Narrated al-Saa'ib ibn Yazeed:I was in the company of Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydullah, Sa`d, Al-Miqdaad ibn Al-Aswad and `Abd al-Rahmaan ibn `Awf (may Allah be pleased with them)and I heard none of them narrating anything from Allah's Messengerﷺ,but Talhah was talking about the day (of the battle) of Uhud.
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Commentary : Transmitting the narrations of the Prophet ﷺ is a matter of extreme seriousness that made the Companions deal with it carefully. Some of them would avoid narrating hadeeths as much as possible, out of their fear that they may unintentionally omit or add a word to the hadeeth. Others, who trusted their memory and ability to transmit that which he had observed or heard, would narrate all that they knew, because they feared that not doing so may make them fall into the sin of keeping knowledge away from people.

In this hadeeth, al-Saa’ib ibn Yazeed ibn Sa’eed (may Allah be pleased with him) – who was one of the young Companions – reports that he was in the company of Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydullah, Sa’d ibn Abee Waqqaas, al-Miqdaad ibn al-Aswad, and ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf (may Allah be pleased with them), and that he heard none of them narrating any hadeeths from the Prophet ﷺ. This is because they feared that they may miss a word that he ﷺ said or add a word that he ﷺ did not say, which would make them fall into the sin of lying against the Prophet ﷺ. It is reported in anauthentic hadeeth that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the Hell Fire.” However, he remarked that he heard Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydiulah talking about his experience in the battle of Uhud and how he remained firm and fought bravely and so on. He only disclosed such information with the intention of encouraging others to follow his lead.

The battle of Uhud took place in the month of Shawwaal in the 3rd year of Hijrah, and it was a battle between the Muslims andQuraysh. The mountain of Uhud is one of the mountains of al-Madeenah that is located in the north of the city.

From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning that it is permissible for one to talk about his efforts in serving the religion to raise the word of Allah, and the good deeds he did so others can follow his example..

2826

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messengerﷺsaid, "Allah laughs because oftwo men; one of whom kills the other and both of them enter Paradise. One fights in Allah's Cause and gets killed. Afterwards, Allah forgives the 'killer who also get martyred (In Allah's Cause)."
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2827

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him): I went to Allah's Messengerﷺwhile he was at Khaybar after it had fallen in the Muslims' hands. I said, "O Allah's Messengerﷺ! Give me a share (from the land of Khaybar)."
One of the sons of Sa'eed ibn Al-'Aas said, "O Allah's Messengerﷺ! Do not give him a share." I said, "This is the murderer of Ibn Qawqal." The son of Sa’eed ibn Al-‘Aas said, "I wonder at a Wabr!He has come down to us from the grazing place of sheep blames me for killing a Muslim man whom Allah has given honour through me, and Allah did not disgrace me at his hands." (The sub-narrator said "I do not know whether the Prophetﷺgave him a share or not.”
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Commentary : The mercy of Allah, Exalted is He, is infinite, He accepts the repentance of people regardless of their sins, forgives those who disobeyed Him regardless of their disobedience, and rewards those who believe in Him and do good abundantly.

In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that he emigrated from Yemen to the Prophet ﷺ after he conquered Khaybar, a town which waspopulated by Jews and located about 135 km from al-Madeenah on the route to the Levant. The conquest of Khaybar happened in the 7th year of Hijrah. Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) met the Prophet ﷺ before his return to al-Madeenah and he asked him for a share from the spoils the Muslims had seized from Khaybar. However, one of the sons of Sa’eed ibn al-‘Aas – Abaan ibn Sa’eed (may Allah be pleased with him) – asked the Prophet ﷺ not to give him a share. In response, Aboo Hurayrah said that Abaan was the killer of Ibn Qawqal. He was referring to the incident that happened before Abaan embraced Islam,whenhe killed a Muslim man by the name of al-Nu’maan ibn Tha’labah, a.k.a. Ibn Qawqal (may Allah be pleased with him). Upon hearing this, Abaan insulted Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with them) and said: “I wonder at a Wabr,” i.e., he likened Aboo Hurayrah to a small animal that looks like a cat. It is said that it is a word used to describe a person of no significance,since Aboo Hurayrah had no tribe to defend him. He further added that Aboo Hurayrahwas just a man who came to al-Madeenahalong with those who came from the land of Daws, which is the homeland of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him). Lastly, he said: “He blames me for killing a Muslim man whomAllah has given honourthrough me, and Allah did not disgrace me at his hands,” i.e., he blames for killing a Muslim man that Allah, Exalted is He, has blessed with martyrdom at my hand, while Allah did not disgrace me (as I wasn’t killed) at his hand at that time when I was a disbeliever, so I did not enter Hellfire. Abaan embraced Islam before Khaybar and after Hudaybiyyah. One of the sub-narrators of the hadeeth remarked that he did not know if the Prophet ﷺ gave Aboo Hurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him) a share or not.

This hadeeth shows that Islam wipes out all the sins one committed before Islam..

2828

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him):Aboo Talhah(may Allah be pleased with him)used not to fast because of Jihad in the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. However, after the passing of the Prophetﷺ, I never saw him without fasting except on ‘Eid al-Fit and ‘Eid al-Adha.”
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Commentary : Fighting in the way of Allah is the greatest of all deeds and the best good deed to draw close to Allah, Exalted is He. Allah has ordered us to prepare for it, which includes disciplining the self, preserving its strength, and accustoming it to endure hardships and difficulties.

In this hadeeh, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that Aboo Talhah, Zayd ibn Sahl al-Ansaaree (may Allah be pleased with him) would not fast any voluntary fasting in the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ, so as to preserve his strength whenever fighting in the way of Allah was required. However, after the passing of the Prophet ﷺ, and when Islam had prevailed and Muslims had overpowered their enemies, he started to offer voluntary fasting to attain the reward of two acts of worship.He (may Allah be pleased with him) was so keen on offering voluntary fasting so much that he would only break his fast on the first day of the two ‘Eids, because it is forbidden to fast on these days. The day of ‘Eid al-Fitr is the first day of the month of Shawwaal, and the first day of ‘Eid al-Adha is the 10th of the month of Thoo al-Hijjah.

As for the hadeeths wherein the Prophet ﷺ forbids perpetual fast, as recorded in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, it is said that the reason it is prohibited is because fasting the whole year causes fatigue and makes the person so weak that he would not be able to partake in fighting in the way of Allah or fulfil due rights. It is further said that if a person does not become weak or fatigued because of fasting the whole year, then he is permitted to do it.

From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning about the virtue of Aboo Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him), and his great understanding of religion and awareness of the different ranks of good deeds..

2830

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Plague is the cause of martyrdom of every Muslim (who dies because of it).
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Commentary : The mercy and favours of Allah are manifestupon Muslims in many ways. Of these, He has made martyrdom of different kinds and did not limit it to dying in His way on the battlefield.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ informs us about one kind of martyr,i.e., one who dies because of plague, which is wounds that appear in different parts of the body, like armpits, elbows, hands and so on, andit comes with swelling and severe pain. It is said that plague is a term used to describe any type of epidemic. This kind of disease is called in Arabic Ta’oon (plague) because of its quick fatal impact. With that said, whoever dies because of plague is considered a martyr in the sense that he receives the reward of martyrdom in the Hereafter, but he is not treated as such in this life i.e., the rulings pertaining to martyrs who die on the battlefield are inapplicable to them, likethe rulings that martyrs should not be washed or shrouded, and that they should be buriedin the same clothes in which they were killed.

It is saidthat the reason dying because of plague, drowning, stomach disease, falling masonry, and that which has been mentioned in hadeeths, is considered martyrdom is due to the severity of pain resulting from them, which leads to a terrible death. For this reason, Allah rewards them, out of His mercy and generosity, by giving them the reward of martyrs. .

2834

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messengerﷺwent towards the Trench and saw the Emigrants and the Ansaar digging in a very cold morning as they did not have slaves to do that for them. When he noticed their fatigue and hunger he said, "O Allah! The real life is that of the Hereafter, so forgive the Ansaar and the Emigrants." In its reply, the Emigrants and the Ansaar said, "We are those who have given a pledge of allegiance to Muhammad that we will carry on Jihaad as long as we live."
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Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) spared no effort or pain in serving the religion to raise the word of Allah and spread His religion, and they set the best example of sacrifice and sincerity.

In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports some of the sacrifices that occurred during the battle of the trench, which happened in the 5th year of Hijrah. The reason it was called the battle of the trench was because the Prophet ﷺ ordered the Muslims to dig a trench around al-Madeenah to protect it from the attacks of the disbelieving confederateswho rallied to attack the Muslims.The trench was a long, steep-sided ditch dug as a fortification, having a parapet of the excavated earth, and the Prophet ﷺ joined the Muslims from the Emigrants and Ansaar, in digging the trench on the northern side of al-Madeenah.

Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) mentions that the Prophet ﷺ went out one cold morning to check on the Emigrants and Ansaar who were helping in digging the trench. He ﷺ noticed that they were exhausted because they had to dig and lift the rocks by themselves,because they had no slaves or servants to take care of the work. The Prophet ﷺ wished to lift their spirits and support them emotionally to keep them motivated andencouraged them by reminding them of the immense reward made for them in the Hereafter for their hard work. He ﷺ said: “The real life is that of the Hereafter, so forgive the Ansaar and the Emigrants,” i.e., the true life that one will live is in the Hereafter where one basks in Allah’s mercy and pleasures; and then he ﷺ asked Allah to forgive the Emigrants who left their homeland and property only for the sake of Allah and His pleasure, and to forgive the Ansaar who hosted and supported the Prophet ﷺ and the Emigrants, and shared with them their property and houses. In reply to his words, they all said: “We are those who have given a pledge of allegiance to Muhammad that we will carry on Jihaad as long as we live,” i.e., the literal meaning of the word ‘pledge’ entails compensation and exchange of property, and it is thus used in this context to indicate that it was a kind of a transaction where the Prophet ﷺ promised them reward in exchange for their endeavours and fighting in the way of Allah. They pledged to fight in the way of Allah so long there was a breath left in their bodies; and they indeed honored their pledge of allegiance. We ask Allah to forgive the Emigrants and Ansaar and to write us among their group with the Prophet ﷺ.

From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning about the extreme state of fear and hardship that the Muslims experienced while digging the trench.

The hadeeth highlights the compassion of the Prophet ﷺ, and his endeavours to lift the spirits of people in dark moments and hardships. This is the trait of one who calls people to the good and does not turn them away.

The supplication of the Prophet ﷺ forthe Emigrants and Ansaar highlights their virtue and status.

Another benefit is learning that it is permissible to recite poetry while working and fighting and use it to keep spirits high.
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2840

Narrated Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Prophetﷺsaying, "Anyone who fasts for one day in the way of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from the Hell fire for seventy autumns.
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Commentary : Allah, Exalted is He, orders us to fast, and He made immense reward for whoever fasts, whether it is obligatory or voluntary fasting.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ highlights the abundant reward of voluntary fasting. In Islam, fasting means to abstain from food, drinks, intercourse, and all that which breaks the fast, from the beginning of Fajr to sunset, while intending it for the sake of Allah. It is said that his statement “in the way of Allah” means fasting while fighting in the way of Allah. This is recommended unless he fears fasting will weaken him when encountering the enemy; hence, breaking the fast is more recommended so he can preserve and save his strength. It is also said that it means to fast sincerely for the pleasure of Allah even if it is not during fighting in the way of Allah. The Prophet ﷺfurther explainsthat the rewardof this will be keeping his face away from the Hell fire for a distance covered by a journey of seventy autumns, i.e., seventy years, to show that the one fighting in the way of Allah while fasting, or the one who fasts only for the pleasure of Allah will be so far away from Hellfire.

This hadeeth encourages us to offer voluntary fasting. .

2842

Narrated Aboo Sa’eed Al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messengerﷺascended the pulpit and said, "Nothing worries me as to what will happen to you after me, except the temptation of worldly blessings which will be conferred on you." Then he mentioned the flowers of this worldly life(i.e., pleasures). He started with the one and took up the other (i.e., the pleasures). A man got up saying, "O Allah's Messengerﷺ! Can the good bring about evil?" The Prophetﷺremained silent, and we thought that he was receiving revelation, so all the people kept silent with awe. Then the Prophetﷺwiped the sweat off his face and asked, "Where is the present questioner?" "Do you think wealth is good?" he repeated thrice, adding, "No doubt, good produces nothing but good. Indeed, it is like what grows in spring which either kills or nearly kills the grazing animals because of gluttony except the vegetation-eating animal which eats till both its flanks are full (i.e., till it gets satisfied) and then stands in the sun and defecates and urinates and again starts grazing. This worldly property is sweet vegetation. How excellent the wealth of the Muslim is, if it is collected through legal means and is spent in Allah's Cause and on orphans, poor people and travelers. But he who does not take it legally is like an eater who is never satisfied, and his wealth will be a witness against him on the Day of Resurrection."
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Commentary : Allah has predestined with His infinite wisdom this worldly life to be a place of tests and trials. On one hand, there are those who fall prey to its adornment and compete in acquiring its pleasures, while on the other thereareothers who are aware of its true colours. The latter thus detach themselves from its mortal pleasures and offerings,keeping their focus on the Hereafter, hoping for that which Allah has prepared for His believing servants. They utilise this worldly life and all its pleasures tohelp them attain the eternal pleasures of the Hereafter.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ warns his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) of the temptations and desires of this worldly life. In this regard, Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺascended the pulpit and addressed his Companions by saying: "Nothing worries me as to what will happen to you after me, except the temptation of worldly blessings which will be conferred on you,” i.e., he ﷺ feared that when they had access to the pleasures of this worldly life, they may distract them from Allah and take them away from His path. Then, he ﷺ mentioned a number of the pleasures and blessings of the earth like money, property, and so on. The Prophet ﷺ likened the worldly pleasures to a flower to indicate that as the flower has a short lifespan and changes from one condition to another quickly, such is this worldly life. Then, one man got up and asked the Prophet ﷺ whether the good can bring about evil as he could not understand how the blessings and pleasures of this life could turn into a curse and evil that leads to Allah’s punishment. The Prophet ﷺremained silent, and the people understood that he was receiving revelation, thus, all of them kept silent with awe. After the revelation ended, the Prophetﷺwiped the sweat off his face, because every time he received revelation, he would sweat a lot, even if it was a very cold day. The Prophet looked for the man who had posed the question, which indicates that he approved his question and found it a good question. He ﷺ then asked him "Do you think wealth is good?" He repeated the question three times. The purpose of the question,however, was only to indirectly object to the presumption that wealth per se is good. Then, he ﷺ added: "No doubt, good produces nothing but good,” i.e., that which is truly good in itself, like Islam, can only produce good, but there are other types of good that may lead to evil, like wealth. It is true that wealth is good, but it may bring forth evil to its owner if it is earned unlawfully or spent wrongly. The statement of the Prophet ﷺexplains to us that the pleasures of this life and the treasures of this earth are not truly good in the ultimate sense because, oftentimes, they are a cause of temptation, and distract people from completely focusing on attaining Allah’s reward and pleasure. After, the Prophet ﷺ gave a parable to illustrate how the blessings and pleasures of this life can be harmful. He likened them to an animaleating what grows in spring – and it is said that the word spring here means the banks of a stream- which either kills or nearly kills the grazing animals because of gluttony. This is an example of that which is not purely good and becomes harmful when a person does not deal with it wisely.

The Prophet ﷺ added that only the vegetation-eating animal which eats till both its flanks are full will survive. This is because cattle eat green grass slowly and gradually until they become full. And then, they stand in the sun to bask in its warmth, and roam around,then defecate and urinate with ease and comfort to keep inside that which nurtures them.Later, when they are hungry, they start grazing again. This example is given about those who are moderate in their efforts to earn money from lawful sources and spend it in lawful ways. After, the Prophet ﷺexplained that wealth is desired and wanted, and human nature is inclined to love it and collect it just like it is naturally inclined to sweet fresh fruits.

He who is given wealth and pays its zakat to those who are entitled to it, like the poor and needy, and spends it on orphans and wayfarerswho do not have enough money to travel back to their homeland, is the best possessor of wealth,and his wealth will testify to his goodness. And whoever earns his wealth unlawfully, Allah will devoid it of His blessings and he will be in pursuit of more wealth as he never feels satisfied, regardless of how much wealth he possesses; thus, he always belittles his wealth and aspires to earn more. He is like a glutton who never feels satiated; the more he consumes, the more food he craves. The wealth of such a person will testify against him on the Day of Judgment and expose his unlawful earning, spending and collection of wealth.

From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning that the Imaam can sit on his pulpit while people are sitting around him listening to his sermon.

The hadeeth shows that parables are useful to help people understand the intended message and meaning, and that one can blame others when asking and objection is disliked or not called for.
It shows that wealth earned through unlawful sources is devoid of Allah’s blessings; and that the scholar may warn whoever sits with him of the temptation of money and worldly pleasures and bring their attention to the aspects of temptation.

This hadeeth encourages us to give away in charity and refrain from withholding money from good causes, and that we should be moderate with wealth..

2843

Narrated Zayd ibn Khaalid (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messengerﷺsaid, " He who prepares a fighter going in Allah's Cause is given a reward equal to that of a fighter; and he who looks after properly the dependents of a fighter going in Allah's Cause is (given a reward equal to that of) fighter."
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Commentary : Allah has facilitated for His servants the means to earn good deeds and reward; thus, He warrants that each person helping a believer to do a good deed will receive the same reward of the one who did the good deed.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ informs us that whoeverhelps a person who is going to fight in the way of Allah, financially so he can partake in the expedition,it will beas if he himself participated in the expedition, andhe will be given a reward equal to that of a fighter without affecting the reward of the fighter. All that because had he not covered the financial aspects, the fighter would not have been able to partake in the expedition. The reward of him who funds expeditions personally is more than one who just helps them without spending from his own money. Likewise, he who looks after the dependents of a fighter going in Allah's Cause is given a reward equal to that of the fighter. This is because without him looking after the household, the fighter would not have been able to travel and join the expedition.

This hadeeth encourages us to collaborate in good deeds..

2844

Narrated Anas(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺused not to enter any house in Al-Madeenah except the house of Umm Sulaym(may Allah be pleased with her) besides those of his wives when he was asked why, he said, "I take pity on her as her brother was killed in my company. "
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was the most loyal person to his Companions due to his noble character and good conduct, as he ﷺ always appreciated their sacrifice and efforts to support the religion of Allah, Exalted is He.

