| 2 Hadiths


Hadith
2858
Narrated `Abdullah ibn `Umar(may Allah be pleased with him):I heard the Prophetﷺsaying. "Evil omen is in three things: The horse, the woman and the house."
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Commentary : Allah predestined everything fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and earths. There is nothing that occurs within His creation in this vast cosmos except that He knows it before it takes place. Everything is subject to His will and predestination and being optimistic because of good omens or pessimistic because of bad omens does not change the fate that Allah has predestined. Indeed, all that which Allah has predestined is good, and feeling pessimistic because of a bad omen does not change anything or harms anyone but the person himself.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains the three things(namely horses, women, and houses) that people most consider as evil omens and presume are the cause ofthe harm and bad events they experience. People often take it as a bad omen if their horses fail to participate in times of fighting, if their women are sharp-tongued, barren, or difficult to please, and if their houses are small, far from the mosque, or close to a bad neighbour. Often, people take them as bad omens because they last more than anything else.

Without doubt, horses, wives, and homes are significant to the wellbeing, happiness, and stability of people. Once a person has a wife who is loyal and obedient, a house that is spacious and suitable for his family, and a strong and comfortable horse – or other medium of transport like a car – he will feel happy, stable, and secure in his life. However, if the wife is not righteous, the house is unsuitable, and the car is uncomfortable, a person will feel distressed, anxious, unhappy, and unstable physically and psychologically. It is said that the meaning of the hadeeth is that when a person considers them bad omens, anticipated unpleasant, harmful, or undesirable events will befall the person. As for whoever relies upon Allah and does not take them as bad omens, they will not be bad omens for them. This is corroborated by the hadeeth recorded by Ibn Hibbaan, who related that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Abad omen befalls whoever considers it a bad omen,” e.g., a person who believes in a bad omen even though he knows that the Prophet ﷺ forbid this is sinful.

This hadeeth does not confirm bad omens, or that horses, women, and houses are bad omens in and of themselves. It only intends to say that they could be either blessed or harmful, and their impact affects whoever is linked to them. If they are blessed, they will enjoy the blessings. and if they are harmful, they will experience their harm, just like when Allah, Exalted is He, grants parents a blessed child or an evil child, where the former brings forth goodness and the latter brings forth evil to them. All this takes place by the will of Allah, because it is Him who created all causes and linked cause to effect..

2861
Muslim narrated on the authority of Aboo ‘Aqeel that Aboo Al-Mutawakkil Al-Naajee said:I called on Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah Al-Ansaaree(may Allah be pleased with him) and said to him, "Relate to me what you have heard from Allah's Messenger ﷺ. He (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I accompanied him on one of the journeys." (Aboo ‘Aqeel said, "I do not know whether that journey was for the purpose of Jihaad or ‘Umrah") "On our way back to Al-Madeenah," Jaabir(may Allah be pleased with him) continued, "the Prophetﷺ said, 'Whoever wants to return earlier to his family, should hurry up.'  We set off and I was on a black-red tainted camel having no defect, and people were behind me. While I was in that state the camel stopped suddenly (because of exhaustion). On that the Prophetﷺ said to me, 'O Jaabir, hold on!' Then he ﷺ hit it once with his lash and it started moving on a fast pace. He ﷺ then said, 'Will you sell the camel?' I replied in the affirmative when we reached Al-Madeenah, and the Prophetﷺwent to the Mosque along with his Companions (may Allah be pleased with him). I, too, went to him after tying the camel to the tiled floor at the Mosque’s gate. Then I said to him, 'This is your camel.' He ﷺ came out and started examining the camel and saying, 'The camel is ours.' Afterward, the Prophetﷺsent some Awaaq (pl. Ooqiyyah, i.e., a weight measurement that varies based on the weighable goods as well as countries) of gold saying, 'Give it to Jaabir.' Then he ﷺ asked, 'Have you taken the full price (of the camel)?' I replied in the affirmative. He ﷺ said, 'Both the price and the camel are for you.’”.

Commentary : Allah has endowed the Prophet ﷺ with the best and the most perfect moral character. He ﷺ used to check on his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) constantly, guide them to what rectified them, financially support them, and help them out regarding their worldly and religious affairs.
In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah(may Allah be pleased with him) related that he accompanied the Prophet ﷺ once on a journey. Aboo ‘Aqeel Basheer ibn ‘Uqbah Al-Dawraqee Al-Basree, one of the narrators, doubted as to whether that journey was for the purpose of Jihaad or performing ‘Umrah. However, he affirmed in another version recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree that it was the Battle of Tabook, and it was also said that it was the Battle of Dhaat Al-Riqaa‘.
Jaabir(may Allah be pleased with him) added: "On our way back to Al-Madeenah, the Prophet ﷺ said, 'Whoever wants to return earlier to his family, should hurry up.' We set off, and I was on a black-red tainted camel having no defect,” the Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Shiyah, meaning a mark, gloss of a distinct color, or blemish, “and people were behind me.” This means that his camel was ahead of other camels. Jaabir(may Allah be pleased with him) added: “While I was in that state the camel stopped suddenly (because of exhaustion). On that the Prophet ﷺ said to me, 'O Jaabir, hold on,' meaning hold onto the back of the camel. Then he ﷺ hit it once with his lash and it started moving at a fast pace.” The Prophet ﷺ then asked Jaabir(may Allah be pleased with him) to sell him the camel. It is narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim that the Prophet ﷺ concluded the sale transaction during the journey and lent it to Jaabir(may Allah be pleased with him) to ride it until they reached Al-Madeenah, and Jaabir(may Allah be pleased with him) approved. When they reached Al-Madeenah, and the Prophet ﷺ went to the mosque along with his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), and Jaabir(may Allah be pleased with him) went to him after tying the camel to the tiled floor at the mosque’s gate. He (may Allah be pleased with him)said to the Prophet ﷺ, “This is your camel.” He ﷺ came out, went around the camel, and started examining it, saying, 'The camel is ours.' This statement could be indicative of concluding the sale transaction. Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ sent some Awaaq (pl. Ooqiyyah, i.e., a weight measurement that varies based on the weighable goods as well as countries) of gold saying, 'Give it to Jaabir.' The Ooqiyyah equaled about 40 Dirhams of silver. He ﷺ gave him the price and the camel, as a gift. This underlines the generosity and munificence of the Prophet ﷺ with his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
The hadeeth highlights a sign of the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable to hurt an animal, urging it to do what benefits it..

