version by Muslim that he made this supplication while going out for the prayer, saying: "O Allah, place light in my heart" i.e., to enlighten it, grant it the ability to distinguish between the truth and falsehood, protect it from corrupt beliefs, and keep it away from spite, envy, and the like. "Light in my hearing," is to hear what exhorts obedience to You, not disobedience. "Light in my sight," is to keep it away from everything that Allah ordered us to lower our gaze from. In a version by Muslim: "light in my tongue," i.e., so that it becomes keen to mention You and speak the truth and all the good deeds to be performed by the tongue. "Light on my right, light on my left," i.e., on my sides, or in my body parts. "Light in front of me, light behind me, light above me, light below me, and make light for me," i.e., an overall summary of these detailed items. Or he said: "Make me light." By it, he meant a huge light comprising all lights; those that he mentioned here and those he did not mention. So, the light would encompass him and surround him with what preserves him from making mistakes. The intended meaning: clarifying the truth and its light and guiding to it, and that He places in every organ of these organs and in every direction of these directions a light by which he would be guided in following the truth and acting upon it, and it would guide those who want to follow the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in the true path; and so that the devil would not have a possibility of influence.
It was said: The light for which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked is the one that would preserve him in this world from sins and draw him closer to the performance of good deeds. It was also said: Rather, it is a light that Allah will grant him on the Day of Judgment. And it was said: It probably combines both, i.e., by the worldly light, he obtains knowledge and guidance, and by the afterlife light, he obtains illumination for the darkness on the Day of Judgment.
In the Hadīth: Mentioning some of the Prophet's peculiar characteristics.
And in it: Resorting to Allah with sincere supplication
And in it: A boy may pass the night in the house of one of his mahrams (non-marriageable female relatives) in the presence of her husband.
And in it: Offering a supererogatory prayer in congregation.

765

Zayd ibn Khālid al-Juhani said: I will definitely watch the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) tonight. He offered two short Rak‘ahs, and then he offered two long, long, long Rak‘ahs. Then, he offered two Rak‘ahs, which were shorter than the two preceding ones. Then, he offered two Rak‘ahs, which were shorter than the two preceding ones. Then, he offered two Rak‘ahs, which were shorter than the two preceding ones. Then, he offered two Rak‘ahs, which were shorter than the two preceding ones. Then, he performed Witr. That was thirteen Rak‘ahs..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to know the Prophet's Sunnahs and guidance in all matters and to follow and comply with him in terms of his worship (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Hence, they used to ask about things hidden from them, including his guidance on Qiyām al-Layl.
In this Hadīth, the Companion Zayd ibn Khālid al-Juhani (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he wanted to know how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prayed during the night. So, he said to himself: "I will definitely watch" i.e., I will look and observe carefully. This is an affirmation from him that he would adhere to the manner of the Prophet's performance of prayer, i.e., his prayer during the night. He would observe the number of its Rak‘ahs and how long he would stand therein. In the version by Abu Dāwūd: "I rested my head on his threshold, or Fustāt (tent)" i.e., he treated it as a pillow. "Fustāt": a large tent made of hair. The word 'tent' indicates that he was on a journey, for the Prophet's houses were not tents. So, Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) informed that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered two short Rak‘ahs, in which he did not stand or recite for long. With such two Rak‘ahs, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to commence Qiyām al-Layl, as their shortness activates the body. Then, "he offered two long, long, long Rak‘ahs," He said it three times to point to their great length. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered eight Rak‘ahs, with every two Rak‘ahs being shorter than the two Rak‘ahs that preceded them. Then, he concluded his prayer with one Rak‘ah. It is reported from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) that Witr can be one, three, or five Rak‘ahs and so on. The number of Rak‘ahs performed by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) at that time was thirteen, which is the maximum reported about the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The minimum reported about him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is seven Rak‘ahs.
Prayer in the night starts after the ‘Ishā’ prayer and extends to shortly before dawn. One is not required to sleep before performing it.
The Hadīth demonstrates the Prophet's diligence in worship and prayer, and how this teaches the Ummah to engage in worship diligently and not to neglect it..

766

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: I was with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on a journey and we reached a Mashra‘ah (water passage from the river). He said: "O Jābir, will you not engage in Ishrā‘ (drinking water)?" I said: 'Yes.' He said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) then got down and I drank. He said: Then, he went away to relieve himself, and I placed for him water for ablution. He said: Then, he came back and performed ablution, and then stood and prayed in one garment, having its ends tied from the opposite sides. I stood behind him and he caught hold of my ear and made me stand to his right side..

