1913

Narrated Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them):The Prophet ﷺ said, "We are an illiterate nation; we can neither write nor calculate. The month is like this and this, i.e., sometimes of 29 days and sometimes of thirty days.".

Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, decreed that the sighting of the new moon (crescent) should be usedto determine the timings of the lunar months. The sighting of the crescent marks the end of one lunar month and the beginning of another. Based on this sighting, many religious obligations are determined, such as fasting and Hajj.
In this hadeeth, Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “We are an uneducated nation; we can neither write nor calculate,” meaning that we, as Arabs, are mostly uneducated or unlettered. The Arabic word ‘Ummi’ denotes “motherly,” which indicates the inability to read, write, or calculate.
Reference to arithmetic skills here means the use of astronomical calculation to track the movements of stars, lunar stages, and calculate times and dates. Arabs are predominantly unfamiliar with astronomical calculation, although a few have mastered it.
Therefore, Islam assigns clear signs and obvious marks for acts of worship that require no astronomical calculation. Then, the Prophet ﷺexplained by the use of sign language to clarify for both the deaf and the non-Arabs. He ﷺ said: “The lunar month is such and such.” The narrator said: “He ﷺ pointed with his hands to indicate that the lunar month is either twenty-nine or thirty days. He ﷺ first pointed with all ten fingers of his hands twice, and folded the thumb the third time, to indicate twenty-nine days; and then gestured with his two hands thrice, to indicate thirty days.
A lunar month does not exceed thirty days and is not less than twenty-nine days. The beginning of the month is marked by the sighting of the crescent after the sunset of the twenty-ninth day, and if the crescent is not sighted, the month is thirty days.
It is noteworthy that the description ‘Ummi (uneducated)’ is one of the attributes of perfection with which Allah, Exalted is He, endowed His Messenger ﷺ and praised him, even though it may be considered an attribute of imperfection with respect to others, because the practice of reading and writing is a means to acquire knowledge that often refines people’s personalities and elevates their status. Since Allah, Exalted is He, singled out the Prophet ﷺ for the earlier and latter knowledge without the need of learning how to read and write, it was a miracle in this respect, and an indication of the sincerity with which he ﷺ was described in the earlier heavenly books and by which was known to the previous nations. Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel…} [Quran 7:157].
In his case, illiteracy is perceived as one of his greatest miracles, and the greatest honor conferred upon him, although it is indicative of apparent deficiency and inability for others.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that the use of sign language is allowable to explain unclear information..

1914

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "None of you should fast a day or two before the month of Ramadan unless he has the habit of fasting (voluntary fasting) (and if his fasting coincides with that day) then he can fast that day.".

Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, decreed that the sighting of the new moon (crescent) should be usedto determine the timing of the lunar months. The sighting of the crescent marks the end of one lunar month and the beginning of another. Based on this sighting, many religious obligations are determined, such as fasting and Hajj.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet ﷺ forbade Muslims from fasting the day or two days before the month of Ramadan (the last day or two days of Sha’baan). It is not prescribed for Muslims to observe fasting at the end of Sha’baan as a precaution, because theobligatory fastingis contingent on the sighting of the moon and there should beno Takalluf (i.e., overburdening oneself with undue duties) involved, whether the sky is clear or cloudy.
He ﷺ specifically mentioned the last two days of Sha‘baan because doubt may arise on those two days if the sky happened to be cloudy (and it was not possible to sight the new moon clearly) for two or three months. He ﷺforbade fasting on these days for two reasons.First, for fear that this would involve adding extra days to the month of Ramadan.It was also forbidden to fast on the Day of ‘Eid for the same reason, and to avoid following the example of the People of the Book,who had fallen into adding to their obligatory fasting based on their personal whims and preferences. This is whyit is prohibited to fast on the Day of Doubt, i.e., the last day of Sha‘baan. Second, the religion made the obligatory fasting in Ramadancontingent on the sighting of the moon and fasting on the preceding day or two days implies challenging the rulings of Islam.
Then he ﷺmade an exception from this prohibition if a person is used to fasting on a specific day, such as the case of someone who habitually observes fasting on alternate days or on Mondays, if such were to coincide with these two days. In this case, there is no impediment to fasting on these days because it does not fall under the category of forbidden fasting (as intended in the hadeeth) as per the laws of Islam.
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1915

Narrated Al-Baraa’ (may Allah be pleased with him):It was the custom among the Companions of Muhammad that if any of them was fasting and the food was served (fast-breaking meal), but he slept before eating, he would not eat that night and the following day till sunset. Qays ibn Sirmah Al-Ansaaree was fasting and came to his wife at the time of Iftaar (fast-breaking meal) and asked her whether she had anything to eat. She replied, "No, but I would go and bring some food for you." He used to do hard work during the day, so he was overwhelmed by sleep and fell asleep. When his wife came back and saw him, she said, "Disappointment for you!" When it was midday on the following day, he fainted and the Prophet ﷺ was informed about the whole matter and the following ayah was revealed (which mean): {It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]…} [Quran 2:187] So, they were overjoyed by it, and then Allah also revealed: {And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset...} [Quran 2:187]
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Commentary :
The wisdom of Allah, Exalted is He, entailed that the Quran should not be revealed all at once, but should rather be revealed on different occasions, to ensurethe gradual building and refinement of the Muslim community that He willed for Muslims.Therefore, the ayaat of the Quran were revealed to address the problems and emerging issues that arose.
In this hadeeth, Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib(may Allah be pleased with him)related that when fasting was first made obligatory (in Ramadan), any ofthe Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)who happened to sleep before breaking his fast would not eat that night and would fast the following day,eating onlyafter the Maghrib prayer of the following day! They had a limited window of time to break their fast; from Maghrib prayer to the time when they went to bed that night. If anyone happened to sleep before breaking his fast, he would carry on with fasting on the following day, and then break his fast on the following day.The same was true for engagement in sexual intercourse with their wives.
He (may Allah be pleased with him) also stated that Qays ibn Sirmah Al-Ansaaree(may Allah be pleased with him) was fasting oneday and went to his wife at the time of Maghrib prayer asking her for the Iftaar (fast-breaking) meal. She told him that she hadn’t any food butsought his permission to go and fetch him some. Exhausted after his workday, hefell asleep while waiting for her. When his wife came back and saw him asleep, she said: "Disappointment for you," meaning,“what a deprivation.” Thiswas a commonly used expression for someone who missed out on an attainment to which he aspired. Qays (may Allah be pleased with him)did not eat anything that night and woke up on the following dayand observed fasting. When hewas halfway through the day, he fainted, and the incident was reported to the Prophet ﷺ. On that occasion, Allah, Exalted is He, revealed the ayah that reads (meaning): {It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous.} [Quran 2:187].The ayah means that it is deemed allowable for you to engage in sexual intercourses with your wives, eat, and drink at any time of the night until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread (of night). At that point of the night, it is obligatory on them to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse until sunset. The Companions(may Allah be pleased with them)were overjoyed.