2872
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Prophetﷺhad a she camel called Al-‘Adbaa’ which could not be excelled in a race. (Humayd, a sub-narrator said, "Or could hardly be excelled.") Once a Bedouin came riding a camel below six years of age which surpasses it (i.e., Al-‘Adbaa’) in the race. Muslims disliked it so much that the Prophetﷺ noticed their distress. He ﷺ then said, “It is a divine norm that Allah, Exalted is He, brings down whatever rises high in this worldly life.”
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Commentary :
One of the divine norms decreed by Allah, Exalted is He, for His creation is the regular alteration of rise and fall and the constant state of change; nothing remains unchanged in the worldly life.
In this hadeeth, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophetﷺhad a she-camel called Al-‘Adbaa,’ a nickname that literally denotes having a cleft ear. The Prophet’s camel did not have a cleft ear, despite the nickname, and it was amazingly fast and could not be excelled and outrun in a race. Once a Bedouin came riding a camel below six years of age which outran Al-‘Adbaa.’The Muslims disliked it so much that the Prophetﷺ noticed their distress and knew that they found it hard to accept such defeat. He ﷺ then said, “It is a divine norm that Allah, Exalted is He, brings down whatever rises high in this worldly life.” The Prophet ﷺ clarified to them that the divine norm decreed by Allah, Exalted is He, in governing the affairs of the worldly life entails that whenever something should rise high and becomes exalted in this worldly life, Allah, Exalted is He, lowers it and brings it down.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is permissible to organize camel races.
The hadeeth warns againstflaunting and boasting about worldly gains..

2875
‘Aa’ishah(may Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of the Believers, said:I requested the Prophetﷺ topermit me to participate in Jihaad, but he ﷺ said, "Your Jihaad is the performance of Hajj."
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Commentary :
Jihaad is the pinnacle of Islam, and it requires certain (physical and emotional) capabilities, and Allah, Exalted is He, has conveniently relieved some people of such an obligation, including women.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aa’ishah(may Allah be pleased with her) stated that she asked the Prophetﷺ to allow her to participate in Jihaad, given its great virtues and refined rank in the sight of Allah, Exalted is He, but he ﷺ said, "Your Jihaad is the performance of Hajj.” This means that women are required to strive and exert physical effort in Hajj rather than on the battlefield, for they are (inherently delicate and) unable to handle face-to-face confrontations with the enemy on the battlefield, being beyond their innate capacity. The same goes of ‘Umrah, i.e., women are rather required to strive and exert physical effort in ‘Umrah rather than on the battlefield. The version recorded by Ibn Maajah reads: “What is incumbent on them (i.e., women) is the Jihaad that does not involve fighting, namely, Hajj and ‘Umrah.”
Women earn rewards for performing Hajj and ‘Umrah that are equal to those earned by men for partaking in Jihaad. It was also said that the obligatory Jihaad, meaning, striving in Allah’s Cause, for women is performing Hajj and ‘Umrah, just like it is obligatory on every male believer to partake in Jihaad in Allah’s Cause, if he is able.
Hajj is described as Jihaad, either in terms of Taghleeb (i.e., an expression in the Arabic language that consists of just one word but indicates two different things at the same time; one of the words takes preference or is treated as being used in the majority, for a given reason) or verbatim. Jihaad in this context is striving against one’s own (evil-enjoining) ‘self,’ because Hajj involves enduring physical and financial hardship. It is noteworthy that it is allowable for women to accompany the Muslim army, to help the male fighters out by conducting the tasks that are compatible with their physical capabilities, such as the provision of medical treatment for the injured, serving water to the fighters, and the like.
The hadeeth highlights the great virtues and rewards of Hajj, designated for both those who perform it as an obligatory act of worship and those who perform it as a voluntary one.
It is also inferred therefrom that the grace of Allah, Exalted is He, conferred upon people is great and enormous; He does not close some doors except to open others. .