In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ would not frequently enter a house in al-Madeenah - other than his own houses - except the house of Umm Sulaym (may Allah be pleased with her), the mother of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) – the narrator of this hadeeth. Her name was Sahlah, and it was also said that her name was Rumaylah or al-Ghumaysaa’. The Prophet ﷺ would not visit a house of a woman other than his wives except hers. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked the Prophet ﷺ about the reason that he would often visit Umm Sulaym in particular, so he ﷺ replied that he sympathized with her and took pity on her because her brother, Haraam ib Milhaan (may Allah be pleased with him), was killed in the expedition of the well of Ma’oonah. The Prophet ﷺ mentioned “in my company” to mean that he was killed while being one of his soldiers, who was on a mission that he ﷺ commissioned, because the Prophet ﷺ did not witness the battle.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺendeavoured to look out for her after the passing of her brother who attained martyrdom. Indeed, offering consolationand solaceis a good deed, and it is even more effective when it comes from the Prophet ﷺ, the best of mankind.

It is noteworthy to mention that Umm Sulaym and her sister, Umm Haraam bint Milhaan (may Allah be pleased with them) were the maternal aunts of the Prophet ﷺ through breastfeeding or blood; thus, it was allowed for him to be alone with them..

2845

Narrated Ibn `Awn:Once Moosa ibn Anas while describing the battle of Yamaamah, said, "Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him) went to Thaabit ibn Qays, who had lifted his clothes from his thighs and was applying perfume to his body. Anas asked, 'O Uncle! What is holding you back (from the battle)?' He replied, 'O my nephew! I am coming just now,' and went on perfuming himself, then he came and sat (in the row). Anas then mentioned that the people fled from the battlefield. On that Thaabit said, 'Clear the way for me to fight the enemy. We would never do so (i.e., flee) in the company of Allah's Messengerﷺ. How bad the habits you have accustomed your enemies!"
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Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) were known for their bravery and heroismon the battlefield; they fought in the way of Allah,and death was more beloved to them than life as they only wanted the pleasure of Allah and His reward in the Hereafter.

In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) mentions an incident that occurred between him and Thaabit ibn Qays (may Allah be pleased with him) - one of thebrave men who was well trained in arms and chivalry. He reports that he entered upon him and found him applying perfume to his body while his thigh is uncovered. Anas addressed him by the title “uncle” out of respect because he was older than him in age and both were from the same tribe of al-Khazraj. He asked him about what was holding him back from joining the Muslim army that was heading to fight Musaylamah the Falsifier and his followers, may Allah curse them. This battle occurredat al-Yamaamah during the rule of Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), and it is known by the name of the Battle of al-Yamaamah, which is an area lying in the Najd region of modern-day Saudi Arabia. Thaabit ibn Qays (may Allah be pleased with him) assured Anas that he was definitely joining the fight, so he finished applying the perfume to his body and headed to join the Muslim army. Then, Anas mentioned that at some point in the battle the Muslims were overpowered, and it appeared as if the Muslims were about to be defeated; thus, some Muslims retreated from their positions. Thereupon, Thaabit stepped forward and addressed those who had retreated to give him room to enable him to fight the enemy, while admonishing them for retreating, saying that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) never left their positions or retreated while fighting along with the Prophet ﷺ. Then he said: “How bad are the habits to which you have accustomed your enemies,” i.e., your enemy is used to you fleeing from the battle such that they have become confident that they will overpower you. Thaabit (may Allah be pleased with him) fought courageously and dauntlessly in the battle until he was martyred on the battlefield.

This hadeeth highlights the sincerity, courage, and heroism of Thaabit ibn Qays (may Allah be pleased with him) and admonishes those who flee the battle.

It shows the courage and firmness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) in times of war.
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2846

Narrated Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Who will bring me the information about the enemy on the day (of the battle) of Al-Ahzaab (i.e., Clans)?" Al-Zubayr said, "I will." The Prophetﷺsaid again, "Who will bring me the information about the enemy?" Al-Zubayr said again, "I will." The Prophetﷺsaid, "Every Prophet had a disciple, and my disciple is Al-Zubayr. "
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Commentary : The Battle of the Trench was one of the toughest battles that the Muslims ever experienced, after Quraysh and other disbelieving Arab tribes along with the Jews from Banoo Quraythah allied to fight the Muslims.

In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports one of the incidents that highlights the extreme courage of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). The Battle of the Trench was different from other battles because it was the Muslims against all the disbelieving tribes of Arabia (supported by the Jews of Banoo Quraythah after they betrayed the Muslims). So, the Prophet ﷺ asked who was willing to secretly collect information about Banoo Quraythah, as reported in Musnad Ahmad. The person who actually went out to secretly obtain information about Quraysh and its allies was Huthayfah ibn al-Yamaan (may Allah be pleased with him), as reported in Saheeh Muslim. Upon hearing the Prophet ﷺ, al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) stepped forward and expressed his interest in the mission. The Prophet ﷺ repeated his request and again al-Zubayr stepped forward to take the mission. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ remarked:“Every prophet had a disciple, and my disciple is Al-Zubayr.” The intended meaning of disciple (Hawaary) is a supporter just like the disciples of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). It is said that they were given that name because they used to wash clothes and whiten them – and the word Hawaary is derived from such a meaning.

This hadeeth highlights the virtue of al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwaam (may Allah be pleased with him) and shows that Muslims should send secret agents to collect information about the enemy.
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2852

Narrated `Urwahibn al-Ja’d (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Goodnessremains in the foreheads of horses till the Day of Resurrection, for they bring about either a reward or booty.”
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Commentary : Fighting in the way of Allah is the noblest of deeds and is indeed the pinnacle of Islam for which life and wealth are sacrificed. Allah has made horses a symbol of power and strength in battles and wars, and whoever prepares them well for such purposes will surely attain abundant goodness in this life and the Hereafter.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains that goodness is permanently connectedto horses, just like forelockis attached to their foreheads. The reward mentioned in the hadeeth refers to the reward of Allah in the Hereafter, and the booty refers to the booty of wars in this worldly life. The horses mentioned in the hadeeth refer to the horses allocated by their owners for use in war.

This hadeeth shows that fighting in the way of Allah will never cease to exist, and it encourages us in using horses for Jihaad..

2853

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "If somebody keeps a horse in Allah's Cause motivated by his faith in Allah and his belief in His Promise, then he will be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection for what the horse has eaten or drunk and for its dung and urine.".

Commentary : Fighting in the way of Allah is the noblest of deeds and is indeed the pinnacle of Islam for which life and wealth are sacrificed. Allah has made horses a symbol of power and strength in battles and wars, and whoever prepares them well for such purposes will surely attain abundant goodness in this life and the Hereafter.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ clarifies the immense reward made for whoever dedicates something to be used for fighting in the way of Allah (Jihaad) i.e., if a person dedicates a horse that the Muslims can use to defend Muslims and fight their enemies while believing in Allah and being certain of Allah’s reward for this good deed, then he will be rewarded in the Hereafter for all the actions of the horse, including the water and food it eats, and its urination and defecating.

This hadeeth shows the immense favors of Allah upon His servants, and it encourages us to fight in the way of Allah and hope for its reward.

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2855

Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’d al-Saa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him): In our garden there was a horse belonging to the Prophetﷺcalled Al-Luhayf.
.

Commentary : Fighting in the way of Allah is the noblest of deeds and is indeed the pinnacle of Islam for which life and wealth are sacrificed. Allah has made horses a symbol of power and strength in battles and wars, and whoever prepares them well for such purposes will surely attain abundant goodness in this life and the Hereafter.

In this hadeeth, Sahl ibn Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ had a horse that he kept in their garden. The horse was known by the name al-Luhayf due to its long tail. The horse in Arabic is called Faras, which is derived from the word Furoosiyyah,meaningequestrian.

This hadeeth indicates that one should give a name to animals (like horses) or objects (like swords) that are intended for a particular purpose..