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1916

Narrated ‘Adiy ibn Haatim(may Allah be pleased with him):When the above ayahwas revealed (which means): {And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of the dawn],} [Quran 2:187] I took two (hair) strings, one black and the other white, and kept them under my pillow and went on looking at them throughout the night but could not make anything out of it! So, the next morning I went to Allah's Messenger ﷺ and told him the whole story. He ﷺexplained to me, "That ayah means the darkness of the night and the whiteness of the dawn.".

Commentary :
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the source of knowledge for his Companions(may Allah be pleased with them); whenever they were confused regarding any of the laws of Islam or the meaning of any ayaatof the Quran, they turned to him for clarification and guidance, and he ﷺ would teach and guide them.
In this hadeeth, ‘Adiy ibnHaatim(may Allah be pleased with him)reports that when the following ayah was revealed (which means): {And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]} [Quran 2:187], it was prescribed for Muslims to eat and drink all night long until dawn, and prior to that they were only allowed to eat and drink after Maghrib prayer until they went to bed. Whenever any of them went to bed, it was not allowed to eat or drink on that night and on the following day as well (until the Maghreb prayer), as narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree. ‘Adiy ibn Haatim(may Allah be pleased with him) understood that the wording of the ayahto be literal,that it meant actualwhite and black threads, and that it is allowable to eat and drink until one could distinguish between them, i.e., after sunrise. Therefore, he brought two ropes (black and white ones) and put them under his pillow to preserve them so that he could easily look at them without having to get up. He would raise the pillow and look at them to determine the beginning of the fast day. After dawn,he would look at the two ropes, but hecould not distinguish the white from the black one, for the daylight was still faint.
Whereupon he (may Allah be pleased with him)went to the Messenger of Allah ﷺand told him the whole story. The Messenger of Allah he ﷺexplained that the correct meaning of theayahwas not to be able to see clearly actualwhite and black threads, but rather meant the ability to distinguish the blackness of the night from the whiteness of the morning, i.e., after dawn, and that the break of dawn was the time limit for the end of the night and the beginning of the morning.This means that whoever wishes to observe fasting is required to abstain from eating and drinking upon seeing that clear and prominent sign, i.e., the break of dawn..

1917

Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’d(may Allah be pleased with him):When the following ayah was revealed(which means): {And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread,} [Quran 2:187] some people who intended to fast, tied black and white threads to their legs and went on eating till they differentiated between the two. Allah then revealed the words, {[of the dawn]}, and it became clear that meant the night and day..

Commentary :
The Noble Quran was not revealed all at once, but was rather revealed to the Prophet ﷺon different occasions, and some ayaat were revealed to further explain and clarify others. The Companions(may Allah be pleased with them)hastened to comply with the divine commands revealed to them.
In this hadeeth, Sahl ibn Sa‘d (may Allah be pleased with him) related the occasion during which the following ayah was revealed. Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {And eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread.} [Quran 2:187].Some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)understood the wording of the ayah literally, and that it meant actual white and black threads. Therefore, they would bring two threads (a black and a white one) and tie them to their feet and would eat and drink until they were able to differentiate between the black and white one (i.e., to determine the beginning of the fast day after dawn). Afterwards, Allah, Exalted is He, revealed the words {of the dawn} [Quran 2:187].in the ayah, and thereupon they learned that it does not referto actual white and black threads, but rather meant the ability to distinguish the blackness of the night from the whiteness of the morning, i.e., after dawn, and that the break of dawn was the time limit for the end of the night and the beginning of the morning. This means that whoever wishes to observe fasting is required to abstain from eating and drinking upon seeing that clear and prominent sign, i.e., the break of dawn.
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1923

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺsaid, "Eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) for indeed there is a blessing in it."
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Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ did not leave any good pertaining to this worldly life or the Hereafter without guiding Muslims to it and urging them to abide by it.
In the hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺurgedand commanded those who wished to fast to eat the Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). He ﷺ said: “Eat Suhoor,”meaning the pre-dawn meal during the month of Ramadan(obligatory fasting) and otherwise (voluntary fasting). He ﷺ explained: “for indeed there is a blessing in it,”meaning that it abounds in good, benefits, and blessings. The blessings in Suhoor aretastededon account of following the Sunnah and going against the practices of the People of the Book, because they did not eat before dawn. It also helps the fasting person gain strength to be able to endure fasting, boosts his energylevels for the rest of the day, andempowers him to practice self-restraintand repel the urges toexhibit bad mannerstriggered by hunger. The blessings of Suhoor are also manifest in being a reason for giving charity to those who may ask for it at this time, or join him for the Suhoor meal, in reciting Thikr and supplications at a time when they are most likely accepted, and holding the intention of fasting for those who had forgotten to do so before going to bed on the previous night.
Emphasis is placed on eating the Suhoor meal because most people most likely sleep at this time;they may be overwhelmed by sleep and thus miss out on having thisimportant meal, causingthem to experience fatigue at daytime while performing their daily activities and work.
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1924