2876
 ‘Aa’ishah(may Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of the Believers, narrated that the Prophetﷺ was asked by his wives about the Jihaad and he ﷺ replied, "The best Jihaad (for you, i.e., women) is (the performance of) Hajj."
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Commentary :
Jihaad is the pinnacle of Islam, and it requires certain (physical and emotional) capabilities, and Allah, Exalted is He, has conveniently relieved some people, including women, of such an obligation.
In this hadeeth, ‘Aa’ishah(may Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of the Believers, narrated that the wives of the Prophetﷺ asked him to partake in Jihaad (like men did), and he ﷺ replied, "The best Jihaad (for you, i.e., women) is (the performance of) Hajj,” to highlight its great virtues and refined status in the sight of Allah, Exalted is He. The Prophet’s wives (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to ask him about participating in Jihaad, on the battlefield, like men, but the Prophet ﷺ informed them of an act of worship that substituted Jihaad for them and befitted their (delicate) nature; a Jihaad that involves no fighting, i.e., Hajj, and the same goes for ‘Umrah. The version recorded by Ibn Maajah reads: “What is incumbent on them (i.e., women) is the Jihaad that does not involve fighting, namely, Hajj and ‘Umrah.”
Women earn rewards for performing Hajj and ‘Umrah that are equal to those earned by men for partaking in Jihaad. It was also said that the obligatory Jihaad for them is performing Hajj and ‘Umrah, just like it is obligatory on every believer to partake in Jihaad in Allah’s Cause, if he is able.
Hajj is described as Jihaad, either in terms of Taghleeb (i.e., an expression in the Arabic language that consists of just one word but indicates two different things at the same time; one of the words takes preference or is treated as being used in the majority, for a given reason) or verbatim. Jihaad in this context is striving against one’s own (evil-enjoining) ‘self,’ because Hajj involves enduring physical and financial hardship. It is noteworthy that it is allowable for women to accompany the Muslim army, to help the male fighters out by conducting the tasks that are compatible with their physical capabilities (and delicate nature), such as the provision of medical treatment of the injured, serving water to the fighters, and the like.
The hadeeth urges Muslims to keenly perform the best and most rewardable good deeds.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is not incumbent on women to partake in Jihaad, and that Hajj is the best form of Jihaad (striving) befitting them because it does not involve fighting; it is more becoming for women to veil themselves and refrain from direct interactions with men (for no need), and this is possible for them when performing Hajj.
The hadeeth underlines the great virtues and rewards of Hajj designated for those who perform it as an obligatory act of worship or a voluntary one..

2881
Tha‘labah ibn Abee Maalik narrated that ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab(may Allah be pleased with him) distributed some garments amongst the women of Al-Madeenah. One good garment remained, and one of those present with him said, "O Commander of the Believers! Give this (remaining) garment to your wife, the (grand) daughter of Allah's Messenger ﷺ.” They meant Umm Kulthoom, the daughter of ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with them). ‘Umar said, Umm Saleet has more right (to have it)." Umm Saleet(may Allah be pleased with her) was a woman from the Ansaar who had given the pledge of allegiance to Allah's Messenger ﷺ. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "She (i.e., Umm Saleet) used to carry the water skins for us on the day of Uhud."
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Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, favored the senior Muslims (i.e., those who embraced Islam first) and singled them out for the highest ranks in Paradise, because He established the religion of Islam at their hands. Al-Faarooq‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab(may Allah be pleased with him)knew this well and acknowledged the rights of these senior Muslims. He (may Allah be pleased with him) gave them priority over others in terms of grants (i.e., allowances assigned by rulers to the eligible recipients, such as employees and soldiers).
In this report, Tha‘labah ibn Abee Maalik Al-Qurdhee – scholars held different opinions as to whether or not he was a Companion - narrated that ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab(may Allah be pleased with him) distributed some garments amongst the women of Al-Madeenah. The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Muroot, pl. of Mirt, which meant woolen or silken clothes. One of these garments remained, and one of those present with him said, "O Commander of the Believers! Give this (remaining) garment to your wife, the (grand) daughter of Allah's Messenger ﷺ.” They meant Umm Kulthoom, the daughter of ‘Alee ibn AbeeTaalib(may Allah be pleased with them). They attributed her directly to the Prophet ﷺ because she was the daughter of Faatimah(may Allah be pleased with him), who had four children with ‘Alee: Al-Hasan, Al-Husayn, Zaynab, and Umm Kulthoom(may Allah be pleased with them), and ‘Umar married Umm Kulthoom(may Allah be pleased with them). He (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Umm Saleet has more right (to it)." Umm Saleet(may Allah be pleased with her) was a woman from the Ansaar who had given the Bay‘ah (i.e., pledge of allegiance) to Allah's Messenger ﷺ. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) further explained, "She (i.e., Umm Saleet) carried the water skins for us on the day of Uhud,” in 3 A.H.
The hadeeth underlines that ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) acknowledged and honored the rights of the Ansaar and gave them precedence over his own wife and granddaughter of the Prophet ﷺ.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable for women to accompany the Muslim army, to help the male fighters out by carrying out the tasks that are compatible with their physical capabilities (and delicate nature), such as the provision of medical treatment for the injured, serving water to the fighters, and the like..

2882
Al-Rubayyi‘ bintMu‘auwwidh(may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:We were in the company of the Prophetﷺ providing the wounded with water and treating them and bringing the killed to Al-Madeenah (from the battlefield) .
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Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, did not deem it obligatory on women to partake in fighting in His cause, for it is an exclusive obligation on men. However, women are still allowed to partake in Jihaad along with men and perform the tasks that befit their innately delicate nature.
In this hadeeth, Al-Rubayyi‘ bintMu‘auwwidh ibn ‘Afraa’ (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that she and some other women used to accompany the Prophetﷺ in battles, providing the wounded with water, medical treatment, and carrying the killed back to Al-Madeenah (from the battlefield)to be buried therein..