1050

Abu al-Aswad reported: Abu Mūsa al-Ash'ari sent for the reciters of the people of Basra. Three hundred men who had recited the Qur'an came to him. He said: "You are the best among the people of Basra and their reciters. So, recite it. And let not hope of a long life delude you, and thus your hearts would harden as the hearts of those before you had hardened. We used to recite a Surah, which we would liken to Barā‘ah in terms of length and toughness, and I was made to forget it. However, I memorized from it: "If the son of Adam had two valleys of wealth, he would seek a third valley, and nothing would fill the inside of the son of Adam except dust". We used to recite a Surah, which we would liken to one of the Musabbihāt, and I was made to forget it. However, I memorized from it: "O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do?" This will be written as a testimony on your necks, and you will be asked about it on the Day of Judgment..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to direct his Companions and advise them to refrain from keenness on worldly life and hope for an extended stay in it. And the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) did the same with the Tābi'is.
In this tradition, Abu al-Aswad ad-Dīli informs that Abu Mūsa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) sent for the reciters among the people of Basra to come to him and gather there. Basra is a city located in the south of Iraq. "Three hundred men, who had recited the Qur'an" and memorized it "came to him." He advised and directed them, saying: You are the best among the people of Basra and you are the people of the Qur’an among them. Then, he instructed them to read the Qur’an and recite it in the most proper manner, which entails understanding its meanings, reflecting upon its verses, and acting upon its rulings. And he said to them: "And let not hope of a long life delude you and thus your hearts would harden," i.e., do not have high hopes for worldly life and do not wish to stay therein for long, as this corrupts the hearts by dragging them to greed and hardness, and thus they will not soften to Dhikr or derive benefit from admonition or rebuke. As a result, you will have such hardness and aversion within your hearts that had befallen the nations before you due to their hopes for an extended stay in the life of this world. This includes a reference to the verse that reads: {Has the time not yet come for those who believe that their hearts should be humbled at the remembrance of Allah and the truth that has been revealed? They should not be like those who were given the Scriptures before, whose hearts grew hard after the passage after a long period of time, and many of them were evildoers.} [Surat al-Hadīd: 16]
Then, he informed that they used to recite a long Surah of the Qur’an, whose recitation was abrogated, and they would liken it to Surat Barā’ah, which is Surat at-Tawbah, in terms of length and toughness. He further said that he was made to forget it. Then, Abu Mūsa (may Allah be pleased with him) made an exception and informed that he memorized from the meanings of this Surah such words that contain dispraise of attention on worldly life and the love and desire for having a lot of it. He said: "If the son of Adam had two valleys of wealth, he would seek a third valley." A valley is any gap between mountains or hills. "and nothing would fill the inside of the son of Adam except dust", i.e., he continues to be keen on worldly life till he dies, and his inside gets filled with the dust of his grave. The inside may also be intended to refer to the heart, and the meaning is that he does not get bored of the love for wealth. This is because man is naturally inclined to love wealth and has an unquenchable greed for it, and he has no limit to stop except a matter like his own, namely dust.
Then, Abu Mūsa (may Allah be pleased with him) informed that they used to recite a Surah which they would liken to one of the Musabbihāt, which are the Surahs that begin with "subhān, sabbaha, yusabbihu, sabbih ism rabbika" (glory be to, glorified, glorifies, glorify the name of your Lord), and that he was made to forget it; and he memorized from it: "O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do?" This is a question that signifies disapproval and rebuke for those who attribute to themselves good things that they do not do, either in relation to the past, in which case they would be liars, or concerning the future, and this would be a contradiction; both are dispraised. "This will be written as a testimony on your necks and you will be asked about this on the Day of Judgment" i.e., these false statements will be recorded against you, for what you said and did not do is a testimony from you, and you are liable for it, and you will be held accountable, and it will entail an evil recompense on the Day of Judgment.
This abrogation, which Abu Mūsa (may Allah be pleased with him) told about in this Hadīth, is one of the abrogation types: the abrogation of words and recitation. Abrogation is of three types: First: Abrogation of rulings, while words and recitation endure. Second: Its opposite; and that is the abrogation of words and recitation, while the ruling endures. Third: Abrogation of the ruling along with the words and recitation. This is the abrogation which Allah Almighty mentions in the verse that reads: {We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 106] And also in the verses that read: {We will teach you [the Qur’an], so you will not forget*, except what Allah wills.} [Surat al-A‘la: 6-7] These two Surahs are among the Surahs Allah Almighty willed to be forgotten after He revealed them. This is because Allah Almighty does whatever He wills and is Able to do all things He wishes. Indeed, this is all possible. Let not one wrongly assume, because of this and the like of it, that any part of the Qur’an was lost. In fact, this is untrue, as established by the verse that reads: {It is We Who have sent down the Reminder, and it is We Who will preserve it.} [Surat al-Hijr: 9] This is also established by the consensus among the Companions and those after them that the Qur’an, which we are required to recite and act upon its rulings as a form of worship, is the text contained between the two covers of the Mus'haf, without addition or omission.
The Hadīth shows keenness to present advice to the Muslim reciters.
It contains dispraise of the keenness on worldly life and the hope for a long stay therein.
It includes dispraise of lying and bragging about something one did not do.
The Hadīth also mentions that a person's speech is recorded and he will be asked about it on the Day of Judgment.
And it indicates that a believer should be chiefly concerned about working for the Hereafter and he should not be deceived by worldly life and its desires..

1054

‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās reported that: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Successful is the one who accepts Islam and is provided with mere subsistence and Allah makes him content with what He has given him.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to admonish his Companions, advise them, and encourage them to aim at sublime matters, so that the worldly life would be in their hands, not in their hearts, and what they gained thereof would help them in acts of worship.
This Hadīth contains guidance from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to his Ummah that a person should not tire himself in seeking more than mere subsistence, for what is commendable in sustenance is the amount that enables a person to perform worship and for which he should work as much as needed. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed that success is attained and gained by a person who embraces Islam rightly, for he gets rid of Kufr (disbelief) and Shirk (polytheism), which is the sin that Allah does not forgive, and he is provided with mere subsistence, no more or less, and what makes him self-sufficient and saves him from necessities and wants. This means lawful sustenance, for no success comes with unlawful sustenance. And his words: "and Allah makes him content with what He has given him," i.e., Allah grants him contentment with the mere subsistence he has; so, he does not aspire to pursue more than that.
The Hadīth shows that success and triumph are attained by embracing Islam for the sake of Allah and being pleased with what Allah gives him.
It demonstrates the merit of contentment, and that it is one of the means of success..

1056

‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) distributed some wealth, and I said: "By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, there are other than those more deserving of it than them?" He said: "They gave me the choice that they either ask of me importunately or regard me as a miser, and I am not a miser.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the most generous and bountiful among the people. He would give like one who fears no poverty. This was to teach his Ummah and serve certain Shar‘i purposes that were probably not known or grasped at the time by anyone other than him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
In this Hadīth, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) says The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) distributed some wealth among the people, and he gave some people, whereas ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) held that others were more deserving of being given than them. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified to him why he gave to them and not those who were more deserving to be given than them. This is because those he gave were people of ignorance and lying. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said that they begged in an importunate manner due to their weak faith and drove him, by their very importunate attitude, to either give them what they asked for or they would describe him as a miser and defame him, while in fact, he is not a miser. Hence, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave to them and protected his honor by his giving, lest they might lie about him. Miserliness is not part of his character (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and he gave to them to appease them and win their friendliness. Similarly, he said in a Hadīth of the Two Sahīh Collections: "Indeed, the worst people in rank in the sight of Allah is the one whom people leave or abandon for fear of his discourteousness." Thus, he endured their rudeness and treated them forbearingly to win their friendliness and protect himself from being described as a miser, a trait that does not befit him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
The Hadīth indicates that we can appease the people of ignorance and harshness and win their friendliness, if this achieves a good interest.
It also shows that patience and forbearance were part of the Prophet's character.
The Hadīth demonstrates and directs a person to spend out of his money to protect his honor and himself from the people of ignorance..

1060

Rāfi‘ ibn Khadīj reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave to Abu Sufyān ibn Harb, Safwān ibn Umayyah, ‘Uyaynah ibn Hisn, and Al-Aqra‘ ibn Hābis, to every one of them, one hundred camels, and gave to ‘Abbās ibn Mirdās less than that. Thereupon, ‘Abbās ibn Mirdās said: You allot the share of my booty and that of Al-‘Ubayd between ‘Uyaynah and Al-Aqra‘ Both Badr and Hābis in no way surpassed Mirdās in the assembly I am in no way inferior to any one of these two. And he whom you lower today will not be elevated He said: So, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) completed one hundred camels for him. [And in a version]: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) divided the spoils of the battle of Hunayn and gave Abu Sufyān ibn Harb one hundred camels... And he narrated the same Hadīth, with the addition: And he gave ‘Alqamah ibn ‘Ulāthah one hundred. [And in a version]: He did not mention poetry..

Commentary : This Hadīth reveals a part of how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to win people's hearts to Islam by giving them money, each according to the strength of Īmān in his heart or his tenderness, and how he was considerate of the circumstances of each one of them.
The circumstances surrounding this Hadīth: After the battle of Hunayn, which took place in the eighth Hijri year between the Muslims and the two tribes of Hawāzin and Thaqīf, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) divided the spoils he seized from this battle between the Muslims, preferring some of them over others. He gave some of them a hundred camels and others less than that. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave a hundred camels to Abu Sufyān ibn Harb, the Quraysh leader, Safwān ibn' Umayyah, who had embraced Islam after the Conquest of Makkah and was one of the Quraysh notables during Jāhiliyyah and Islam, 'Uyaynah ibn Hisn al-Fazāri, who had embraced Islam before the Conquest of Makkah and was marked by the typical roughness of desert dwellers, and Al-Aqra' ibn Hābis at-Tamīmi, who had come to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and partook in the Conquest of Makkah, and he was an arbitrator during Jāhiliyyah; he gave each one of these persons a hundred camels. On the other hand, he gave ‘Abbās ibn Mirdās less than a hundred. So, ‘Abbās ibn Mirdās became angry and said these poetic verses: "You allot the share of my booty and that of Al-‘Ubayd between ‘Uyaynah and Al-Aqra‘" Booty: the spoils. Al-‘Ubayd: the name of the horse of ‘Abbās ibn Mirdās. The meaning: Do you give the booty which I took part in seizing from Hunayn with my weapon and horse to ‘Uyaynah ibn Hisn and Al-Aqra‘ ibn Hābis and the like of them, by giving them more than me?! By his words "Both Badr and Hābis", he meant the grandfather of ‘Uyaynah and the father of Al-Aqra‘. ‘Uyaynah is the son of Hisn ibn Hudhayfah ibn Badr, and Al-Aqra‘ is the son of Hābis. And his words: "in no way surpassed Mirdās in the assembly". Surpass means: is higher than. Assembly: the meeting place of the clans and tribes. "I am in no way inferior to any one of these two" The meaning: My father was not inferior to theirs, neither am I inferior to them. He seemed to have been gripped with fear that his status might be lowered. Therefore, he said: "And he whom you lower today" by decreasing his share of the booty "will not be elevated", i.e., the people will not elevate him after this day.
So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave him a hundred camels like the others who were given a hundred, so as to win his heart and dispel the thought of inferiority or that he might be lower in rank than others.
The Hadīth shows how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would win the hearts of some people with money for an apparent interest.
The ruler may prefer some over others if he sees a certain benefit in doing so.
It is permissible to recite poetry and is permissible to listen to it..