Commentary : This Hadīth demonstrates some of the Prophet's actions during travel, including his clemency towards travelers and riding animals, and points out how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed prayer on some of his journeys. Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) says: "I was with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on a journey and we reached a Mashra‘ah" i.e., a path for crossing the water from the bank of a river, sea, or the like. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Jābir, will you not engage in Ishrā‘?" Ishrā‘ is to drink with the mouth directly or by taking a handful of water without the use of any tool, like a cup. Taking water with the mouth mostly happens in the case of animals, and people may also drink in this way or take water in their hands. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urges him to come to the Mashra‘ah and take what he needs of water, drink from it, and water his animals. This shows the Prophet's leniency towards people and animals during travel, so that they can rest, drink, and water their mounts. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got off his mount, and Jābir drank and watered his mount. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went to a remote place to answer the call of nature, urinating and defecating. Meanwhile, Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) prepared water for him for purification and ablution. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) relieved himself, he came and performed ablution. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stood up and prayed in one garment, "having its ends tied from the opposite sides" i.e., he took the end of the garment which he dropped over his right shoulder from underneath his left hand, and its end which he dropped over his left shoulder from underneath his right hand. Then, he tied them over his chest so as to hold the garment and prevent it from falling.
Then, Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) came and stood for prayer behind the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) held Jābir from the tip of his ear, dragged him, and made him stand to his right side. This is how the Imām and the one praying with him should stand when only two persons engage in a congregational prayer, be it obligatory or supererogatory.
The Hadīth mentions praying in one garment.
It demonstrates how the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to serve the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)..

767

‘Ā’ishah reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up in the night to pray, he would commence his prayer with two light Rak‘ahs..

Commentary : Qiyām al-Layl is the source of honor for the believer. So, a Muslim should be keen to pray in the night, following the Prophet's example. The Prophet's prayer at night was constant, and he would engage in prayer until his feet would swell, in gratitude towards Allah and praise for His blessings.
In this Hadīth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) relates that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up at night to pray, he would start his prayer with two light Rak‘ahs, in preparation for the prolonged prayer, whose Rak‘ahs were described by ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in these words: "and do not ask about their beauty and length," as reported in the Two Sahīh Collections. In his Sahīh Collection, Al-Bukhāri narrated that Masrūq ibn al-Ajda‘ reported: I asked ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in the night, and she said: "Seven, nine, and eleven Rak‘ahs apart from the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr." Prayer in the night starts after the ‘Ishā’ prayer and extends to shortly before dawn. One is not required to sleep before performing it..

768

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When any of you gets up at night to perform Qiyām al-Layl, let him start his prayer with two short Rak‘ahs.".

Commentary : Qiyām al-Layl is the source of honor for the believer, and its merit is great. It is the best prayer after the obligatory prayers. The pure Shariah encourages its performance and demonstrates its great reward and virtue.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) demonstrates part of the understanding related to Qiyām al-Layl. He informs that when someone wants to perform Qiyām al-Layl, he should commence his prayer with two short Rak‘ahs. This is to break the desire for sleep, and their shortness is more suitable for repelling it, given the successive movements involved therein. Moreover, if he offers long Rak‘ahs at the beginning, this will be heavy for his body, and he will probably reduce his Rak‘ahs of Qiyām al-Layl, due to the heaviness he feels. But if he is gradual in prolonging the prayer, he may become more active and desire to increase the prayer and make it longer, after this gradation. This is because he has prepared his body and activated it with these two Rak‘ahs. It is said: Starting Qiyām al-Layl with two short Rak‘ahs serves to initiate loosening the knots that the devil ties on a person's head after he sleeps, and these knots are completely loosened when the prayer is completed..

770

Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn ‘Awf reported: I asked ‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers, (may Allah be pleased with her): "With what did the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) use to commence his prayer when he got up at night. She said: "When he got up at night, he would commence his prayer with: "Allahumma rabba jibrā’īl wa mikā’īl wa isrāfīl, fātira as-samawāt wa al-ard, ‘ālim al-ghayb wa ash-shahādah, anta tahkumu bayna ‘ibādaka fima kānū fihi yakhtalifūn, ihdini lima ikhtulifa fīhi min al-haqq bi eznik, innaka tahdi man tashā’ ila sirātin mustaqīm" (O Allah, Lord of Gabriel (Jibrīl), Michael (Mikā'īl), and Israfil (Isrāfīl), Originator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You judge between Your slaves concerning that over which they used to differ. Guide me, by Your permission, to the truth about which people differed. Verily, You guide whom You will to the straight path)..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray at night as much as Allah willed him to pray, and he adopted certain Sunnahs and ethics in his house. The Tābi‘is were keen to know his worship in detail and would ask about the acts of worship the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform at home so that they could follow his guidance and adhere to his Sunnah.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn ‘Awf asked ‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers: With what words or deeds did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) use to commence his prayer when he got up at night? In other words, how would he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commence the prayer? In response, she told him that when he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up at night, he would commence his prayer with this supplication: "O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, Michael, and Israfil," i.e., I supplicate to You, my Lord, and the Lord of all that is great, such as those great angels, and You are Greater than them and than all Your creation. It befits You to answer supplications. Those particular angels are singled out due to their great status. Gabriel is the angel entrusted with revelation, and Michael is the angel in charge of rains, plants, and provisions, and he occupies a great status and high rank and is honorable in the sight of Allah Almighty. He has assistants who apply what he commands them with the order of his Almighty Lord. And Isrāfīl is the angel entrusted with blowing the Trumpet at the command of his Lord, the blow of panic and swooning, and the blow for standing before the Lord of the worlds.
If a person knows the status of the angels, those great and noble creatures, and knows their traits, he will know the greatness of their Creator, Exalted be He, and His great power and dominion. Indeed, the greatness of a created being stems from the greatness of the Creator. He will also give thanks to Him for His care about His servants, as He entrusted some of those angels with preserving them, supplicating for Allah's forgiveness for them, and recording their deeds. Also, he who knows the angels and genuinely believes in them and will love them for what they do, as they worship Allah Almighty and obey Him in the perfect manner, and they ask for Allah's forgiveness for the believers, supporting them, and so on.
"Originator of the heavens and the earth," i.e., their Creator and Maker. "Knower of the unseen and the seen," i.e., I supplicate to You, O Knower of the unseen and the seen, for You know what is hidden from Your servants and what is apparent and visible to them. "You judge," i.e., You judge with reward and punishment. "on the Day of Judgment between Your slaves concerning that over which they used to differ" regarding the matter of religion in this worldly life. You punish the sinners, if You will, and reward the obedient ones. People differed after they had been following the Fitrah of Islam (natural disposition), and then the prophets and messengers came to guide them. They differed over the path of guidance and the straight path with which they came, and that is the truth from their Lord.
"Guide me, by Your permission, to the truth about which people differed," i.e., make me steadfast and increase me in guidance to the straight path which the prophets and messengers called to, by Your help and facilitation. "Verily, You guide whom You will to the straight path," which is the path of the truth that has no crookedness in it. This is the religion of Islam with which Allah sent Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and it was called 'path' because it leads to the destination just as a real path does. This phrase serves as a reason for asking Him for guidance, i.e., because You guide whomever You will. This supplication represents complete humbleness before Allah Almighty.
In the Hadīth: Clarifying the dhikr with which Qiyām al-Layl is commenced
And in it: Pointing out that a person should ask Allah Almighty to guide him to the true path
And in it: Clarifying that guidance lies in the Hand of Allah Almighty; none can grant it except Him, Exalted be He.