2887
Narrated AbooHurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺ said, "Let the slave of Dinar and Dirham, and the slave of Khameesah (i.e., wealth and luxurious clothes) perish as he is pleased if these (worldly) things are given to him, and if not, he is displeased. Let such a person perish and relapse, and if he is pierced with a thorn, let him not find anyone to take it out for him. Paradise is for him who holds the reins of his horse to strive in Allah's Cause (i.e., partake in Jihaad), with his hair unkempt and feet covered with dust: if he is appointed in the vanguard, he is perfectly satisfied with his post of guarding, and if he is appointed in the rearward, he accepts his post with satisfaction; (he is so simple and unambiguous that) if he asks for permission he is not permitted, and if he intercedes, his intercession is not accepted.".

Commentary :
The most wretched of all people is the one who takes his own (sinful) urges and desires as an object of worship, exerting all his effort to gratify and chase after such desires. By doing so, he fails to realize the very purpose for which he was created in the first place, namely, the worship of Allah, Exalted is He, and instead pursues instant gratification of desires by doing what does not please his Lord. This involves trading his (lasting) Hereafter for the (fleeting) worldly life. On the contrary, the most blessed and happiest of all people is the one who devotes his life to Allah, Exalted is He, seeking His pleasure, and aspiring only to His reward, designated for His righteous servants.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ warned all the believers against becoming enslaved to their own urges and desires, and urged them to devote their lives to Allah, Exalted is He, and strive in His cause. He ﷺ said, "Let the slave of Dinar and Dirham, and the slave of Khameesah (i.e., wealth and luxurious clothes) perish.” The Khameesah is a kind of fine garment or black rectangle striped sheet. The reason for such a supplication against this person is explained in the following statement: he ﷺ said: ‘as he is pleased if these (worldly) things are given to him, and if not, he is displeased.” Such a person is wretched because whenever he is given worldly gains, wealth, and the gratification of his desires, he feels satisfied and pleased with Allah, Exalted is He, and whenever he is deprived of any of them, he becomes dissatisfied and displeased with Him! The Prophet ﷺ repeated his supplication against such a person to be wretched in order todiscourageMuslims from such an unbecoming quality. He ﷺ added: “Let such a person perish and relapse,” meaning to incur loss and ruin on himself, “and if he is pierced with a thorn, let him not find anyone to take it out for him,” meaning to try removing it by means of tweezers or the like, and it would not come out on its own as well. This means that whenever the least amount of harm should befall him, he would not find any help or relief.
Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ praised the inconspicuous devout servant of Allah, Exalted is He, (i.e., who may seem insignificant and inferior in the eyes of people) who partakes in Jihaad, caring less about (chasing after) worldly gains and luxuries or seeking them. He ﷺ said: “Paradise is for him,” the Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Toobaa, a name that refers to a tree in Paradise. He ﷺ is supplicating that such a person should be admitted to Paradise, because Toobaa is the most famous and best tree therein, “who holds the reins of his horse to strive in Allah's Cause (i.e., partake in Jihaad), with his hair unkempt and feet covered with dust: if he is appointed in the vanguard, he is perfectly satisfied with his post of guarding,” at the front, “and if he is appointed in the rearward, he accepts his post with satisfaction;’ aspiring to the reward of Allah, Exalted is He. Such person may be unnoticed by people; they do not hold him in such high regard, nor does he seek to win their praise and admiration; “(he is so simple and unambiguous that) if he asks for permission he is not permitted, and if he intercedes, his intercession is not accepted,” because he seems insignificant and inferior in people’s eyes. However, he is held in high regard by Allah, Exalted is He, and his rewards are preserved for him (in the Hereafter).
The hadeeth warns against greed for worldly pleasures and following one’s (sinful) urges and desires.
It also discourages Muslims from seeking after positions of authority (prominence), and fame, and highlights the virtues of being modestly inconspicuous and humble in people’s eyes..

2888
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
I was in the company of Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah(may Allah be pleased with him) on a journey and he used to serve me though he was older than I. Jareer said, "I saw the Ansaar doing a thing(i.e., showing great reverence to the Prophetﷺ)for which I have vowed that whenever I meet any of them, I will serve him."
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Commentary :
The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) dearly loved the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and they also loved whoever loved him ﷺ, eagerly served him and fulfilled his needs, and gave us the greatest examples in this regard.
In this report, Jareer ibn ‘Abdullaah(may Allah be pleased with him) underlined his deep love for the Prophet ﷺ, and of the Ansaar for their service of him. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that he once accompanied Jareer ibn ‘Abdullaah Al-Bajalee(may Allah be pleased with him) on a journey and he hastened to serve him, though he was older than Anas (may Allah be pleased with them). Jareer(may Allah be pleased with him) explained that he did so as an expression of gratitude and appreciation for what the Ansaar did, and their laudable service of the Prophet ﷺ, and out of great reverence to them. Therefore, he (may Allah be pleased with him) vowed that whenever he should meet any of the Ansaar, he would devotedly serve him, as a reward for their devotion in serving the Prophet ﷺ.
The hadeeth underlines the virtues of the Ansaar, the merits of Jareer(may Allah be pleased with him), and his humbleness towards and deep love for the Prophet ﷺ..