1064

Abu Sa‘īd reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned a people who would be among his Ummah, who would emerge out of the dissension of people. Their distinctive mark would be shaven heads. He said: "They would be the worst creatures - or among the worst creatures. The nearer of the two groups, the truth would kill them." The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave an example of them, or he said: "A man throws an arrow at the prey - Or he said: at the target - and looks at the arrowhead and finds no trace, and he looks at the body and finds no trace. Then, he looks at the grip and finds no trace." He said: Abu Sa‘īd said: "And you killed them, O people of Iraq.".

1066

Zayd ibn Wahb al-Juhani reported that he was in the army led by ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that set out to fight the Kharijites. ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "O people, I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: 'There would arise within my Ummah a people who would recite the Qur’an, and your recitation would be nothing compared to their recitation, your prayer would be nothing compared to their prayer, and your fast would be nothing compared to their fast. They would recite the Qur’an thinking that it supports them, whereas it is against them. Their prayer does not get beyond their collarbones. They would pass through Islam as an arrow passes through the prey. If the army that is to encounter them were to know what had been decreed for them by the tongue of their Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), they would completely rely upon that and cease to work. The sign of this is that there would be among them a man with an upper arm and without an arm, and the head of his upper arm would be like the nipple of the breast on which there would be some white hairs.' So, will you go to Mu‘āwiyah and the people of the Levant and leave them behind among your children and your property?! By Allah, I hope they are those people, for they have shed inviolable blood and raided the animals of the people. So, go forth in the name of Allah." Salamah ibn Kuhayl said: Zayd ibn Wahb made me alight at a place, till we crossed a bridge. When we encountered them - and ‘Abdullāh ibn Wahb ar-Rāsibi was the leader of the Kharijites on that day - he said to them: "Throw the spears and draw out your swords from their sheaths, for I fear that they would appeal to you as they appealed to you on the day of Harūrā'." They went back and threw their spears and drew out their swords, and people fought against them with their spears and they were killed on top of one another. Only two men were killed from among the people on that day. Then, ‘Ali (Allah be pleased with him) said: "Search for the Mukhdaj (the maimed one) among them." They searched but did not find him. So, ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) himself stood up till he came upon people who had been killed on top of one another. He said: "Move them away from one another." So, they found him near the ground. Thereupon, he proclaimed Takbīr and then said: "Allah told the truth, and His Messenger conveyed it." He said: Then, ‘Abīdah as-Salmāni stood before him and said: "O Commander of the Believers, by Allah, other than Whom there is no god, did you hear this Hadīth from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)?" He said: "Yes, by Allah, other than Whom there is no god." He repeated the request for an oath from him three times, and he swore each time..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) warned us against religious innovations and extremism, for it leads to the corruption of societies. Extremism, along with the lack of proper understanding of the religion, may result in considering the Muslim communities as people of religious innovations and Kufr (disbelief) and lead to revolt against the rulers unjustly.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Zayd ibn Wahb al-Juhani relates that he was with ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him) in the army that marched toward the Kharijites. This happened in 38 A.H., in the battle of Nahrawān, located nearly 35km southeast of Baghdad, Iraq. They were those who criticized ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) for the arbitration over his fighting against Mu‘āwiyah (may Allah be pleased with him), and they fought him and declared the Muslims as disbelievers and regarded the shedding of their blood as lawful. ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) addressed his army to make them firm and urge them to fight and display patience in doing so. He informed that he heard the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) point out some traits of the Kharijites, mentioning that they would be a people within the Muslim Ummah, and they would "recite the Qur'an," i.e., recite it a lot. They would also perform prayer and observe fast often, to the extent that if people compared their condition to the condition of others, they would regard the worship of others as nothing next to them. "They would recite the Qur'an thinking that it supports them", i.e., it provides an argument for them in proving their claims, whereas this is not the case in reality; instead, it serves as an argument against them with Allah Almighty. In the Two Sahīh Collections, in a Hadīth reported by Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him): "It does not get beyond their collarbones." Likewise, their prayer does not get beyond their collarbones. Prayer here probably refers to the recitation in prayer. The collarbone is the bone that extends from the neck cavity to the shoulder. They do not understand the Qur’an, draw benefit from its recitation, ponder its verses, or reflect upon its meanings. So, they do not reach their hearts through reflection and Khushū‘ (humility and focus) and do not ascend to heaven. Therefore, they obtain no reward for them. "They would pass through" i.e., they would depart from Islam quickly and not get attached to anything in it, just as an arrow passes through prey, i.e., like a powerful and fast arrow that penetrates the target and passes through prey, due to its power and speed, entering from one side and coming out from the opposite one; and it leaves no trace of blood or flesh. Then, they would not go back to the religion, as the arrow does not go back to its place in the bow.
Then, ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him) states that if the army that would kill and defeat them were to know the reward and recompense that their Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed them about and determined for them, they would abandon work and solely rely upon this glad tiding which was given to them for killing the Kharijites.
The distinctive mark of those Kharijites is "that there would be among them a man with an upper arm", which extends from the shoulder to the elbow, "and without an arm", which extends from the elbow to the hand. And the head of his upper arm would be like "the nipple of the breast", and there would also be some white hairs on the top of his upper arm.
Then, ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him) expressed criticism of the army in the form of questioning: Do you want to go to Mu‘āwiyah and the people of the Levant and fight them and leave those Kharijites behind to stay among your women and children and loot your property?! The meaning: This is not proper and should not happen. By this, he intended to urge them to fight the Kharijites first before marching toward Mu‘āwiyah and the people of the Levant.
Then, ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) swore, saying: "By Allah, I hope they are those people" who are amongst us, revolted against us, and departed from obedience to us, "the people" whom the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) described to us. Indeed, they went to extremes in shedding the blood of Muslims, and it is blood whose shedding is forbidden. They killed 'Abdullāh ibn Khabbāb and the mother of his child. "and they raided the animals of the people", i.e., they raided people's property and stole their grazing livestock. Then, ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "So, go forth in the name of Allah", i.e., with the blessing of the name of Allah, seek help from Him and put your trust in Him. This indicates that actions should begin with the mention of Allah.
Salamah ibn Kuhayl al-Hadrami al-Kūfi - one of the Hadīth narrators - informs that the Tābi‘i Zayd ibn Wahb mentioned to him the locations of their travel to fight the Kharijites, one by one, until they reached the bridge at which the fighting took place - the bridge of Dizjān. This is also mentioned in As-Sunan Al-Kubra Collection of An-Nasā’i. A bridge is a structure built over water for crossing on it. This is the bridge of Nahrawān, where the Kharijites gathered.
Zayd ibn Wahb related that when the two armies encountered each other for fighting, the leader of the Kharijites on that day was ‘Abdullāh ibn Wahb ar-Rāsibi, who said to the Kharijites: Throw the spears and draw out your swords from their sheaths. He wanted the two armies to start fighting. Thus, there would be no possible alternative to fighting, such as a truce or appeal, which means that they would ask and adjure them by Allah, and this might cause some of his companions to leave him, and, as a result, his army would become weaker. Confrontation with spears puts the two armies at a distance from each other, and this carries the possibility that some of them may feel pity upon seeing the blood and call for the cessation of fighting. On the other hand, fighting with the swords breaks out quickly and ends with defeating one of the two armies. Ibn Wahb hoped that he would be victorious in this battle. "as they appealed to you on the day of Harūrā’." This is a village near Kufa, after which a sect of the Khrijites was named, as their first gathering took place there, "the day" here refers to the day in which the Kharijites gathered, numbering eight thousand - and a different number was also mentioned - and they alighted at Harūrā’. Their leaders were ‘Abdullāh ibn al-Kawwā’ al-Yashkuri and Shabath at-Tamīmi. ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him) sent his cousin ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) to them. He debated with them, and as a result, many of them came back with him. Then, ‘Ali went out to them, appealed to them, and engaged in a discussion with them. Consequently, they obeyed him and entered Kufa along with him.
When the Kharijites listened to ‘Abdullāh ibn Wahb, they obeyed him and "threw their spears" i.e. they threw them away and engaged in fighting against the army of ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) with swords. So, this opinion led to victory for the Muslims and ‘Ali's army, the preservation of their blood, and their empowerment. "and people fought against them with their spears" i.e., the companions of ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) stabbed them with their spears like trees. The Arabic text uses a verb derived from 'shajar', which means trees. So, the companions of ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) threw the spears at them before they could reach them. Then, they engaged in battle with them and killed so many of them; only two men were killed on the side of ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). His words "they were killed on top of one another" mean that they were piled upon one another due to the large number of them who were killed, forming heaps.
Then, after the end of the battle, ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) ordered them to search for "the Mukhdaj" man, i.e., his body is incomplete. This is the man described at the beginning of the Hadīth. They searched for him but could not find him. So, 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) himself rose and moved to a heap of dead bodies from the Kharijites. He ordered that they be separated from one another, and they found underneath them the man he was looking for dead. Thereupon, 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) proclaimed Takbīr in wonder at seeing the Mukhdaj man with the description given by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Then, he said after the Takbīr: "Allah", Exalted be He, "told the truth" in what He revealed to His Prophet; "and His Messenger conveyed" His message to us and to the people, in truth.
Then, Zayd ibn Wahb al-Juhani informed that the Tābi‘i ‘Abīdah as-Salmāni called out to ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): "O Commander of the Believers", and he adjured him by Allah, other than Whom there is no god, to tell him whether he heard this Hadīth from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). In response, ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) swore, saying: "Yes, by Allah, other than Whom there is no god" i.e., yes, I heard it from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). "He repeated the request for an oath from him three times". He asked him to swear to let this be heard by the people present and affirm that to them, and in order to reveal to them the miracle informed by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and show them that ‘Ali and his Companions are the worthier among the two groups in claiming the truth, and that they are rightful in fighting them.
The Hadīth points to the danger of ignorance in religion and dogmatic thinking.
It mentions the great reward of killing the Kharijites.
It warns against extremism in religion and affectation in worship.
Those who revolt against the just rulers should be fought against.
The Hadīth mentions some traits of the Kharijites.
It shows the merit of ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him).
An oath may be requested for verifying something unfamiliar, so as to affirm it to those who hear about it..