Narrated Salamah ibn Al-Akwa’ (may Allah be pleased with him):Once the Prophet ﷺordered a person on ‘Aashooraa’ (the 10th day of Muharram) to announce, "Whoever has eaten, should not eat any more, but observe fasting, and who has not eaten should not eat, but complete his fast (till the end of the day)”.
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Commentary :
The Day of ‘Aashooraa’ is one of the blessed days of Allah, Exalted is He, on which He saved His Prophet Moosaa from Pharaoh and his army. The Messenger of Allahﷺ fasted it, and commanded Muslims to fast as well. It was the first prescribed fast for Muslims before fasting was deemed obligatory in Ramadan.
In this hadeeth, Salamah ibn Al-Akwa‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet ﷺ sent a man, i.e., Hind ibn Asmaa’ ibn Haarithah Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him), as stated in Musnad Ahmad and other Hadeeth collections, to announce to people on the Day of ‘Aashooraa’, the 10th day of the sacred month of Muharram, that whoever had eaten on that day should abstain from eating for the rest of the day until the time of Iftaar, to honor the sacredness of this blessed day, and that whoever had not eaten yet should hold the intention of fasting and fast.
After the fasting of Ramadan was deemed obligatory, fasting on the Day of ‘Aashooraa’became optional.It has been reported that fasting on the Day of ‘Aashooraa’ expiates the sins committed during the previous year, as reported on the authority of Aboo Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated by Imam Muslim.
Many narrations have been reported regarding the reasons why the Prophet ﷺ fasted onthe Day of ‘Aashooraa’. For instance, it was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:“When the Prophet ﷺ came to Al-Madeenah, he found (the Jews) fasting on the Day of ‘Aashooraa’ (i.e., 10th of Muharram). They used to say: "This is a great day on which Allah, Exalted is He, saved Prophet Moosaa and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moosaa observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah." The Prophet ﷺ said, "I am closer to [Prophet] Moses than they!" So, he observed fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
Moreover, it was reported on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)that the Prophet ﷺ said about the Day of ‘Aashooraa’: “That was a day on which the people of pre-Islamic days used to observe fast. So, he who amongst you likes to observe fast should do so, and he who does not like it should abandon it.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
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1926

‘Aa’ishah and Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them)said:At times, Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to get up in the morning in a state of Janaabah (i.e., post sexual-intercourse ritual impurity) after having sexual relations with his wives, take a bath and fast.
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Commentary :
The Companions sometimes held different opinions regarding certain issues, but they abided by the due Islamic etiquette of disagreement that the Prophet ﷺ taught them.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abd Al-Rahmaan ibn Al-Haarith, a Taabi‘i (Follower, from the generation of Muslims who followed the Companions), narrated thathe told Marwaan ibn Al-Hakam that the Mothers of Believers ‘Aa’ishah and Umm Salamah(may Allah be pleased with them) told him that the Prophet ﷺ sometimes woke upafter dawn in a state of Janaabah after having intimate relations with some of his wives,and that he ﷺ would perform Ghusl and observe fasting on that day, as long as he ﷺ had not eaten or drunk anything after dawn. This indicates the permissibility ofcommencing fasting while being in a state of Janaabah before performing Ghusl. The state of Janaabah refers to the post sexual-intercourse state of major ritual impurity experienced by whoever discharges(ejaculates) Manniy (semen) or engages in a sexual intercourse, and the Arabic word denotes the refrainment from prayer and certain worshipful acts until attaining ritual purity (by performing Ghusl).
When Marwaan ibn Al-Hakam, who was then the governor of Al-Madeenah,heard that, he made‘Abd Al-Rahman swear to tell this hadeeth to Aboo Hurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him) - for he used to give Fatwa (scholarly opinion) that whoever wakes upin a state of Janaabah in the morning, his fast on that day is not valid - because the wives of the Prophet ﷺwere the most knowledgeable in such matters. He added: “I urge you tosurprise Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)with it,” and this could also mean to rebuke him with it.Marawaan made ‘Abd Al-Rahmaanswear to inform Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) of that hadeeth to investigate the relevant ruling further, to know whether or not he (may Allah be pleased with him)knew of another abrogated text, or one that abrogated this ruling, or warranted specification of its general indication or its interpretation to a different effect.
‘Abd Al-Rahmaan ibnAl-Haarith disliked doing what Marwaan ibn Al-Hakam asked him to do, and later on met with Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)at the Miqaat of Dhul-Haleefah, theMiqaat of the people of Al-Madeenah who wish to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah.This place is currently known as Aabaar ‘Ali,a specified placeat the beginning of the route from Al-Madeenah to Makkah, about six miles (approximately 13 km) away from Al-Madeenah and two hundred miles (approximately 408 km) away from Makkah, and it is the farthest Miqaat from Makkah. Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) owned a plot of land there. ‘Abd Al-Rahmaan said to him, “I shall tell you something, and had not Marawaan urged me to do so, I would not have brought it up!” He then informed him of the statement the Mothers of the Believers ‘Aa’ishah and Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them). Thereupon, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) told him that Al-Fadhl ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them) had reported to him that the Prophet ﷺ said that whoever wakes up in the morning of a fast day while being in a state of Janaabah, his fasting is invalid, but ‘Aa’ishah and Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them) were more knowledgeable of such matters.A version of the hadeeth cited in Saheeh Muslim reads: “Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) ‘Have they said that?’ He (‘Abd Al-Rahmaan) replied: ‘Yes!’ Thereupon, Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) ‘They are more knowledgeable (of such matters)!’”
Clearly, they were more knowledgeable of such matters than Al-Fadhl (may Allah be pleased with them), and their statement in this regard is given precedence overothers, because they narrated it based on close observation of the Prophet’s private life, unlike others.
It is deduced fromm the hadeeth that Muslims should accept and embrace the truth and give up opinions that are proven wrong by means of sound argument and proof.
It is also inferred from it that it is permissible for scholars to visit therulers, discuss with them issues of knowledge, and obey them in what is permissible and good.
Finally, it is deduced that ifa religious ruling on a given matter is disputed, it should be referred to the ones who are most likelyknowledgeable of it.
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1927

‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her):
The Prophet ﷺ used to kiss and embrace (his wives) while he was fasting, and he had more power to control his sexual desires than any of you.”Narrated Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him): "The person who discharges (semen) after casting a look (on his wife) should complete his fast.".

Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ made clear for us the permissible and impermissible acts for a fasting person by means of his sayings and actions, and the honorable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) reported such sayings and actions to us.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of Believers ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, clarified to us the allowable acts of intimacy between spousesduring fasting. She (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Prophet ﷺ used to kiss and embrace (his wives) while he was fasting,” meaning kissing ortouching (skin-to-skin contact), without engaging in sexual intercourse, such asforeplay and embracing. He ﷺ used to do so in the obligatory and voluntary fasting. She (may Allah be pleased with her) added: “… and he had more power to control his sexual desires than any of you,” meaning that he ﷺ had the best self-control ability to curb his sexual desires from invalidating his fast. The Arabic word ‘Al-’Irab’ used in the hadeeth refers to the sexual need or body part. The Mother of the Believers ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her)indicated by her saying: “… and he had more power to control his sexual desires than any of you,” that it is permissible to kiss and to engage in lesser acts of intimacy (without actually having sexual intercourse) for those who are able to control themselvesso that there is no fear of ejaculation or even having sex.
The hadeeth also highlights the good manners of the Prophet ﷺ and his kindness with his wives.
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1929

Zaynab(may Allah be pleased with her), the daughter of Umm Salamah, narrated that her mother said, "While I was (lying) with Allah's Messenger ﷺ underneath a woolen sheet, I got the menstrual bleeding, and then slipped away and put on the clothes (which I used to wear) in menses. He asked, "What is the matter? Did you get your menses?" I replied in the affirmative and then entered underneath that woolen sheet. I and Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to take a bath from one water pot and he used to kiss me while he was fasting.".

Commentary :
The Mothers of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with them), the wives of the Prophet ﷺ, reported to us manydetails of his private life with them. This has helped tofurther explain the laws of Islam and clarify for Muslims their religion.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers, Umm Salamah, Hind bint Aboo Umayyah(may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that while she was lying next to the Prophet ﷺ beneath a blanket or covering called ‘Al-Khameelah,’a black sheet made of wool or other fabric, she experienced the menstrual bleeding. Therefore, shegot up hurriedly anddiscreetly so thatno blood shouldreach the Prophet’s ﷺbody. It could also mean that she was disgusted to sleep next to him in such acondition. She (may Allah be pleased with her)took the clothes that she had prepared to wear during menstruation to put them on. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺnoticed and said to her: "What is the matter? Did you get your period?" She (may Allah be pleased with her) replied in the affirmative and then he ﷺ asked her to come back to bed next to him underneath that woolen sheet (Khameelah).
She (may Allah be pleased with her)also stated that she and the Prophet ﷺ used to take a bath from one water pot while both were in a state of Janaabah. They used to share the same water pot during Ghusl and he ﷺused to kiss her while he was fasting, for he ﷺhad more power in controlling his sexual desires, and kissing his wives would not result in engaging in sexual intercourse during daytime of Ramadan, as the Mother of the Believers ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “… and he had more power to control his sexual desires than any of you.” It is deduced therefrom that it is allowable for a Muslim man to kiss and engage in Mubaasharah (i.e., lesser acts of intimacy like kissing, embracing, and skin-to-skin contact without engaging in sexual intercourse) with his wife during daytime inRamadan, provided that he has the power to control himself and abstain from any act of intimacy where there is fear of ejaculation or engaging in sexual intercourse.
It is also inferred from the hadeeth that it is preferable for a woman to wear special clothes for menstruation, other than her usual clothes.
The hadeeth also underlines the good manners of the Prophet ﷺ and his kindness with his wives..

1938

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺhad Hijaamah performed on him while he was in the state of lhraam (i.e., ritual state of consecration), and also while he was observing fasting..

Commentary :
Hijaamah (cupping therapy)is one of the ancient forms of alternative medicine used to remove bad blood from the body.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullahibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) informed us that the Prophet ﷺhad Hijaamah performed on him while he was in a state of lhraam (ritual state of consecration), and also while he was fasting.
The apparent indication of the hadeeth is that it refers to two sperate occasions. The version of the hadeeth cited in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree reads: “The Prophet ﷺhad Hijaamah performed on his head while he was in a state of lhraam to cure migraine headaches. This took place in Lahy Jamal,a place between Makkah and Al-Madeenah, about seven miles (12 km) away from Al-Madeenah..

1940

Narrated Thaabit Al-Bunaanee:Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him)was asked whether they believed that undertaking Hijaamah therapyis disliked for a fasting person. He replied in the negative and said, "No [not for a religious reason], except for fear of weakness.".

Commentary :
Hijaamah (wet cupping therapy) is one of the ancient forms of alternative medicine used to remove bad blood from the body.
In this hadeeth,the Taab’iee Thaabit Al-Bunaaneeinforms us that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked whether they believed that Hijaamah therapy was disliked for a fasting person during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ.
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) clarifiedthat it was held as non-prohibitivelydisliked(Makrooh Tanzeehan) rather than prohibitively disliked (Makrooh Tahreeman), because it may cause fatigue during fasting, possibly drainingthe fasting person and requiringhim to getnutrients into his body (i.e., break his fast).
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1942

‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her):Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him) said, "O Allah's Messenger!I fast continuously."
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Commentary :
Islam commands Muslims to avail of their share of the worldly life, and not to neglect the right of Allah to be worshipped. Thus, it preaches harmonious balance between the life of the body and that of the heart. Some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)used to abide by the original religious rulings rather than opting for concessionsgranted by the religion with the aim of drawing closer to Allah, without hindering their abilities to carry on with their normal everyday activities.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him) told the Prophet ﷺ he used to fast continuously, meaning to fast all year long,except for days when fasting is deemed forbidden such as the two days of ‘Eid andthe days of Tashreeq (i.e., the 11th 12th and 13th of Thoo al-Hijjah).
A version of the hadeeth in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim states that he (may Allah be pleased with him) said so to the Prophet ﷺ because hetravelled often and was asking about fasting while traveling. The Prophet ﷺ said: “You may fast if you wish or refrain from fastingif you wish!” As far as voluntary fasting while traveling is concerned, a person is given the choice to observe fasting or refrain from it. The prohibition of fasting continuously (all year long) has been reported in the Sunnah. It has been narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet ﷺ said to him: “There is no (reward for) fasting (for him) who fasts perpetually (all year long).” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
To reconcile between the two hadeeths,scholars have advised that the wisdom behind forbidding fasting perpetually (all year long) is that it drains a person and renders him unable to partake in Jihaad and fulfill the rights due on him. However, if someone has the physical strength to endure fasting all year long while fulfilling the rights due on him (and carry out his obligations), there is no harm in that..

1943

‘Aa’ishah(may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, said:“Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him)asked the Prophet ﷺ: "Should I fast while traveling?" The Prophet ﷺreplied, "You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish.”
.