2890
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
We were with the Prophet ﷺ (on a journey) and the only shade one could have, was the shade made by one's own garment. Those who fasted did not do any work and those who did not fast served the camels, brought water on them, and treated the sick (and wounded). So, the Prophet ﷺ said, "Today, those who were not fasting took (all) the reward.".

Commentary :
Helping and serving the weak and needy are among the best and most rewarding acts of righteousness.
In this hadeeth, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that they were once with the Prophet ﷺ (on a journey in one of the battles) and it was an extremely sweltering day; the only shade one could have been the shade made by one's own garment. Some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were fasting on that day. Those who fasted did not do any work or acts of service, because of fasting, enduring the nuisance of travel, and preparing for Jihaad, and those who did not fast served the camels, brought water to them, served (the fasting ones), and treated the sick (and wounded). They carried out all the exhausting tasks of bringing water, preparing food, and fetching fodder. So, the Prophet ﷺ said, "Today, those who were not fasting took (all) the reward,” meaning that they earned the most perfect and greatest share of reward because the benefit of fasting is limited to the fasting person only, while the benefit of those who did not fast extended to others as well. However, this does not suggest that their rewards were diminished in the slightest, but rather means that those who did not fast earned greater rewards for performing services for others, as well as their own personal responsibilities.
The hadeeth highlights the austere living conditions and (financial) hardship endured by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)..

2892
Sahl ibn Sa‘d Al-Saa‘dee(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "To observe Ribaat (i.e., guarding at frontier outposts in support of Allah's Cause), guarding Muslims from the disbelievers in Allah's Cause, for one day is better than the worldly life and everything therein, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the worldly life and everything therein; and a morning's or an evening's journey which a person travels in Allah's Cause is better than the worldly life and everything therein."
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Commentary :
Jihaad in Allah’s Cause is the pinnacle of Islam and a source of glory for all Muslims. It is a great means to enter Paradise, and manytextual evidence encourage and urge Muslims to partake in Jihaad, and underline the great reward designated for this worshipful act.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ highlighted that observing Ribaat (i.e., guarding at frontier outposts in support of Allah's Cause), and guarding Muslims against the disbelievers’ potential assaults for one day, is better than the worldly life and everything therein, and this reward is earned because Ribaat involves putting one’s life on the line to defend Islam and protect Muslims.
He ﷺ also underlined that a small place in Paradise, being the (eternal) bliss earned by observing Ribaat, that is as small as a place occupied by the whip of a Mujaahid (i.e., Muslim fighter partaking in Jihaad) is better than the whole worldly life and everything therein, because the worldly life is fleeting and Paradise and the bliss therein, no matter how insignificant it may seem in that simile, are lasting and enduring. Verily, what is lasting is better than what is fleeting, in all respects.
The Prophet ﷺ also said that a morning's or an evening's journey which a person travels once in Allah's Cause is better than the worldly life and everything therein.
The hadeeth highlights the great virtues of Ribaat in Allah’s Cause.
It underlines the insignificance of the (short-lived) worldly life compared to the (everlasting) Hereafter..