771

‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) got up to pray, he would say: "I have turned my face to the One Who created the heavens and the earth, in exclusive devotion, and I am not one of the polytheists. Verily, my prayer, my Nusuk (worship, sacrifice), my life, and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds; there is no partner with Him, and this is what I have been commanded (to profess and believe), and I am of the Muslims. O Allah, You are the Sovereign, there is no god but You. You are my Lord, and I am Your slave. I have wronged myself and I have admitted my sin; so, forgive all my sins, for no one can forgive sins but You. Guide me to the best of morals, for no one can guide to them but You, and turn away from me the worst of morals, for no one can deliver me from them but You. Here I am, in answer to Your call, in support of Your command. All goodness lies in Your Hands and evil does not stem from You. I exist by You and I turn to You. Blessed and Exalted are You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You." When he bowed, he would say: "O Allah, it is for You that I bowed, it is in You that I believed, and it is to You that I submitted. Humbled to You are my hearing, my eyesight, my brain, my bones, and my sinew." When he rose from bowing, he would say: "O Allah, our Lord, praise is due to You, (praise) that fills the heavens and the earth, that fills what exists between them, and that fills anything You wish afterward." When he prostrated, he would say: “O Allah, it is to You that I prostrated myself, it is in You that I believed, and it is to You that I submitted. My face has prostrated to the One Who created it, shaped it, and split open its faculties of hearing and seeing. Blessed is Allah, the best of Creators." Then, one of the last things he would say between the Tashahhud and Taslīm is: "O Allah, forgive my past and future sins, my hidden and apparent sins, my transgression, and the sins that You know of more than I do. You are the One Who puts forward and the One Who holds back. There is no god but You.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) loved prayer and used to offer a lot of voluntary and supererogatory prayers during the day and night, and he adopted certain Sunnahs and etiquettes related to prayer. The Prophet's Companions were keen to know his worship in detail, so that they could follow his guidance and adhere to his Sunnah.
In this Hadīth, ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that when the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up to offer the obligatory or supererogatory prayer, he would supplicate to Allah Almighty with what is known as the opening supplication, which lies between the Takbīr of Ihrām (Takbīr at the start of prayer) and the recitation of Surat al-Fātihah. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to say in his supplication: "I have turned my face," i.e., I sincerely devoted my worship to Allah Who "created the heavens and the earth," i.e., He originated their creation without a precedent example. In all this, I am Hanīf (upright, exclusively devoted), turning away from Shirk (polytheism) towards Tawhīd (monotheism). Among the Arabs, a Hanīf person would refer to one who followed the religion of Abraham (Ibrāhīm) (peace be upon him), and this is Islam. Then, he further demonstrated and clarified the meaning of Hanīf, saying: "and I am not one of the polytheists." I do not associate anything as a partner with Allah, and I am not one of those described as polytheists. The word polytheist is used to refer to every disbeliever, including idol worshipers, Jews, Christians, Magians, and others.
Then, he supplicated, saying: "Verily, my prayer" which I perform. Prayer is a comprehensive term that refers to Takbīr, recitation, bowing, prostration, Tashahhud, and others. "my Nusuk", which is worship. Nasīkah is everything that brings closeness to Allah Almighty, and it is used to refer to sacrifice by which one draws close to Allah Almighty. A Nāsik is one who sincerely devotes his worship to Allah Almighty. Also, "my life and my death are for Allah," for He is the One Who created and predestined them, or He is the Possessor and Disposer of them. No one else has any control over them. And it was said: The righteous acts in life and the good things that follow death, like a will or managing affairs, or the worship I perform during my life and the condition in which I die, are sincerely devoted to the Countenance of Allah. "the Lord of the worlds," for He is the One Who possesses them, raises them, and reforms and manages their affairs. There is no partner with Him in His dominion. And I have been commanded regarding all of this - to embrace complete Tawhīd (monotheism) that comprises sincerity in words and beliefs. And I am one of the Muslims who submit to Allah's command, yield to Him in obedience, and acknowledge all these attributes of Allah Almighty. This is an affirmation of the meanings of Tawhīd and acceptance of the religion of Allah Almighty.
Then, he praised Allah Almighty, acknowledged his own sin, and asked Him for forgiveness, saying: "O Allah, You are the Sovereign," i.e., the real Owner of all creatures. "and I am Your slave," acknowledging that You are my Owner and the Disposer of my affairs, and Your judgment regarding me is surely executed. "I have wronged myself and I have admitted my sin," i.e., I have wronged myself by falling short in fulfilling Your rights, and I have admitted this shortcoming. "so, forgive all my sins," i.e., O Lord, pardon my shortcomings. "for no one forgives sins but You." This is an admission and acknowledgment of the attribute of forgiveness for Allah alone. In this, he acknowledged his shortcomings and mentioned that before asking for forgiveness, out of politeness, as Adam and Eve (peace be upon both of them) said: {Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.} [Surat al-A‘rāf: 23]