Commentary :
Travelling is a tortuous experience and it is usually accompanied by fatigue and hardship. Therefore, Allah, Exalted is He,has relieved travelersof certain religious duties and the Laws of Islamhas granted him legal concessions to eliminate such hardship. However, some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to abide by the original religious rulings rather than opting for legal concessions granted by the religion with the aim of drawing closer to Allah.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him)asked the Prophet ﷺwhether or not he should fast while traveling. The Prophet ﷺ gave him the choice to fast or refrain from fasting while traveling. He ﷺ said: "You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish.”
Refrainment from fasting while traveling is a legal concession granted to the traveler, upon whom fasting is otherwise deemed obligatory. A traveler is given the choice between availing himself of this legal concession or abiding by the original ruling.
Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him)observed voluntary fasting often and it has been reported in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim that he even used to fast continuously, meaning all year long, except for days when fasting is deemed forbidden, such as the two days of ‘Eidand the days of Tashreeq (i.e., the 11th 12th and 13th of Thoo al-Hijjah).
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1945

Narrated Aboo Al-Dardaa’ (may Allah be pleased with him):We set out with Allah's Messengerﷺon one of his journeys on a very hot day, and it was so hot that one had to put his hand over his head because of the severity of heat. None of us was fasting except the Prophet ﷺand Ibn Rawaahah (may Allah be pleased with him).
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Commentary :
Traveling is not free of physical and psychological hardship, and therefore, Allah, Exalted is He, relieved travelersof certain religious duties, and the Laws of Islam grants legal concessions to eliminate such hardship. However, some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to abide by the original rulings rather than opting for legal concessions granted by the Laws of Islam whenever they were able to do so, with the aim of drawing closer to Allah.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Al-Dardaa’ (may Allah be pleased with him) related that they set off on a journey with the Prophet ﷺ on a very hot day during the month ofRamadan, as stated in the narration in Saheeh Muslim. It was so hot thatthe Companions had toput their hands over their heads because of the severity of the heat. None of them fasted on that day except for the Prophet ﷺ and‘Abdullahibn Rawaahah(may Allah be pleased with him).The rest of the Companions(may Allah be pleased with them) availed themselves of thelegal concession in this regard. Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {…and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.} [Quran 2:185].
It has been reported that the Prophet ﷺ refrained from fasting during some of his travels and criticized those who were fasting, as narrated in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with them): “The Messenger of Allahﷺwent off to Makkah in Ramadan in the year of the Conquest, and they fasted until they arrived at Kuraa‘Al-Ghameem (i.e., a valley two stages from Makkah on the way to Al-Madeenah). He ﷺthen called for a cup of water which he raised until people looked at it, and then he drank. He ﷺwas told afterwards that some people had carried on with their fast (and had not broken it). Thereupon, heﷺ said, “Those are the disobedient ones; those are the disobedient ones.””
The reason the Prophet ﷺ described those people as ‘disobedient’ was that he ﷺ had commandedthem to break their fast and it was upon them to obey him. He ﷺ sometimes commanded Muslims verbally and sometimes tacitly by his actions.When he ﷺ broke his fast, this was a tacit command for themto avail themselves of the relevant legal concession so that they would gain strengthen forJihaad. Since these disobedient people refused to comply with his command, they fell into manifest error. They were described as ‘disobedient’ because in doing so they contravened the Laws of Islam..

1160

Mu‘ādhah al-‘Adawiyyah reported: I asked ‘Ā’ishah, the wife of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): “Did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast three days of each month?" She said: 'Yes.' I said to her: "Which days of the month did he use to fast?" She said: "It did not matter to him which days of the month he fasted.".

Commentary : People would ask the Prophet's wives about his custom regarding matters unclear to them or those they liked to learn about.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Mu‘ādhah al-‘Adawiyyah informs that she asked ‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers, (may Allah be pleased with her): "Did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) use to fast three days of each month?" The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urged the observance of fasting for three days every month, as narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections. In response to her, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: 'Yes', he used to fast them, and this was the minimum he would fast in a month. Then, Mu‘ādhah al-‘Adawiyyah asked for the specification of these days; whether they were at the start, middle, or end of the month, and whether they were successive or separated? ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) told her that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not care about fixing these days; rather, she would find him fasting at the start of the month and at its middle and at its end. It was said: He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) probably did not observe three specific days in a persistent manner, lest it might be thought they were specified.
In a Hadīth narrated by Abu Dāwūd, ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast - meaning at the Ghurrah of each month - three days, i.e., the start of the month. The Ghurrah of something is its beginning. It was also said: He meant the white days in the middle of the month during which the moon becomes full, namely the 13th, 14th, and 15th days. This is because Ghurrah also refers to whiteness. So, the Companion ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd, who reported the Hadīth, probably mentioned the usual practice based on his knowledge of the Prophet's conditions and that he used to fast these days. Also, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), as narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections, reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would fast so often outside Ramadan until it was said: He does not cease fasting. And he would refrain from fasting until it was said: He does not fast. Nonetheless, he used to fast on certain days, like the days at the start of the month and its middle, as well as on Mondays and Thursdays.
The bottom line is that there were numerous conditions for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) regarding fasting. Every Companion reported what he knew about the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), or what he saw, or what was suitable in a certain situation; all the reports about the Prophet's fasting are authentic, which falls under permissibility and flexibility for those who want to fast as they wish while being keen to adhere to the Prophet's Sunnah and keep away from the days in which fasting is prohibited.
In the Hadīth: Demonstrating the practice of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as he used to fast often and diligently.