2893
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophetﷺ said to AbooTalhah(may Allah be pleased with him), "Choose one of your boy servants to serve me in my expedition to Khaybar." So, AbooTalhah(may Allah be pleased with him) took me letting me ride behind him while I was a boy nearing the age of puberty. I used to serve Allah's Messenger ﷺwhen he stopped to rest. I heard him saying repeatedly, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from distress and sorrow, from helplessness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from being heavily in debt and from being overcome by men." Then we reached Khaybar; and when Allah enabled him to conquer the Fort (of Khaybar), the beauty of SafiyyahbintHuyayy ibn Akhtab(may Allah be pleased with her)was described to him. Her husband had been killed while she was a bride. So, Allah's Messenger ﷺ chose her for himself (i.e., to be his wife) and took her along with him till we reached a place called Sadd Al-Sahbaa’ where her menses were over and he took her for his wife. Hays (i.e., a kind of desert;stoneless dates that are mixed with dried yoghurt or flour or butter) was served on a small leather sheet. Then Allah's Messenger ﷺ told me to call those who were around me. So, that was the marriage banquet of Allah's Messenger ﷺ and Safiyyah. We left for Al-Madeenah afterward. I saw Allah's Messenger ﷺ folding a cloak round the hump of the camel so as to make a wide space for Safiyyah(may Allah be pleased with her) (to sit on behind him) He ﷺ sat beside his camel letting his knees for Safiyyah(may Allah be pleased with her) to put her feet on so as to mount the camel. Then, we proceeded till we approached Al-Madeenah; he ﷺ looked at Uhud (mountain) and said, "This is a mountain which loves us and is loved by us." Then, he ﷺ looked at Al-Madeenah and said, "O Allah! I declare the area between its (i.e., Al-Madeenah's) two mountains a sanctuary as Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham) declared Makkah to be a sanctuary. O Allah! Bless them (i.e., the people of Al-Madeenah) in their Mudd and Saa‘ (i.e., dry measures used for agricultural produce by the Arabs in the Prophet's lifetime).”
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Commentary :
The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) enjoyed the company of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in residence and travel and were his best helpers. They strove to fulfill his needs and carry out his commands and were also the best conveyers of his Sunnah and guidance to the following Muslim generations.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophetﷺ asked AbooTalhah, the stepfather of Anas (may Allah be pleased with them) to choose one of his servants to serve him in his expedition to Khaybar in 7 A.H. Khaybar was a village inhabited by Jews, about 153 km away from Al-Madeenah on the way to Shaam.
Therefore, AbooTalhah took Anas (may Allah be pleased with them), letting him ride behind him. Anas (may Allah be pleased with them) was then a young boy near the age of puberty. It is known that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) served the Prophet ﷺ for years before Khaybar. This statement may be interpreted as to mean seeking AbooTalhah’s permission to take Anas on that journey, not to serve the Prophet ﷺ in general. During that journey, he (may Allah be pleased with him) used to serve the Prophet ﷺ whenever he stopped to rest in any place and at any time, and would hear him saying repeatedly, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from distress and sorrow, from helplessness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from being heavily in debt and from being overcome by men." In this supplication, the Prophet ﷺ combined all the main evil qualities that hinder good-doing. He ﷺ sought refuge with Allah, Exalted is He, from distress and sorrow; the first denotes anxiety about potential harm, whereas the second meansdeep distress regarding an unpleasant event that had happened. It was also said that the Arabic words used in the hadeeth (Hamm and Hazan) denote the same meaning. Moreover, he ﷺ sought refuge from helplessness and laziness; the first implies inability, while the second means neglecting a duty that one was able to do. He ﷺ also sought refuge frommiserliness and cowardice, because these two bad qualities involve falling short in carrying out one’s duties and obligations, honoring the rights of Allah, Exalted is He, and eliminating evils (as enjoined), and also because the moderate courage and inner strength empowers a person to perfect his worshipful acts and support the wronged and oppressed, and avoiding miserliness enables him to fulfill the due financial rights, generously spend in charity, embody refined morals, and refrain from coveting what he does not have. Afterward, he ﷺ sought refuge frombeing heavily in debt, and inability to repay it, especially when the creditors claim it, and from being overcome by men, meaning the oppression or dominion of unjust men or creditors over him.
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) related that when they reached Khaybar; and when Allah, Exalted is He, enabled the Prophet ﷺ to conquer the Fort (of Khaybar), the beauty of SafiyyahbintHuyayy ibn Akhtab(may Allah be pleased with her)was described to him. Her husband, Kinaanah ibn Al-Rabee‘ ibn Abee Al-Huqayq, had been killed while she was still a bride. So, Allah's Messenger ﷺ chose her for himself (i.e., to be his wife), because she was their king’s daughter. He ﷺ took her along with him till they reached a place called Sadd Al-Sahbaa,’ a place at the lower part of Khaybar, southeast of Thamad, which is a village near Khaybar to the north. Safiyyah(may Allah be pleased with her) attained ritual purity after her menses ended and the Prophet ﷺ consummated his marriage to her. Hays (i.e., a kind of dessert;stoneless dates that are mixed with dried yoghurt or flour or butter) was served on a small leather sheet. Allah's Messenger ﷺ told Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) to inform the Muslims of the marriage banquet thrown by Allah's Messenger ﷺ when he married Safiyyah(may Allah be pleased with her), and this banquet did not include bread nor meat.
Afterward, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) related that they left for Al-Madeenah, and he saw Allah's Messenger ﷺ folding a cloak round the hump of the camel so as to make a wide space for Safiyyah(may Allah be pleased with her) (to sit on it behind him). He ﷺ sat beside his camel placing his knees for Safiyyah(may Allah be pleased with her) to put her feet on so as to mount the camel easily. Then, they proceeded till they approached Al-Madeenah; the Prophet ﷺ looked at Uhud (mountain), which is located in the north-west of Al-Madeenah, 4 km from the Prophet’s Mosque. The famous Battle of Uhud took place in 3 A.H. near it. The Prophet ﷺ said, "This is a mountain which loves us and is loved by us." This means that he ﷺ loved those residing near and around it. The Prophet’s love for the mountain entails it being blessed and encourages Muslims to seek residence near it.
The Prophet ﷺ looked at Al-Madeenah and said, "O Allah! I declare the area between its (i.e., Al-Madeenah's) two mountains a sanctuary as Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham) declared Makkah to be a sanctuary. O Allah! Bless them (i.e., the people of Al-Madeenah) in their Mudd and Saa‘ (i.e., dry measures used for agricultural produce by the Arabs in the Prophet's lifetime).”
The Arabic word Laabah means Harrah, which is a stony tract or lava field, whose stones are black, as if they were burned with fire. Al-Madeenah is located between two Harrahs; the Harrah of Waaqim to the east, where the Mosque of Qubaa’ and Waaqim fortress are situated, and the Harrah of Wabarah to the west, where Masjid Al-Qiblatayn is located. A Saudi official committee has defined the limits of Al-Madeenah sanctuary, and the Madeenah Municipality has installed architectural signs in the shape of the arcs of the Prophet's Mosque to mark the limits of the sanctuary.
The sacredness of Al-Madeenahis manifested in the fact that whatever lies within its boundaries is declared inviolable; no animal may be hunted, and no tree therein may be cut down. As for trees and plants that people grow and plant, it is permissible for people to cut down and eat from them. No religious innovation may be introduced therein, and none may do what contravenes the religion of Allah or commit an act of injustice or a crime warranting the implementation of the Hudood (i.e., the plural of Hadd, the corporal punishment determined by the Islamic law). This meaning is further explained by another version of the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim reading, “Al-Madeenah is a sanctuary from such-and-such place to such-and-such place. Its trees may not be cut, and no innovation may be introduced therein, and whoever introduces an innovation (in religion) therein, will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all people.”
The Prophet ﷺ further added: “O Allah! I declare the area between its (i.e., Al-Madeenah's) two mountains a sanctuary as Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham) declared Makkah to be a sanctuary.” Prophet Ibraaheem declared Makkah a sanctuary, meaning inviolable, by the permission of Allah, Exalted is He, and similarly Al-Madeenah was declared an inviolable sanctuary, except with regard to the prescribed punishment for hunting in Makkah.
Lastly, the Prophet ﷺ supplicated Allah, Exalted is He, to bless the food measured by the Mudd and Saa‘ (i.e., dry measures used for agricultural produce by the Arabs in the Prophet's lifetime). The Saa‘ equaled four Mudds, and the Mudd equaled two handfuls scooped up by someone with hands of average size. On account ofthis supplication, Allah, Exalted is He, blessed the Saa‘ of Al-Madeenah so much that it would be sufficient for a greater number of people than what it would normally suffice elsewhere, and this was tangible and noticeable to the people of Al-Madeenah.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable to hire an orphan to perform certain tasks.
It is also inferred that it is permissible to bring young boys on military expeditions.
It is also deduced that a Muslim may throw a wedding banquet, and it may include food other than bread and meat.
The hadeeth highlights the virtues of Uhud mountain.
It also underlines the virtues of Al-Madeenah and the Prophet’s ﷺsupplications for it.
It is inferred therefrom that a younger person may serve an elder one because of his refined status, being held in high esteem by his people, his knowledge, righteousness, and the like.
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2896
Mus‘ab ibn Sa‘d(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
Once Sa‘d (ibn AbeeWaqqaas)(may Allah be pleased with him) thought that he was superior to those who were below him in rank. On that the Prophetﷺsaid, "You gain no victory or livelihood except through (the blessings and invocations of) the poor amongst you."
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Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ was a merciful teacher, a kind educator and giver of discipline, and a forbearing mentor. Whenever he ﷺ saw one of his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)making a mistake, he ﷺ would kindly correct him and guide him to what is good and right.
In this hadeeth, Mus‘ab ibn Sa‘d(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Sa‘d ibn AbeeWaqqaas(may Allah be pleased with them) thought that he was superior to those who were below him in rank, thanks to his physical strength and courage on the battlefield. On that, the Prophetﷺ reminded him of the virtues of those who were below him in rank, andthat Allah, Exalted is He, grants Muslims victory and livelihood because of the blessings and invocations of the poor amongst them. Allah, Exalted is He, bestows upon Muslims triumph over their enemies by means of the strength and courage of the strong Muslim fighters, and He also confers upon him victory because of the supplication of the weak Muslims and their submission to Him. This is because their worship and invocationsare characterized by sincerity and devotion, for their hearts are not attached to any of the (alluring) worldly pleasures and luxuries, and their consciences are clear. Such people seek after realizing one main purpose; the Hereafter (and they are not caught up in the worldly life). The Prophet ﷺ wanted to urge Sa‘d(may Allah be pleased with him) to embody humbleness and warn the believers against arrogance and conceit, lest these things should find their way to their hearts, driving them to look down on any of their fellow Muslims (who may be lower than them in rank).
It is deduced from the hadeeth that Muslims should value the supplication of their weak fellow Muslims to be blessed with victory over their enemies, because victory is a blessing conferred by Allah, Exalted is He, upon Muslims. They must not rely merely on their military strength, heroism, and courage. Rather, they should duly rely on Allah, Exalted is He, and invoke and implore Him abundantly..