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Guide me to the best of morals," i.e., direct me to the most perfect and most excellent morals, enable me to adopt them, and make me steadfast upon them. "for none can guide to them but You." Guidance lies in Your Hand alone. The hearts of people are between two of the Fingers of the Most Compassionate, and He overturns them as He wishes. "and turn away from me the worst of morals," i.e., keep me away from ugly and reprehensible manners. "for none can deliver me from them but You." This is an acknowledgment that Allah Almighty alone is the One Who can repel the Divine Decree and keep the worst of them from His servants.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Here I am, in answer to Your call," i.e., I persist in obedience to You and compliance with Your command in a repeated manner. "in support of Your command," i.e., supporting Your command one time after another and following Your religion one time after another. "All goodness lies in Your Hands". This is an acknowledgment that all goodness that reaches the servants or hoped to reach them does actually lie in the Hands of Allah, Exalted be He. "and evil does not stem from You". Evil is not attributed to You. Or evil is not committed to attain closeness to You. Or evil does not ascend to You. Rather, it is good speech that ascends. Then, he said: "I exist by You and I turn to You," i.e., my success is through You, and I take refuge in You and belong to You; or I exist by You creating me and my return is to You; or upon You I rely, and to You I turn for refuge.
"Blessed and Exalted are You." This is praise for Allah Almighty involving two things: The first is 'Blessed'; this is because Allah Almighty is the Most Worthy of blessing. The word 'blessed' means: Your favors are plentiful, overwhelming, and reachable to all creation. Indeed, the blessing is plentiful and enduring favors and goodness. The second is 'Exalted'; it comes from exaltedness in essence and attributes. Indeed, Allah Almighty is Exalted by His essence and by His attributes. He is Exalted by His essence above all creation, and His exaltedness is an innate, timeless, and eternal attribute. Then, he said: "I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You," i.e., I ask You to forgive me and eliminate my sins. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to open his prayer with this great supplication.
And when he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) bowed, he would say in his Rukū‘: "O Allah, it is for You that I bowed." You alone, and I do not bow to any human being or any of Your creation. "it is in You that I believed" in Your sacred essence, excellent names, and sublime attributes. "and it is to You that I submitted," i.e., I humbled myself and surrendered, or I turned my face to You in sincere devotion. "Humbled," i.e., obedient and surrendered to You "are my hearing, my eyesight." He singled them out from among all senses because most evils are committed by them. When we humble ourselves, the insinuations decrease. Also, humbled to You are "my brain, my bones, and my sinew." Sinew: it connects and ties the joints with the bones. They are more delicate than bones.
When he rose from bowing and said, "Allah hears whoever praises Him," he would say thereafter: "O Allah, our Lord, praise is due to You, (praise) that fills the heavens and the earth, that fills what exists between them, and that fills anything You desire afterward." It means: I turn to You, O Allah, with complete praise that befits Your blessings and favors, as many as You will. This is meant for the quantity of numbers. If praise were material objects, then due to You is praise that fills the heavens and the earth, that fills what exists between them. It was said: This refers to the scrolls in which praises are recorded. "and that fills anything You desire afterward," i.e., that fills what is beyond the heavens and the earth, as You will, which is not known to the people. This is intended for teaching the Prophet's Ummah, for Allah Almighty already forgave his past and future sins.
Then, when he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prostrated himself, he would say during his prostration: "O Allah, it is to You that I prostrated myself, it is in You that I believed, and it is to You that I submitted. My face has prostrated to the One Who created it," i.e., it yielded, humbled itself, and submitted to Allah Almighty. He singled out the face from among all the body parts used in prostration because it is the noblest among them, as Allah Almighty is the One Who shaped it and split open its faculties of hearing and seeing. So, the One Who created this face, put in it features by which it is identified, and split open in it eyes and ears and gave them discernment through seeing and hearing is the One worthy of worship, prostration, and submission. "Blessed is Allah": Extolled, Glorified, and Exalted far above, for He is the Creator Who alone brought everything out of nothing into existence and gave His creation the best shape, and He, Exalted be He, is "the best of all creators," who fashion and give due proportions.
"Then", after he finished bowing and prostration," one of the last things he would say between the Tashahhud and Taslīm is: "O Allah, forgive my past" sins, "and my future" deeds. It was said: What I did before the Prophethood and what I did thereafter. It was also said: The future things in Your knowledge which You predestined for me. And it was said: It means: If a sin is committed by me in the future, make it connected to Your forgiveness. Indeed, the pursuit of forgiveness before the commission of sins aims at forgiving a sin if it is committed. "my hidden and apparent sins," i.e., forgive all my sins, for they are: either past or future, and hidden or apparent; and forgive me. "my transgression" when I exceed the bounds. "and the sins that You know of more than I do": My sins which I do not know, in terms of their number and rulings. "You are the One Who puts forward and the One Who holds back": No one can put forward what You hold back or hold back what You put forward. "There is no god but You": No one is truly worthy of worship except You, Exalted be You. We are not capable of enumerating the praise of You. You are as You have praised Yourself. So, he concluded with this praise of Allah Almighty, which is the word of Tawhīd and the word of sincere devotion.
This is a Hadīth that comprises a lot of ath-kaar that are to be said in some positions in prayer, namely the commencement, bowing, and prostration.
In the Hadīth: It was part of the Prophet's guidance to say the opening supplication.
And in it: The dhikr to be said during bowing, prostration, and after rising from bowing, and the supplication before Taslīm.
And in it: teaching politeness in extending praise to Allah Almighty, that we should ascribe to Him only the good things, not the bad ones, out of politeness..