1162

Abu Qatādah al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about his fasting. He said: . The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got angry. Thereupon, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We are pleased with Allah as a Lord, with Islam as a religion, with Muhammad as a Messenger, and with our pledge of allegiance as a pledge of allegiance." He said: He was asked about fasting of Ad-Dahr (all days), and he said: May he not fast or break his fast, or he has not fasted or broken his fast. He said: He was asked about fasting for two days and not fasting for one day, and he said: Who could bear that?! He said: He was asked about fasting one day and not fasting for two days, and he said: I wish that Allah had given us the strength for that. He said: He was asked about fasting one day and not fasting for one day, and he said: That is the fasting of my brother David (Dāwūd) (peace be upon him). He said: He was asked about fasting on Monday, and he said: That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was sent (as a Prophet), or the revelation was sent down to me on that day. He said: And he said: Fasting three days every month and from Ramadan to the next Ramadan is (equivalent to) the fasting of Ad-Dahr (all days). He said: He was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafah, and he said: It expiates the past year and the coming one. He said: He was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Āshūrā’, and he said: It expiates the past year..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) liked that a Muslim should perform the deeds he can bear and do regularly. People used to ask about his guidance (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) regarding matters confusing and unclear to them, or about things they would like to know, so that they could follow his example and attain success.
In this Hadīth, Abu Qatādah al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about his fasting, meaning: the fasting of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). In the version by Ahmed, it is mentioned that the questioner was a Bedouin, an Arab living in the desert. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got angry and the effect of anger became manifest on his face, due to this man's statement and question. He probably got angry because he disliked the question, as he would need to answer it and feared that his answer would lead to some evil, namely that the questioner might think it to be obligatory or too little, or he might restrict himself to it while his condition allowed for more than that. As for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), he restricted himself to it due to his preoccupation with the interests and rights of Muslims, and the rights of his wives and guests and those who came to him, lest his example might be followed by anyone, and this would cause harm to some people. The questioner should have said: How much should I fast? Or: How should I fast? Thus, he would pose the question regarding himself, to which he would give him an answer based on his condition, as he gave answers to others on the basis of their respective conditions. Moreover, the Prophet's fasting did not follow one pattern. Rather, it would differ with the difference of conditions. He would sometimes fast often and at other times less often, and a situation like that makes it hard to answer the question.
When ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) noticed the Prophet's anger, he - out of politeness and respect towards the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and as an apology and appeasement to him, and out of pity towards the questioner - said: "We are pleased with Allah as a Lord, with Islam as a religion, with Muhammad as a Messenger," i.e., we are pleased with His planning and predestination for us, and we have taken Him as our God and Deity, apart from anyone else. And we are pleased with Islam as a religion, as we have chosen it from among all religions and entered it being content and submissive, and we did not seek a religion other than Islam. And we are pleased with Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as a Messenger. We are pleased with all he brought from Allah Almighty and accepted that with submission and delight, and we believed what he said, obeyed his commands, and shunned his prohibitions, and we loved, followed, and supported him.
"and with our pledge of allegiance as a pledge of allegiance," which refers to the pledge of allegiance over Hijrah and Jihad. This shows complete faith and submission to Allah and to His Messenger and religion.
When the Prophet's anger subsided, ‘Umar asked him - as related in another version by Muslim - in a more accurate and rational manner that was closer to the truth. He posed his question in a general way that would benefit all people. He asked him about fasting for all days, which is the fasting for all the days of the year consecutively, and about the state of he who observes such fasts, as to whether it is commendable or dispraised. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "May he not fast or break his fast;" or he said: "He has not fasted or broken his fast." The meaning: He does not struggle against the severity of hunger and thirst because he gets used to fasting and so it becomes easier for him, and he does not need the patience over the effort upon which the reward is conditional. Hence, he becomes like one who did not fast. And since he does not gain the comfort and pleasure felt by those who break their fast, it is as if he did not break his fast. It was said: This means supplication against him, by way of deterring him. It may also be an informative statement, meaning that it is as if this person did not break the fast because he ate nothing, and he did not observe the fast because his fast was not prescribed by the Lawgiver.
Then, he asked him about a person fasting for two days and not fasting for one day. Thus, the days he fasts are double the days he does not fast, which makes this act of worship more common than the usual way of life. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Who could bear that?!", i.e., who can do that being able to continue fasting while discharging his other duties of the day?! He seemed to have disliked it, for it mostly goes beyond people's capacity, and so it is not encouraged by an easy and tolerant religion. It was said: It indicates that the reason for prohibition is weakness, which means: If anyone can bear it, there is nothing wrong with that.
Then, he asked him about a person fasting one day and not fasting for two days. Thus, the days he does not fast are double the days he fasts, and he continues to do that for all his life. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) replied to him, saying: I wish that Allah had given us the strength for that. He seemed to have approved of this type of fasting and hoped to observe it. It was said: That his wish pertains to others in his Ummah, for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would bear it and more than that, and it is authentically reported that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe continuous fasts. It was said: This means that because of his preoccupation with his wives, guests, activities, and people, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not observe this amount of fasting on a continuous basis. This is not because of his weakness to bear fasting, or his lack of patience over abstinence from eating for this period.
Then, he asked him about a person who fasts one day and does not fast for one day, and who takes that as a habit. In response, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "That is the fasting of my brother David (Dāwūd) (peace be upon him)." This indirectly indicates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged this fasting, for it is very moderate and it takes the two aspects of worship and habit into the best consideration, and it is one of the most beloved fasts to Allah Almighty, as related in the Two Sahīh Collections. This is because it is not ongoing fasting nor ongoing abandonment of fasting.
Then, he asked him about the reason behind fasting on Monday. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "That is the day on which I was born and a day on which I was commissioned (as a Prophet)," i.e., the day of the beginning of my prophethood; so, it is the day most worthy of being fasted. Or he said: "the revelation was sent down to me therein;" the revelation began to come down on it.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said that fasting three days every month - which applies to specification, like the fasting of the white days: the 13th, 14th, and 15th days; or to generality, like fasting three days at the beginning of the month, its middle, or at its end, successively or sporadically - and the fasting of Ramadan every year is equivalent to the fasting of all days. That is, Allah, out of His grace and generosity, multiplies the reward for every act of goodness and worship, involving words or deeds, tenfold. So, a good deed is multiplied to ten similar good deeds. Likewise, the fasting of one day is recorded as fasting of ten days. Accordingly, if a person fasts three days, it is as if he fasts thirty days, which is a whole month. Thus, by fasting three days every month, it is as if he fasts the entire year, in addition to the obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadan.
And he asked him about fasting on the day of ‘Arafah. In response, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said that whoever fasts it, Allah forgives for him the sins of two years: the past year and the coming year. This fasting is to be observed by non-pilgrims, for it is disliked for a pilgrim to fast on the day of ‘Arafah. This is because fasting on this day will make the pilgrim too weak to stand and supplicate. As for non-pilgrims, they are addressed by this Hadīth to the relevant merit and attainment of rewards from Allah Almighty. The day of ‘Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. It was called as such because it comprises one of the pillars of Hajj, namely standing at ‘Arafah in Makkah.
Then, he asked him about the fasting of the day of ‘Āshūrā’, which is the tenth day of the month of Muharram. This is the day in which Allah saved Moses (peace be upon him) and his people from Pharaoh. So, Moses fasted it in gratitude to Allah for His favor in destroying the oppressors. In response, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said that Allah forgives by fasting this day the sins of the past year.
This expiation includes minor sins, not the major ones. As for major sins, they can only be expiated by repentance or mercy from Allah, or it is hoped the major sins will be alleviated. It was said: The expiation for the coming year is that He will preserve him from committing sins in it. It was also said: that He will give him an amount of mercy and reward that expiates for the past year and the next one if it comes and he commits sins therein.
These questions by ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) point to his proper understanding. He first calmed the anger of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and then asked him about certain types of fasting that comprise all that a Muslim can observe, and he knew their rulings, while demonstrating which of them are valid and which are not and pointing out the merit of some of them. Meanwhile, he taught us all of that. So, whoever wishes can observe the valid fast and choose what is more suitable for himself and his ability.
The Hadīth points out the merit of fasting on Monday.
It also points out the merit of fasting on the day of ‘Āshūrā’.
It also shows the merit of fasting on the day of ‘Arafah.
And it demonstrates the merit of fasting during the month of Ramadan.
The Hadīth points out that Allah is Kind to His servants, and He facilitates things for them and removes hardships and restrictions from them.
The Hadīth prohibits fasting for all days.
And it forbids overburdening oneself in worship with things beyond one's capacity..