1067

Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Verily, there is from my Ummah after me - or there would be from my Ummah after me - a people who would recite the Qur’an, but it would not go beyond their throats, and they would pass through the religion as an arrow passes through the prey, and then they would not come back to it; they are the worst among the creation and the creatures.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed the Companions about many of the trials that took place during their generation and that would take place after their generation. One of the trials they witnessed during their time was the trial of the Kharijites.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) made reference to that. He mentioned people who would be in his Ummah after him; among their characteristics is that they "would recite the Qur'an, but it would not go beyond their throats." They recite the Qur'an but do not get affected by it, understand it, or act upon its verses. So, they will not be recompensed for that by rewards, and their recitation does not go beyond their tongues, so no good deed is accepted from them. This is not something required; instead, it is required to ponder and reflect upon the Qur'an as it influences the heart. This all means that Imān (faith) did not settle firmly in their hearts. "they would pass through the religion as an arrow passes through the prey, and then they would not come back to it", i.e., they come out of the religion like the coming out of a fast arrow, which hits the prey and enters and comes out of it with a high speed, without any trace of the prey sticking to it; this is due to its quick coming out of the target. The "ramiyyah" (prey) is the animal that is hunted and hit with an arrow after getting chased. This is a description of the Kharijites, who do not obey the rulers and revolt against them and declare people as disbelievers on account of major sins that are below Shirk (polytheism) and Kufr (disbelief). They kill the people of Islam and leave the people of idols (disbelievers). After all that, they do not return to the religion again, as they do not repent or reconsider their matter. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) remarked: "They are the worst among the creation and the creatures." It is said: "Khalq" (creation) refers to humankind, and "khaliqah" (creatures) refers to animals. It is also said: They both have the same meaning. So, this refers to all creation. They are the worst among all creation because they fight the best people, thus corrupting the land after it was in good condition.
The Hadīth includes one of the Prophet's prophecies, as he told about something that would happen after his death, and it did happen as he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed.
It warns against misunderstanding the Qur’an and not pondering its verses, goals, and objectives; and it points out that this causes corruption on earth.
It also indicates that one of the consequences of poor reflection upon the verses of Allah is to depart from the religion..

1068

Sahl ibn Hanīf reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A people will go astray toward the east, with shaven heads.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was keen on teaching his Ummah and warning them against trials. A true Muslim ponders the Prophet's statements and teachings and tries his best to save himself and his Muslim community from falling into misleading trials.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that there will emerge a group of people who will deviate from the true and correct path and go astray in the darkness of religious innovations and misguidance. They will never be guided to the truth; they will be lost and follow the wrong paths. They will emerge from the east, which refers to the direction of the sunrise. Those people who go astray from the true path are described as having shaven heads, which indicates their abandonment and renouncement of worldly life. The intended meaning is that shaving their heads was a habit that they persistently engaged in and for which they were known. This trait was mentioned with regard to the Kharijites, that they are marked by shaving their heads, until it became a slogan for them, by which they were identified.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) warns his Ummah in this Hadīth against the trial of going astray in misguidance and tells us about the signs of deviation.
One of the signs of deviation and misguidance is leading a life of false asceticism..

1072

‘Abdul-Muttalib ibn Rabī‘ah ibn al-Hārith reported: Rabī‘ah ibn al-Hārith and Al-‘Abbās ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib got together and said: "By Allah, if we sent these two young men - I and Al-Fadl ibn al-‘Abbās - to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and they spoke to him, he would put them in charge of these Zakah funds, and they would pay as the people pay and get a share as the people get." He said: As they were talking about that, 'Ali ibn Abi Tālib came and stood before them, and they mentioned it to him. Thereupon, ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib said: "Do not do this, for, by Allah, he would not do that." Rabī‘ah ibn al-Hārith turned to him and said: "By Allah, you are only doing this out of jealousy toward us. By Allah, you became the son-in-law of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), but we felt no jealousy toward you." 'Ali said: "Send them." So, they set out, and 'Ali lay on the bed. He said: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered the Zhuhr prayer, we went ahead of him to his room and stood near it till he came, took hold of our ears, and then said: "Take out what you keep within yourselves." Then, he entered, and we entered his place. He was on that day in the house of Zaynab bint Jahsh. He said: We urged each of us to speak. Then, one of us spoke, saying: "O Messenger of Allah, you are the most righteous and the best of people in upholding kinship ties. We have reached the marriageable age. We have come so that you may put us in charge of some of these Zakah funds, and we would submit them to you as the people submit and get a share as they get." He said: He kept silent for a long time until we wished to speak with him. He said: Zaynab pointed to us from behind the curtain, telling us not to talk to him. He said: Then, he said: "Zakah does not befit the family of Muhammad, for it is the impurities of people. Call Mahmiyah to me - and he was in charge of the Khums funds - and Nawfal ibn al-Hārith ibn' Abdul-Muttalib." They both came to him, and he said to Mahmiyah: "Marry your daughter to this young man", i.e., Al-Fadl ibn' Abbās. He married her to him. And he said to Nawfal ibn al-Hārith: "Marry your daughter to this young man", i.e., me. He married her to me. And he said to Mahmiyah: "Pay such and such from the Khums funds as a dowry on behalf of both of them.".