772

Hudhayfah reported: I prayed with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) once at night and he started reciting Surat al-Baqarah. I thought that he would bow in Rukū‘ at the end of one hundred verses, but he continued. I thought that he would probably recite it (the Surah) in one Rak‘ah, but he continued. I thought he would perhaps bow in Rukū‘ on completing (this Surah). He then started reciting Surat an-Nisā’ and read it all, and then he started reciting Surat Āl ‘Imrān and read it all. He was reciting slowly; when he came across a verse containing Tasbīh (glorifying Allah), he would glorify, and when he came across asking, he would ask, and when he came across seeking refuge, he would seek refuge. Then, he bowed in Rukū‘ and said: "Subhān rabbiya al-‘azhīm" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Majestic). His bowing lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing. Upon rising from Rukū‘, he said: "Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears whoever praises Him). He then remained standing nearly the same length of time as he had spent bowing. He then prostrated and said: "Subhān rabbiya al-a‘la" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High), and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing. Another version adds: "Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah; rabbana laka al-hamd" (Allah listens to he who praises Him; praise be to You, Our Lord)..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) liked standing before his Lord, and so he used to prolong the prayer and perfect it by long recitation, bowing, prostration, and supplication. His prayer was also marked by humility, submissiveness, and subservience before Allah Almighty.
In this Hadīth, Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamān (may Allah be pleased with him) says that he performed Qiyām al-Layl one night with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) started his recitation after Surat al-Fātihah with Surat al-Baqarah. Hudhayfah thought that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would bow after reciting one hundred verses, but he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went past one hundred verses. So, Hudhayfah thought that he would probably recite Surat al-Baqarah in one Rak‘ah, but he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) continued the recitation after finishing Surat al-Baqarah and started reciting Surat an-Nisā’ and read it all. Then, he started reciting Surat Āl ‘Imrān and read it all. This stems from his prolongation of the prayer and the excellence of recitation in Qiyām al-Layl. This prolongation and this manner in this prayer was probably done by him at a time that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) happened to particularly enjoy what he was up to and was so engrossed therein away from anything else. This accords with his statement in the agreed-upon Hadīth: "If any of you leads the people in prayer, let him shorten it, because among them are the weak, the sick, and the elderly people. And if any of you prays alone, let him prolong as much as he wishes."
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was "reciting slowly," i.e., unhurriedly, and deliberately. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would glorify Allah, by saying "Suhān Allah", when he came across a verse containing Tasbīh. And when he came across a verse that urges the asking of Allah Almighty, he would ask of Him. In a version by Abu Dāwūd: "And he did not come across a verse of mercy except that he would pause at it and make supplication." "and when he came across [a verse] seeking refuge," as the verse mentions Hellfire or contains a threat, "he would seek refuge" with Allah and resort to Him for salvation from His punishment. This all adds to the length of the prayer.
After all that, he bowed in Rukū‘. "and he said: 'Subhān rabbiya al-‘azhīm' (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Majestic)." He adopted this wording in Tasbīh, and it means: We glorify Allah Almighty and praise Him for His greatness. This is an exaltation of Allah Who possesses this attribute. "His bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing," i.e., the duration of bowing. He stayed therein for nearly the same length of time he had spent standing. Then, he rose from bowing and said: "Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears whoever praises Him). This is an informative sentence in the sense of a supplication. In other words: O Allah, answer the supplication of he who praises You. Another version adds: "Rabbana laka al-hamd" (praise be to You, Our Lord). This is one of the best supplications and forms of gratitude to Allah Almighty.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) remained standing nearly the same length of time as he had spent in bowing - before descending to prostrate. "He then prostrated and said: 'Subhān rabbiya al-a‘la' (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)." He reserved this dhikr and praise for prostration, and it means: Glorifying the Almighty Sovereign and exalting Him above any imperfection. This is the exaltation of Allah Who possesses the attribute of exaltedness.
In the Hadīth: Demonstrating how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed Qiyām al-Layl in terms of the length of the prayer and recitation and the prolongation of bowing, prostration, and standing.
And in it: Considering the meanings of the verses and pausing to make supplications in accordance with their content, during the prayer..