1163

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported in a Marfū‘ Hadīth: He [i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)] was asked: "Which prayer is the most excellent after the obligatory prayer? And which fasting is the most excellent after the month of Ramadan?" He said: "The most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer in the middle of the night, and the most excellent fasting after the month of Ramadan is fasting Allah's month of Al-Muharram.".

Commentary : Prayer and fasting are among the pillars of Islam. Allah determined the obligatory prayer as five prayers during the day and night and determined the obligatory fasting as the fasting of the month of Ramadan. But, if anyone wants to perform these two forms of worship on a voluntary basis, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) specified its meritorious times during which the servant obtains the best reward.
In this Hadīth, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about the best times and conditions for offering prayer and observing fast voluntarily. So, someone asked him: What are the best prayers after performing the five obligatory prayers, which must be offered? These are the best forms of worship whereby a servant can seek closeness to Allah Almighty before thinking about supererogatory and additional worship, in case he wants to offer that voluntarily. In a clarifying and demonstrating reply, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer in the middle of the night." This is because prayer during the night is more likely to be free from Riyā’ (show-off) and closer to sincerity, and the praying person can offer it in a focused and carefree manner away from daytime preoccupations. Plus, this is more helpful in remembering the Qur’an and not forgetting some of the verses. The middle of the night means: the last third of the night.
And he was asked about the most excellent fasting after the obligatory fasting of Ramadan, and he replied that the most excellent fasting after the month of Ramadan is fasting Allah's month of Al-Muharram, which is one of the sacred months within which Allah prohibited fighting. The month is attributed to Allah by way of extolment. It is the first month in the Hijri calendar, which is a reason for him to start it with the doing of good and receive it with worship. This is one of the best deeds, just as the first part of the day is received with Dhikr. So, it is hoped that this expiates for the rest of the year, akin to the merit of Dhikr in the early part of the day. It is also probable that since fighting was prohibited during Muharram, seizing its time for fasting was a good opportunity because the times during which fighting is permissible may entail that the believer does not fast, for fasting causes weakness.
The Hadīth points out the merit of prayer in the middle of the night.
It demonstrates the merit of fasting during the month of Muharram.
It also indicates that supererogatory and voluntary worship can be offered after performing the obligations..

1164

Abu Ayyūb al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days in Shawwāl, it will be like a perpetual fast.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast some days every month on a voluntary basis, and he urged his Companions to do the same. He also urged the fasting of some days within the months of the year, given their abundant reward.
In this Hadīth, he directed the Muslims to fast six days in Shawwāl, after Ramadan, and pointed out that if anyone fasts the entire Ramadan and then fasts six days in Shawwāl, successive or sporadic - for fasting them successively or sporadically falls under the adherence to the Sunnah - he will obtain a reward equivalent to fasting the entire year. This stems from the great bounty of Allah towards His Muslim servants, as He multiplies the reward for them. This is explained by the verse that reads: {Whoever comes with a good deed will be rewarded tenfold.} [Surat al-An‘ām: 160] The month of Ramadan is equivalent to ten months, and fasting six days after Eid al-Fitr completes the year.
The Hadīth points out the merit of fasting six days in the month of Shawwāl..

1166

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I was shown Laylat al-Qadr, and then some members of my family woke me up, and I was caused to forget it. So, seek it in the remaining ten days." [And in a version]: I forgot it..

Commentary : Laylat al-Qadr is a great night whose status Allah points out in Surat al-Qadr. In this night the Qur’an was revealed; worship in it is better than worship in a thousand months; the angels descend in it with the permission of Allah; and it contains safety, security, and peace. It is known to occur, but its time is unknown. Several versions are reported from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the specification of Laylat al-Qadr. This Hadīth is one of those versions, and in it the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I was shown Laylat al-Qadr," i.e., I was made aware of the specification of Laylat al-Qadr and on which night it occurs, but "some members of my family woke me up." This indicates that the Prophet's sighting of it was in a dream. However, his dreams (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the dreams of the prophets (peace be upon them) were divine revelations. This does not denote that he did not learn about it during wakefulness. As the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was caused to forget it, he said: "So, seek it in the remaining ten days," i.e., try to find it in the remaining ten days, which are the last ten days of the month of Ramadan as a whole. Other versions in the Two Sahīh Collections state that it occurs on odd-numbered days within the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet's statement: "seek it" denotes encouragement to try to find it. This should be done by engaging in worship, supplication, and pious acts.
This Hadīth mentions that the reason behind the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forgetting Laylat al-Qadr was that some members of his household awakened him. And it is mentioned in a Hadīth in the Sahīh Al-Bukhāri Collection, reported by ‘Ubādah ibn as-Sāmit (may Allah be pleased with him), that the reason behind that was a dispute and conflict between two men. And also in a Hadīth in the Sahīh Muslim Collection, reported by Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), with the wording: "There came two men contending with each other and along with them was the devil." To reconcile these two Hadīths, this may either be taken to denote plurality; thus, the vision in the Hadīth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) was a dream. The forgetfulness happened because of awakening, and the vision in the Hadīth reported by others happened during wakefulness, while the forgetfulness occurred because of the mentioned dispute. Or it may be taken to suggest the occurring of the two stories, in which case the forgetfulness happened twice for two reasons. Or this may probably mean: Some members of my family awakened me, and I heard the dispute between the two men and got up to mediate between them. So, I was caused to forget it, due to my preoccupation with the two men.
The Hadīth indicates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was subject to forgetfulness, in what Allah willed.
It points out that Laylat al-Qadr lies in the last ten days of Ramadan.
It urges us to seek Laylat al-Qadr..