2897
AbooSa‘Eid Al-Khudree(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophetﷺsaid, "A time will come when groups of people will go for Jihaad and it will be asked, 'Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the Prophet ﷺ?' The answer will be, 'Yes.' Then they will be given victory (by Allah) (because of him). Then a time will come when it will be asked. 'Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ?' It will be said, 'Yes,' and they will be given victory (by Allah). Then a time will come when it will be said, 'Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the companions of the Prophet’s Companions ﷺ?' It will be said, 'Yes,' and they will be given victory (by Allah).”
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Commentary :
The best people, next to the Prophets of Allah, were the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), then those who followed them, and those who followed them, and so on, as stated by the Prophet ﷺ.
This hadeeth highlights the virtues of the first three Muslim generations and that the victory of Islam was bestowed by Allah, Exalted is He, upon Muslims at their hands. In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ stated that a time shall come when groups of people will partake in Jihaad in Allah’s Cause and it will be asked, 'Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the Prophet ﷺ?' The answer will be, 'Yes.' Then they will be blessed with victory by Allah, Exalted is He, because of them, given the merits and refined status of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). He ﷺ added, “Then a time will come when it will be asked. 'Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ?' It will be said, 'Yes,' and they will be given victory (by Allah).” They will also be blessed with victory at their hands because of their merits and refined status, being the companions of the Prophet’s Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), who embodied their morals and followed their example. Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ added: “Then a time will come when it will be said, 'Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the companions of the Prophet’s Companions?' It will be said, 'Yes,' and they will be given victory (by Allah).” They will also be blessed with victory at their hands because of their merits and refined status, being the students of the companions of the Prophet’s Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) who embodied their morals and followed their example and learned the knowledge they conveyed to them.
The hadeeth highlights the signs of prophethood.
It underlines the virtues of the first three Muslim generations..