Commentary : Allah Almighty honored His Prophet and the believing members of his household and purified them of all filth and impurities. An example is that Zakah is forbidden for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his household. They may not take from it or accept it.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdul-Muttalib ibn Rabī‘ah ibn al-Hārith (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that Rabī‘ah ibn al-Hārith, the Prophet's cousin, met with his uncle Al-‘Abbās ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle, and they said: By Allah, if we sent these two young men - meaning: 'Abdul-Muttalib ibn Rabī‘ah and Al-Fadl ibn' Abbās (may Allah be pleased with them) - to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and they talked to him, and he appointed them as Zakah collectors, and they would submit as the people submit and get a share like the people, as a wage for the Zakah work. They wanted this money to help them get married, as they reached the marriageable age and could not afford marriage, as narrated in the version by Abu Dāwūd. As Al-‘Abbās and Rabī‘ah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) were talking and discussing this matter, ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him), also a cousin of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), came and stood before them. They mentioned to him what they were discussing and told him about what they intended to do. So, ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him) forbade them from doing that and swore that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would not agree to their request in this regard. Thereupon, Rabī‘ah turned to ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and said to him tough words and swore that he did not forbid them from sending the two young men and asking the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to put them in charge of Zakah funds except because of jealousy toward them and his desire to be the only one among them with closeness to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Then, he swore by Allah to ‘Ali that he won the relationship with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) by marriage - meaning his marriage to his daughter Fātimah (may Allah be pleased with her) - and they felt no jealousy toward him because of that. When ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) heard that from him, he asked them to send them so that they could be certain about his advice to them. "and ‘Ali lay on the bed." In another version by Muslim: "'Ali threw his cloak and lay on it, and he said: I am the father of Hasan, and I am the Qarm (chief). By Allah, I would not move from my place till your sons return to you with the reply to that for which you sent them to the Messenger of Allah the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)." Qarm: the stud among animals. It refers to a master and chief who possesses knowledge and wise judgment. He (may Allah be pleased with him) meant: I spoke what I said to you from knowledge, and I would not move from my place, and I would wait for the reply they would come with from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He knew that the reply would be as he told them.
So, ‘Abdul-Muttalib and Al-Fadl (may Allah be pleased with both of them) left and headed to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). 'Abdul-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed the Zhuhr prayer, they went ahead of him to the room he would enter after the prayer, and that was the room of the Mother of the Believers Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her). They waited for him at the door till the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came, took hold of their ears by way of jesting, and then said: "Take out what you keep within yourselves" i.e., the talk you harbor within your chests. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered his room, and they entered after him so as to proceed with their talk and let him hear them. Each of them wanted the other to start the talk with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in awe of him. Then, one of them talked. He said to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "O Messenger of Allah, you are the most benevolent of all people", i.e., the best among people in benevolence and doing good to others. "and the best of people in upholding kinship ties" i.e., you are most keen on maintaining the ties of kinship. "We have reached the marriageable age." Thus, they presented the reason for their following requests. "We have come so that you may put us in charge of" collecting "some of these Zakah funds", which are to be calculated and taken from money owners and kept and given to you and distributed to the due recipients. "and we would submit to you as the people submit" i.e., we would transfer the Zakah funds and hand them over to you like others. "and get a share as they get" as a wage for the Zakah work. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) remained silent for so long that they wanted to repeat their speech and request. Meanwhile, Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her) began to point to them with her garment or hand from behind the curtain to not talk to him. After his long silence, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) made clear to them that Zakah may not be given to the household of Muhammad, i.e., it is forbidden for him and his family, whether it is given for work or because of poverty, destitution, or some other reason. "for it is the impurities of people", i.e., it purifies their wealth from the sin of hoarding and their souls from the sin of stinginess. Or it is the impurities of people because it expiates for sins, removes afflictions, and acts as a ransom for the person in this regard. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered them to call Mahmiyah ibn Jaz’ ibn ‘Abd Yaghūt az-Zubaydi (may Allah be pleased with him) to him. He was a man from Banu Asad, and the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had put him in charge of the Khums (one-fifth of the spoils), and to call Nawfal ibn al-Hārith ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib, the brother of Rabī‘ah ibn al-Hārith. Mahmiyah and Nawfal came and appeared before the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Mahmiyah ibn Jaz' to marry his daughter to Al-Fadl ibn' Abbās, which Mahmiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) did. And he ordered Nawfal ibn al-Hārith to marry his daughter to Rabī‘ah ibn al-Hārith. Both of them (may Allah be pleased with both of them) complied. Mahmiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) was in charge of the Prophet's expenses from the Khums. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered him to pay an amount which he specified for him as a dowry on behalf of each of them to his wife. The Khums refers to the share of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in the spoils, as revealed in the verse that reads: {Know that whatever spoils you obtain, one-fifth belongs to Allah and the Messenger, his close relatives, the orphans, the needy and the [stranded] travelers.} [Surat al-Anfāl: 41]
The Hadīth indicates that Zakah funds are to be paid to the ruler and the authority holder.
It shows the Prophet's modesty and cheerfulness and how he would jest with and show compassion toward the young.
Words of praise may be said before asking for something.
The Hadīth mentions that it is forbidden to give Zakah to the household of Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
It indicates that the Prophet's household were not employed for the collection of charity and Zakah.
It also shows that a person should seek to obtain the wherewithal for marriage.
It demonstrates a father's interest in helping his son get married to maintain his chastity.
The Hadīth also points out the merit of ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), as he was more knowledgeable about this matter than those Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
And it shows the extreme politeness of Zaynab (may Allah be pleased with her) as she pointed to the two young men not to repeat the speech to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)..

1087

Kurayb reported: that ’Umm al-Fadl sent him to Mu‘āwiyah in the Levant. He said: I came to the Levant and fulfilled her errand. Then, the crescent of Ramadan was sighted while I was in the Levant. I saw the crescent on the night of Friday. Then, I came to Madīnah at the end of the month. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) asked me about the sighting of the moon and said: "When did you see the crescent?" I said: "We saw it on the night of Friday." He said: "Did you see it yourself?" I said: "Yes, and the people saw it and fasted and so did Mu‘āwiyah." He said: "But we saw it on the night of Saturday; so, we will continue fasting until we have completed thirty days, or we see it." I said: "Will you not be content with the sighting of Mu‘āwiyah and his fasting?" He said: "No, this is what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined upon us." Yahya ibn Yahya was doubtful about whether it is "Will we not be content?" or "Will you not be content?".

Commentary : Allah made crescents a means for counting months and years. By sighting the crescent, one month begins and another ends. Based on this sighting, many obligations are determined, like fasting and Hajj.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Kurayb ibn Abi Muslim says that ’Umm al-Fadl Lubābah bint al-Hārith, the wife of Al-‘Abbās ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib and the mother of ‘Abdullāh ibn al-‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with them), sent him to Mu‘āwiyah ibn Abi Sufyān (may Allah be pleased with him), who was then the caliph of Muslims. Kurayb went to the Levant and finished her errand. Then, the crescent of the month of Ramadan appeared while he was in the Levant. The crescent was sighted on the night of Friday. There are over 1,120km between the Levant and Madīnah, the center of the caliphate during the era of Mu‘āwiyah ibn Abi Sufyān, from which the state was run, and which was followed by all the Muslim provinces.
Then, Kurayb said that he went back to Madīnah once again at the end of the month of Ramadan. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) asked him about the journey and the fulfillment of his mother's errand. Then, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned the crescent and asked him: When did you see the crescent in the Levant? Kurayb told him that they saw it on the night of Friday. Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) further asked: "Did you see it" with your own eyes? In response, Kurayb said: Yes, and the people also saw it, and they fasted and so did Mu‘āwiyah (may Allah be pleased with him). Thereupon, Ibn ‘Abbās said: "But we saw it on the night of Saturday," i.e., one night after it was sighted in the Levant. Therefore, we will continue to fast until we complete the thirty days of the month or see the crescent before that with the month being 29 days. This results from the different sightings of crescents from different places. So, Kurayb asked Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him): Will you - or he said: will we - not be content with the sighting by the people of the Levant of the crescent of Ramadan at its beginning, and with them is Caliph Mu‘āwiyah ibn Abi Sufyān (may Allah be pleased with him)? Thus, you fast with their fasting at the start of the month and break your fast with their break of the fast. In reply, Ibn ‘Abbās said: 'No' i.e., we are not content with their sighting. Rather, we observe the fast or complete the month according to our sighting. He probably said that given the great distance between Hejaz and the Levant which allows for different crescent sightings. Also, news could not reach Madīnah from the Levant on the same night. Hence, they comply with the Prophet's command to observe the fast and break the fast based on sighting the crescent. In a Hadīth narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it, and if the weather is cloudy, complete it as thirty." This does not exclusively pertain to the people of a certain region; rather, it is addressed to all Muslims.
The Hadīth indicates that we must rely on sighting the crescents to know the beginnings and ends of the lunar months.
It also points out that the people of each region should fast based on their sighting of the crescent..

1088

Abu al-Bakhtari reported: We saw the crescent of Ramadan while we were at Dhāt ‘Irq. So, we sent a man to Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) to ask him about that. In response, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Indeed, Allah has deferred it till it is seen, but if the weather is cloudy, then complete the period.".

Commentary : Allah made crescents a means for counting months and years. By sighting the crescent, one month begins and another ends. Based on this sighting, many obligations are determined, like fasting and Hajj.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Abu al-Bakhtari Sa‘īd ibn Fayrūz at-Tā’i informs that they saw the crescent of Ramadan one day while they were at a place called Dhāt ‘Irq. This is the locational Miqāt of the pilgrims of the people of Iraq. It lies 42 miles (100km) to the northeast of Makkah. They sent a man to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) to ask him about the crescent of Ramadan and the related rulings, especially if the weather is too cloudy for the people to see it. Thereupon, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Indeed, Allah has deferred it till it is seen," i.e., indeed, Allah extended the period of sighting the crescent till the people could see it. If it is not possible to see it until the end of the twenty-ninth day of the month, and you cannot see it for one reason or another, like the clouds being in the way, you should observe the complete period of the month of Sha'bān as thirty days. This also applies to all Hijri lunar months. This does not exclusively pertain to the people of a certain region; rather, it is addressed to all Muslims.
The Hadīth indicates that we should ask the people of knowledge about obscure and confusing matters.
It also points out that we should leave doubt to certainty when the crescent is hidden by completing the month as thirty days..

1094

Samurah ibn Jundub reported: I heard Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Do not be misled with regard to your Suhūr by the Adhān of Bilāl or the whiteness of the horizon that grows long in this way until it spreads this way.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) defined the time in which a fasting person should refrain from eating during the month of Ramadan; that is the time of "al-Fajr as-Sādiq" (the true dawn). He pointed out that a Muslim may eat and drink till the Adhān of the real dawn.
In its meaning, this Hadīth is linked to other versions which demonstrate that there were two Adhāns for Fajr during the Prophet's lifetime: The first Adhān was proclaimed by Bilāl ibn Rabāh (may Allah be pleased with him). This is the one about which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Do not be misled with regard to your Suhūr by the Adhān of Bilāl or the whiteness of the horizon that grows long in this way." This teaches the Muslims that they may eat and drink when they hear the Adhān of Bilāl, for it was only intended to give notice that the time of Fajr was approaching. The Adhān of Bilāl was proclaimed at the time when the whiteness of the horizon grows long in the sky. And it was meant to make the sleeping person wake up and alert the one standing in prayer. It was followed by the second Adhān, which was proclaimed by Ibn ’Umm Maktūm. Upon hearing it, the people would abstain from food and drink and start fasting.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) directed the people to the sign of the true dawn. He commanded them to eat and drink till "it spreads this way" i.e., until dawn appears extended on the horizon..