778

Jābir reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When one of you performs the prayer in his mosque, he should leave a portion of his prayer for his house, for indeed Allah puts goodness in his house on account of his prayer.".

Commentary : Prayer is of great significance in the life of a Muslim. So, he should regularly perform it and fulfill its Sunnahs and pillars in the required manner, and he should perform a lot of voluntary prayers, for they compensate for any shortcomings in the obligatory ones. He should also keep a portion of goodness for his house by offering supererogatory prayers therein.
This Hadīth contains Prophetic guidance and education, as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) instructed us: When a Muslim performs the obligatory prayer in the mosque, "he should leave a portion of his prayer for his house," i.e., he should offer some of them in his house. This refers to supererogatory prayers. This is because prayer at home is more hidden and farther away from show-off, and so that the house may be blessed on account of that, and mercy and angels descend in it, and the devil runs away from it. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed that Allah puts goodness in the house of this performer of supererogatory prayers on account of his prayers; this goodness encompasses his wife and children and brings blessing to their sustenance and life spans and an increase in their guidance and piety, and the house is filled with dhikr and worship, and the angels descend to supplicate for the inhabitants of the house and ask for Allah's forgiveness for them..

779

Abu Mūsa reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The house in which Allah is mentioned and the house in which Allah is not mentioned are like the living and the dead.".

Commentary : In the mentioning of Allah lies the life and vigor of people's souls, and in its abandonment lies slackness, idleness, and lethargy. The houses of Muslims should be protected against the devil, be filled with light, and blessing. This can be achieved by performing acts of worship therein, like dhikr, prayer, supplication, and so on.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) holds a comparison between two types of houses, to make the matter easier to understand. One type is a house where Allah is mentioned, and the other is a house where Allah is not mentioned. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) points out that the house where Allah is mentioned is "like the living," i.e., a sound and healthy person, as his inner being shines with Imān (faith) and his outward appearance is adorned with the light of worship. People love him, and they seek support and benefit from him. On the other hand, the house where Allah is not mentioned is like the dead, i.e., like a corpse. No one approaches it, and there is no good in it or use of it. Its inside is false, and its outside is defective.
The meaning of this Hadīth can be an example for houses and those who live therein. The houses where Allah is mentioned abound with a life of Imān, blessing, and goodness for their inhabitants. By contrast, the houses where Allah is not mentioned are desolate like graves, and their inhabitants only go to them for sleep, which is a minor death. They are devoid of goodness and blessing, even if what appears to people is contrary to that.
Also, the meaning may appropriately apply to the inhabitants of houses, namely human beings. Whoever mentions Allah, his heart becomes alive and the impact of that manifests in him. Thus, he becomes useful in this world and the Hereafter. As for a person who does not mention Allah, his heart is lifeless and devoid of Imān and the effects of an Imān-oriented life. He is like a dead person whose deeds come to a halt and cannot obtain any good from his worldly life. This is supported by the version by Al-Bukhāri: "The one who mentions Allah and the one who does not mention Allah are like the living and the dead."
In the Hadīth: Urging remembrance of Allah Almighty at home, and that our houses should not be devoid of it.

780

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Do not turn your houses into graves. Indeed, Satan runs away from the house in which Surat al-Baqarah is recited.".