2898
Sahl ibn Sa‘d Al-Saa‘idee(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
Allah's Messenger ﷺand the pagans faced each other and started fighting. When Allah's Messenger ﷺ returned to his camp and the pagans returned to theirs, somebody talked about a man amongst the Companions of Allah's Messenger ﷺwho would chase and kill with his sword any pagan going alone. He said, "Nobody did his job (i.e., fighting) so properly today as that man." Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "Indeed, he is amongst the people of Hellfire." A man said, "I shall accompany him (to watch what he does warranting it)." Thus, he accompanied him, and wherever he stood, he would stand with him, and wherever he ran, he would run with him (i.e., he did not let him leave his sight). Afterward, the (brave) man got wounded seriously and he decided to bring about his death quickly. He planted the blade of the sword in the ground directing its sharp end towards his chest between his two breasts. Then he leaned on the sword and killed himself! The other man came to Allah's Messenger ﷺand said, "I testify that you are truly Allah's Messenger ﷺ!” The Prophetﷺasked, "What has happened?" He replied, "(It is about) the man whom you had described as one of the people of the Hellfire. People were greatly surprised at what you said, and I said to myself, 'I will find out his reality for you.' So, I came out seeking him. He got severely wounded and hastened to die by slanting the blade of his sword in the ground directing its sharp end towards his chest between his two breasts. Then he eased on his sword and killed himself!” When Allah's Messenger ﷺsaid, "A man may seem to people as if he were practicing the deeds of the people of Paradise while in fact he is from the people of the Hellfire, another may seem to people as if he were practicing the deeds of the people of Hellfire, while in fact he is from the people of Paradise."
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Commentary :
Having a good final stage of life is a blessing bestowed by Allah, Exalted is He, upon His servant, and it is afruit of the inward Jihaad (i.e., striving against one’s own ‘self’) and the outwardone (i.e., striving against the enemies of Islam and Muslims), in obedience to Allah, Exalted is He. On the other hand, having a foul final stage of life is indicative of loss and ruin (in the Hereafter), and it is the result of one’s negligence in obeying Allah, Exalted is He, and submissively devoting the heart and body parts to Him.
In this hadeeth, Sahl ibn Sa‘d Al-Saa‘idee(may Allah be pleased with him)narrated that Allah's Messenger ﷺand the pagans faced each other and started fighting. When Allah's Messenger ﷺ returned to his camp and when the pagans returned to theirs after the first day of fighting, somebody talked about a man amongst the Companions of Allah's Messenger ﷺ, named Quzmaan,who was brave on the battlefield, and would chase and kill with his sword any pagan going alone, thanks to his (notable) physical strength and courage. People talked about the exceptional bravery of such a strong warrior, and said, "Nobody did his job (i.e., fighting) so properly today as that man." Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ informed them, based on the divine revelation, that he belonged to the People of Hellfire!
A man (astonishedly) said (to himself), "I shall accompany him (to watch what he does)," to find out the reason that warranted labelling him as one of the People of Hellfire, since his outward deeds seemed to be good, indicating his righteousness, yet the Prophet ﷺ (decisively) stated that he would be thrown into Hellfire!
The man related that he accompanied the man in question and did not let him leave his sight; wherever he stood, his companion would stand with him, and wherever he ran, his companion would run with him, to monitor all his acts closely. He said: “Then the (brave) man got wounded seriously and he decided to bring about his death quickly. He planted the sword in the ground, directing its sharp end towards his chest between his two breasts. Then he leaned on the sword and killed himself!” The Companion who had accompanied the man in question, went to Allah's Messenger ﷺand said, "I testify that you are truly Allah's Messenger ﷺ!” The Prophetﷺasked, "What has happened?" He replied, "(It is about) the man whom you had described as one of the people of Hellfire. People were greatly surprised at what you said, and I said to myself, 'I will find out his reality for you.' So, I went out seeking him.” He (may Allah be pleased with him) related to them what had happened.
Some objections were made regarding the fact that this man was decisively declared as one of the people of Hellfire only because he disobediently killed himself, yet a believer is not declared as a disbeliever on account of a sin as per the . In response, it was said that the Prophet ﷺ knew, through the divine revelation, that this man was not a true believer, and was rather a hypocrite, or that he would apostatize and declare lawful killing himself.
Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ remarked, "A man may seem to people as if he were practicing the deeds of the people of Paradise while in fact he is from the people of Hellfire;” he may perform worshipful acts and righteous deeds, and people would assume that he would (certainly) enter Paradise, yet his inner character is contrary to what he is displaying to people, and he would be committing Riyaa’ (i.e., showing off and seeking to impress others to win their praise) or the like. Similarly, “… another may seem to people as if he were practicing the deeds of the people of Hellfire, while in fact he is from the people of Paradise;” one may commit sins and fall short in performing worshipful acts and the like, and people may assume that he would most likely be thrown into Hellfire, whereas he would (have a good inward character qualifying him to) be from the people of Paradise in the sight of Allah, Exalted is He. Therefore, He may guide him to perform virtuous deeds and acts of obedience, repent, and have a good final stage of life (to earn Paradise).
The hadeeth warns against being deceived by one’s (outward appearance and) good deeds, or relying merely on his good deeds, since his situation may change in a blink of an eye.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that Allah, Exalted is He, examines people’s hearts and their inward characters, and holds them accountable for them accordingly..

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..