1096

‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the Suhūr (pre-dawn) meal.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to urge and enjoin the Muslims to have the Suhūr meal, given the blessing it contains for the fasting person.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says: "The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the Suhūr (pre-dawn) meal," i.e., the Suhūr meal - for he who wants to observe fasting, obligatory, or supererogatory - differentiates between the nature of our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book - the Jews and the Christians. This is because Allah made permissible for us some of what He has prohibited for them. So, our difference from them in this regard represents gratitude for this favor. They do not have a Suhūr meal, while we are enjoined to have it. The best time for this meal is the time of Sahar, which comes shortly before the rise of the true dawn.
This meal is stressed because at this time most people will probably be sleeping, and sleep and its enjoyment may overcome and distract them from the significance of this meal. Then, as a result of abandoning this meal, they will be weakened in undertaking their activities during the daytime.
The Hadīth urges us to have the Suhūr meal.
It shows the Prophet's keenness on being distinguished and different from the People of the Book in the acts of worship common between us and them..

1099

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: Sometimes I missed some fasts of Ramadan and I would not be able to make up for them except in Sha‘bān; due to being busy with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), or because of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). [And in a version]: That is because of the status of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). [And in a version]: Being busy with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is not mentioned in the Hadīth..

Commentary : The Shariah urges and encourages us to use the dispensations, particularly if they entail something that may lead to a certain harm or hardship.
In this Hadīth, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) says: "Sometimes I missed some fasts of Ramadan," i.e., days of fasting in Ramadan were due upon me, for I did not fast them due to things that happen to women, like menstruation, illness, etc. "and I would not be able to make up for them except in Sha‘bān," i.e., she could not make up for these days throughout the year except in Sha‘bān. "due to being busy with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), or because of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)." She used to keep herself prepared and ready for his affairs (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and for pleasing him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) at all times. This shows her extreme politeness and love for him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and it indicates the great rights of the husband upon one's wife.
The Hadīth indicates the legitimacy of delaying the fast of Ramadan until the next Sha‘bān.
It also demonstrates the flexibility provided in the acts of worship and religious obligations.
The Hadīth also shows the significance of the rights of the husband and being busy with obeying him and tending to his affairs..

1104

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: As the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was performing prayer during Ramadan, I came and stood by his side. Then, another man came and stood likewise till we became a group. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) perceived that we were behind him, he lightened the prayer. Then, he went to his abode and performed such a prayer that he would not perform with us. In the morning, we asked him, "Did you perceive us during the night?" He said: "Yes, it was this that prompted me to do what I did." He said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) began to observe Wisāl (continuous Qiyām and fasting) at the end of the month, and some men among his Companions began to observe Wisāl. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "What about those men who observe Wisāl?! You are not like me. By Allah, if the month were lengthened for me, I would observe Wisāl in a way that would make those who act with exaggeration abandon their exaggeration!".

Commentary : Acts of worship must be performed exactly as the Shariah prescribed them. We were commanded to fear Allah as much as we can, without overburdening ourselves or adopting a strict approach in religion, for people differ in terms of their abilities and capacities, and lest people become bored of worship and the religious injunctions.
In this Hadīth, Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) informs the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) once performed a supererogatory prayer in Ramadan during a night in the mosque. Meanwhile, he came and stood on his right side, praying with him. Then, another man came and also stood to pray with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Then, people continued to come and pray behind the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) till they became "Raht" (a group), which is less than ten persons or more, up to forty men. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) perceived they were praying behind him, he began to lighten the prayer to facilitate the matter and make it easy for them. This contrasts with his usual performance of Qiyām al-Layl when he prayed alone. After he made Taslīm ending the prayer, he entered "his abode" i.e., his house, where he performed a long prayer the like of which he did not perform with him. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) informed that in the morning after that night, they said to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "Did you perceive us?" i.e., did you feel our presence during that night when we prayed behind you? He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Yes' i.e., I perceived you praying behind me. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "it was this that prompted me to do what I did", i.e., it was what you did as you prayed behind me that drove me to lighten the prayer, go to my house and pray there, and refrain from coming out to you, lest it may be made obligatory for you. Indeed, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is the most lenient and merciful among people toward his Ummah.
Then, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) told that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) began to observe Wisāl, performing Qiyām all night long and observing fast day and night without breaking it. This Wisāl was at the end of the month of Ramadan. So, some men among his Companions began to observe Wisāl and act like him, thinking that the Prophet's prohibition was meant for discouraging, not unlawfulness. As a result, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got angry and disapproved of them, as Wisāl was not prescribed for the Ummah. Rather, it is one of his peculiar traits (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "What about those men who observe Wisāl" of fasting?! "You are not like me", i.e., in this matter, you are not like me. Rather, you are required to do what is easier for you. It is authentically reported in the Two Sahīh Collections that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would spend the night with his Lord so Allah would provide him with food and drink. This stems from the Prophet's complete compassion and mercy toward his Ummah and his fear that they might get bored of worship and fall short of some tasks of the religion. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) swore to them: "By Allah, if the month were lengthened for me" i.e., if the days of the month of Ramadan increased, as they sighted the crescent one or two days after their observance of Wisāl, according to a Hadīth narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections and reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him). "I would observe Wisāl," i.e., he would continue this Wisāl of his, "in a way that would make those who act with exaggeration", those who overburden themselves, adopt a strict approach, and oblige themselves to do things that were not prescribed for them, "abandon their exaggeration." i.e., so that they would abandon it because of tiredness and hardship, and thus they would themselves be sure of the leniency of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) toward them when he prohibited them from Wisāl. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would indeed increase Wisāl for them to deter and punish them for their lack of compliance with his command (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
The Hadīth points out the Prophet's leniency toward his Ummah and that he would not burden them with things beyond their capacity.
It warns of exaggeration in the acts of worship.
And it warns against overburdening oneself with supererogatory acts of worship..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him):Aboo Talhah(may Allah be pleased with him)used not to fast because of Jihad in the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. However, after the passing of the Prophetﷺ, I never saw him without fasting except on ‘Eid al-Fit and ‘Eid al-Adha.”
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Narrated Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Plague is the cause of martyrdom of every Muslim (who dies because of it).
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Narrated Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Prophetﷺsaying, "Anyone who fasts for one day in the way of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from the Hell fire for seventy autumns.
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Narrated Anas(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺused not to enter any house in Al-Madeenah except the house of Umm Sulaym(may Allah be pleased with her) besides those of his wives when he was asked why, he said, "I take pity on her as her brother was killed in my company. "
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Narrated `Urwahibn al-Ja’d (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Goodnessremains in the foreheads of horses till the Day of Resurrection, for they bring about either a reward or booty.”
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Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’d al-Saa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him): In our garden there was a horse belonging to the Prophetﷺcalled Al-Luhayf.
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‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās reported that: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Successful is the one who accepts Islam and is provided with mere subsistence and Allah makes him content with what He has given him.".

Sahl ibn Hanīf reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A people will go astray toward the east, with shaven heads.".

Samurah ibn Jundub reported: I heard Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Do not be misled with regard to your Suhūr by the Adhān of Bilāl or the whiteness of the horizon that grows long in this way until it spreads this way.".

‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the Suhūr (pre-dawn) meal.".

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him):Aboo Talhah(may Allah be pleased with him)used not to fast because of Jihad in the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. However, after the passing of the Prophetﷺ, I never saw him without fasting except on ‘Eid al-Fit and ‘Eid al-Adha.” .

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Plague is the cause of martyrdom of every Muslim (who dies because of it). .

Narrated Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Prophetﷺsaying, "Anyone who fasts for one day in the way of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from the Hell fire for seventy autumns. .

Narrated Anas(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺused not to enter any house in Al-Madeenah except the house of Umm Sulaym(may Allah be pleased with her) besides those of his wives when he was asked why, he said, "I take pity on her as her brother was killed in my company. " .

Narrated `Urwahibn al-Ja’d (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Goodnessremains in the foreheads of horses till the Day of Resurrection, for they bring about either a reward or booty.” .

Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’d al-Saa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him): In our garden there was a horse belonging to the Prophetﷺcalled Al-Luhayf. .

‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās reported that: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Successful is the one who accepts Islam and is provided with mere subsistence and Allah makes him content with what He has given him.".

Sahl ibn Hanīf reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A people will go astray toward the east, with shaven heads.".

Samurah ibn Jundub reported: I heard Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Do not be misled with regard to your Suhūr by the Adhān of Bilāl or the whiteness of the horizon that grows long in this way until it spreads this way.".

‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the Suhūr (pre-dawn) meal.".

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him):Aboo Talhah(may Allah be pleased with him)used not to fast because of Jihad in the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. However, after the passing of the Prophetﷺ, I never saw him without fasting except on ‘Eid al-Fit and ‘Eid al-Adha.”
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Narrated Anas ibn Maalik(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Plague is the cause of martyrdom of every Muslim (who dies because of it).
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Narrated Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Prophetﷺsaying, "Anyone who fasts for one day in the way of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from the Hell fire for seventy autumns.
.

Narrated Anas(may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺused not to enter any house in Al-Madeenah except the house of Umm Sulaym(may Allah be pleased with her) besides those of his wives when he was asked why, he said, "I take pity on her as her brother was killed in my company. "
.

Narrated `Urwahibn al-Ja’d (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophetﷺsaid, "Goodnessremains in the foreheads of horses till the Day of Resurrection, for they bring about either a reward or booty.”
.

Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’d al-Saa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him): In our garden there was a horse belonging to the Prophetﷺcalled Al-Luhayf.
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