Commentary : The houses of Muslims should be protected against the devil, filled with light, and blessing. This can be achieved by performing acts of worship therein, like dhikr, prayer, supplication, recitation of the Qur'an, and so on. Recitation of the Qur'an brings goodness and blessing to the place where it takes place, for the Qur'an is the extended rope of Allah, which contains tranquility of the soul and expels the devils from the houses where it is recited, particularly Surat al-Baqarah.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says: "Do not turn your houses into graves," i.e., do not make them similar to the graves, devoid of dhikr and worship, and allocate for them a share of the recitation of the Qur'an and prayer. It is narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Perform some of your prayers in your houses, and do not turn them into graves."
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed out that the devil flees and runs away from the house where Surat al-Baqarah is recited, because he despairs of alluring the inhabitants of that house due to the blessing of this Surah, or because he sees their seriousness and diligence regarding religion and worship. When the Qur'an in general is recited in a house, it becomes spacious for its inhabitants, its blessings increase, it gets frequented by the angels, and the devils are expelled from it. On the other hand, when the Qur'an is not recited in a house, it becomes straitened for its inhabitants, its blessings decrease, the angels run away from it, and the devils visit it.
The Hadīth indicates the merit of Surat al-Baqarah and its superiority to other Surahs, and it is indeed superior, for it combines Shar‘i rulings more than any other Surah of the Qur'an. It contains the characteristics of the believers, the traits of the hypocrites, an explanation of the stories of the Children of Israel, the forbiddance of sorcery and usury, and mentions of the Qiblah, prayer, fasting, Hajj, ‘Umrah, divorce, waiting periods, debts, conditions, mortgage, and legal retribution, as well as other rulings.
In the Hadīth: Urging recitation of the Qur'an and a lot of dhikr in the houses
And in it: Informing people that the Qur'an and dhikr make houses and hearts alive and populated..

787

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When one of you gets up to pray at night and the Qur'an becomes difficult for his tongue, and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should lie down.".

Commentary : Qiyām al-Layl is the source of honor for the believer, and it has great merit. Hence, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urged its regular observance and that a person should engage in it while in a state of activeness and vigor, for this is more beneficial and appropriate.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mentions that when a Muslim gets up to perform a supererogatory prayer or recite the Qur'an during the night, "and the Qur'an becomes difficult for his tongue," i.e., it becomes hard for his tongue, and he cannot recite it in a correct manner that accurately conveys its words and meanings, due to heavy sleepiness, to the extent that he is not aware of what he is reciting from the Qur'an, and he will probably fall into some distortion or error. If this happens, he should go to sleep and not pray or recite the Qur'an while in this condition. He should take a rest until his vigor is restored to him.
So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urged his Ummah to perform acts of worship that do not put them in hardship, while acceptance of their worship lies with Allah. This comes from Allah's mercy towards the Muslim Ummah, as He removed undue restrictions and difficulties from them in their worship, and He wanted ease for them, not hardship. Allah Almighty says: {Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 185] Allah Almighty also says: {Allah does not burden any soul greater than it can bear.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 286]
In the Hadīth: Urging us to come to prayer while in a state of humility, focus, and activeness.

802

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Would any one of you, when he returns to his family, like to find three large, fat, and pregnant she-camels?" We said: 'Yes.' He said: "Three verses that one of you recites in his prayer are better for him than three large, fat, and pregnant she-camels.".

Commentary : Recitation of the Qur'an brings goodness and blessing, for it is the extended rope of Allah, and it affords tranquility of the soul and abundance of rewards, and it leads to salvation on the Day of Judgment. If the recitation is in prayer, the merit becomes greater and the reward more abundant.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked his Companions: "Would any one of you like, when he returns to his family," i.e., when he returns home, where his wife and children are, to find in their place or house "three pregnant she-camels?" A "khalifah" is a pregnant she-camel. It used to be one of the most precious properties among the Arabs. and 'large' and 'fat'. If a she-camel is also large and fat, it becomes even dearer. They replied to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in the affirmative, by the necessity of nature and looking forward to the reward. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed them that reciting three verses in prayer is better than the three pregnant she-camels. The reward for the recitation of three verses in prayer is better and more meritorious than the reward for possessing those she-camels. This is because the recitation of three verses belongs to the enduring good things that are beneficial in the Hereafter, whereas the she-camels are among the supplementary and transient things in the world. He mentioned three verses because this is the minimum number to form a plural number. Yet, this matter is not limited to reciting three verses only. Rather, the more verses a worshiper recites in his prayer, the greater the reward he will get in proportion to their number.
In the Hadīth: Urging recitation of the Qur'an in prayer.

803

‘Uqbah ibn ‘Āmir reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came out while we were in As-Suffah and asked: "Which of you would like to go out every morning to But'hān or Al-‘Aqīq and bring two large-humped she-camels without being guilty of sin or severing ties of kinship?" We replied: "O Messenger of Allah, we would like that." He said: "Does not one of you go out in the morning to the mosque and learn or recite two verses of the Book of Allah Almighty? That is better for him than two she-camels, and three verses are better for him than three she-camels, and four verses are better for him than four she-camels, and so on.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach his Companions the merit of the noble Qur'an and demonstrate the reward for learning, teaching, and reciting it.
In this Hadīth, ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Āmir (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came to them while they were sitting in As-Suffah, a shaded area in the Prophet's Mosque, where the poor Muhājirūn (Immigrants) used to take refuge. He asked them: "Which of you would like to go out every morning to But'hān", a place near Madīnah that stretches from its south to its west, "or to Al-‘Aqīq", a valley in Madīnah whose water gathers from Al-‘Aqīq area, which is located more than 100km to the south of Madīnah and it stretches to its outskirts. He mentioned But'hān and Al-‘Aqīq in particular because they were the closest places to Madīnah where camel markets were held. "and bring two large-humped she-camels"; he mentioned such camels as an example because they are among the most precious property to the Arabs; and that he will gain the two she-camels without being guilty of sin such as stealing or severing kinship ties with them? The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) replied that they would like and love that. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to those who want to obtain this goodness: "Does not any of you go out in the morning to the mosque", going there early, "and learn or recite two verses of the Book of Allah Almighty? That is better for him than two she-camels" i.e., the goodness that stems from learning two verses or reciting them is better in the sight of Allah than obtaining two she-camels and the benefit to be gained through them. Likewise, three verses are better than three she-camels, and four verses are better than four she-camels. His words "and so on" mean that if he learns or recites more verses, he will get what is better than the same number of she-camels. This indicates that learning the Qur'an is better than the pursuit of wealth, as a general rule; and this is more so when a person has a lot of free time.
The Hadīth points out the merit of seeking knowledge and the merit of learning the Qur'an.
It demonstrates how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to preach to his Companions and guide them. Leaders should learn from this and follow the Prophet's example in dealing with their subjects..

804

Abu ’Umāmah al-Bāhili reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Recite the Qur'an, for it will come as an intercessor on the Day of Judgment for its reciters. Recite the two illuminating ones: Surat al-Baqarah and Surat Āl ‘Imrān, for they will come as if they were two clouds, two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks defending their reciters. Recite Surat al-Baqarah, for reading it is a blessing; abandoning it is a cause of regret, and the Batalah (sorcerers) cannot handle it." Mu‘āwiyah said: It has been conveyed to me that the Batalah are sorcerers. [In a version]: But he said, "As if they were" regarding both of them, and did not mention the statement of Mu'wiyah: "It has been conveyed to me.".

Commentary : Recitation of the Qur'an brings goodness and blessing for those who recite it and comply with it, for it is the extended rope of Allah. And it affords tranquility of the soul and abundance of rewards, leads to salvation on the Day of Judgment, and provides protection against magicians in the worldly life, particularly Surat al-Baqarah and Surat Āl ‘Imrān.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urges the recitation of the Qur'an and commands doing so persistently. And he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says that the Qur'an will be embodied in a form seen by the people on the Day of Judgment, as Allah will give people's deeds a form and weight so that they will be placed on the scale. The Qur'an will intercede for those who recite and act upon it and plead for them before Allah Almighty, seeking forgiveness for them and that they be saved from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, or that their ranks in Paradise be elevated.
He repeated the word 'recite' to urge the recitation of certain Surahs and to emphasize their special merit regarding intercession. His words are: "the two illuminating ones" refer to Surat al-Baqarah and Surat Āl ‘Imrān which were called as such because they are two lights, or because of the abundance of the lights of the Shar‘i rulings and the excellent names therein. Undoubtedly, the light of the speech of Allah is greater and brighter, and each Surah in the Qur'an is an illuminating one, given the rulings and admonitions contained in it and because it provides healing for the chests, illumination for the hearts, and multiplication of the rewards for its reciters. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) singled out the recitation of Surat al-Baqarah and Surat Āl ‘Imrān to demonstrate their high status and affirm their special merit regarding intercession for those who persistently recite them and act upon what they contain. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed out that they will be embodied and take a specific form and appear as if they were "two clouds" that will shade their companion from the heat of this situation of standing. Clouds are given this name because they cloud and conceal the sky. "or two shades." A "ghayāyah" or shade is anything that provides a person with a cover above his head, like a cloud and so on. "or two flocks," i.e., two groups or parties, "of birds in ranks." This is a flock of birds extending their wings and being linked to one another. The intended meaning is that they will protect their receiver from the heat of this situation of standing and the distress of the Day of Judgment. Also, they will push against Hellfire and its keepers, or plead for intercession for him, or when he is questioned, when his tongue does not speak, his lips are sealed, and his arguments are lost.
His words: "Reciting Surat al-Baqarah" constitutes a specification in addition to the previous specification. He first mentioned the Qur'an as a whole, and then singled out the two illuminating Surahs, and then singled out Surat al-Baqarah from both of them. This indicates its high status and great merit. He said: "for taking it" - by persistently reciting it, pondering its meanings, and acting upon what it contains - "is a blessing," i.e., increase, growth, and a great benefit for its reciter. "abandoning it is regret," i.e., deploring and feeling sorrowful over the missed reward. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed that "the Batalah," i.e., the sorcerers, cannot overcome it. This means that they cannot recite it because of their deviation from the truth and engrossment in falsehood; or that they cannot repel it and penetrate its protection for he who recites and memorizes it, as it shields its reciter and memorizer from magic. It was said: The "Batalah" refers to idle and lethargic people, for they cannot memorize or recite it due to its length, whereas they are prone to laziness. Another version uses 'and' not 'or': "and as if they were two shades, and as if they were two flocks of birds in ranks." Reconciling the two versions, the 'or' in the first version is not used for doubt, giving choices in likening the two Surahs, or hesitation. Rather, it is for diversification and division of the reciters, for a group of them will see the two Surahs as two clouds, another group will see them as two shades, and another group as two flocks of birds stretching out their wings.
In the Hadīth: Urging the recitation of the Qur'an, the merit of Surat al-Baqarah and Surat Āl ‘Imrān, and the significance of Surat al-Baqarah in particular..

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