1168

‘Abdullāh ibn ’Unays reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I was shown Laylat al-Qadr and then I was caused to forget it. I saw myself prostrating in water and mud on its morning." He said: We had rain during the twenty-third night. So, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) led us in prayer and left, and indeed the trace of water and mud was on his forehead and nose. He said: ‘Abdullāh ibn ’Unays used to say: The twenty-third..

Commentary : There is no doubt that the greatest month in the sight of Allah is the month of Ramadan, and the greatest night is Laylat al-Qadr. Therefore, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) diligently tried to specify it. So, numerous Hadīths were reported on determining this night.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ’Unays (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I was shown Laylat al-Qadr and then I was caused to forget it," i.e., I came to know on which day it occurs. Then, this knowledge was taken away from me. Jibrīl (Gabriel) (peace be upon him) informed him of its specific time in that year. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) saw in a dream - and the dreams of the prophets are true and truth, and constitute revelation from Allah Almighty - that its sign is that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was prostrating in water and mud. Then, ‘Abdullāh ibn ’Unays (may Allah be pleased with him) related that it rained on the twenty-third night. The Prophet's vision of himself prostrating in water and mud came true. He led them in Qiyām al-Layl and departed after the prayer as the trace of water and mud was on his forehead and nose due to prostrating over them. This was confirmation of the Prophet's dream. The roof of his mosque was made of palm leaf stalks. Based on this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ’Unays (may Allah be pleased with him) used to determine Laylat al-Qadr to be the twenty-third night every year. Several Hadīths are reported specifying the time of Laylat al-Qadr. The scholars had a lot to say on reconciling these Hadīths or favoring some above others. This includes: that Laylat al-Qadr moves every year within the last ten days of Ramadan. It was called Laylat al-Qadr because of its high status and rank, or because the pious deeds performed therein are of great significance. Out of Allah's wisdom, He concealed it from people for them to diligently seek it within the nights, and thus, they will engage more in worship, which brings benefits to them.
The Hadīth mentions prostration on water and mud.
It states that the dreams of the prophets are true.
It urges us to seek Laylat al-Qadr and utilize it for the performance of righteous deeds, given the increased merit and reward therein.
It affirms prostration on the forehead and nose..

1170

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were talking about Laylat al-Qadr in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), who said: "Who amongst you remembers when the moon rose and it was like a half of plate?".

Commentary : Laylat al-Qadr is a great night. Allah points out its status in Surat al-Qadr. The Qur’an was revealed therein. Worship in it is better than worship in a thousand months. The angels descend in it with the permission of Allah, and it contains safety, security, and peace. It is known to occur, but its time is unknown. Several versions are reported from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the specification of Laylat al-Qadr or the nature of its night.
This Hadīth is one of those versions, and it identifies one of the characteristics of Laylat al-Qadr. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that they talked to one another about Laylat al-Qadr and its status and significance, the merit of performing Qiyām al-Layl therein, and its signs which were mentioned by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Who amongst you remembers when the moon rose, and it was like a half of plate?" He likened the moon to half of a food plate. The meaning: Who amongst you remembers the night in which half of the moon appeared like half of a food plate? This was the sign of Laylat al-Qadr in this month known to them and in that year, or the sign of Laylat al-Qadr in all years. This indicates that Laylat al-Qadr can be seen and verified by whomever Allah wills..

1175

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would strive more in the last ten days than he would strive in other than them..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was most keen on attaining rewards, and he was good at utilizing the virtuous times, including the last ten days of Ramadan, which are the best nights of the year, and they contain Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months.
In this Hadīth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) relates that when the last ten days of Ramadan came - starting from the night of the 21th day until the end of the month - the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would strive more in them than he would strive at other times, i.e., more than his diligence in other nights. This is due to the significance and merit of those nights and in pursuit of Laylat al-Qadr. He would engage more in righteous deeds and worship, draw close to Allah Almighty, retire in his praying place, and keep away from women. This is demonstrated by another version in the Two Sahīh Collections: "When the ten days came, he would pray all night, wake up his family, show diligence, and tie up his lower garment firmly."
The Hadīth demonstrates keenness to engage diligently in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan.
It indicates that one should strive to have the best possible ending of Ramadan..

1176

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I never saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fasting during the ten days..

Commentary : The month of Dhul-Hijjah is one of the sacred months. It includes the ten days at its beginning, during which righteous deeds are greatly meritorious. They include the day of ‘Arafah, the ninth day. And they include the day of Eid al-Ad'ha, the tenth day. A number of Hadīths are reported on their merit.
In this Hadīth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that she did not see the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fasting during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. In another version narrated by Muslim, she said: "He did not fast the ten days." The ten days here refer to the nine days from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah, for fasting on the day of Eid is forbidden.
This Hadīth indicates that it is disliked fasting the ten days; whereas other Hadīths point to the merit of performing pious deeds - which include fasting - in those ten days. It is authentically narrated in the Sahīh Al-Bukhāri Collection that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There are no deeds on any day better than deeds in these," i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. It is probable that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not observe fasting on these days because he would sometimes abandon certain deeds, though he would like to perform them, for fear that they might be ordained upon his Ummah. The merit of fasting the day of ‘Arafah by non-pilgrims is mentioned in a Hadīth narrated by Muslim: "Fasting the day of ‘Arafah, I expect from Allah that it expiates the sins of the preceding year and the next one.".

1184

‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) proclaim Talbiyah with his hair matted, saying: "Labbayka allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharīka laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa an-ni‘mata laka wa al-mulk, la sharīka lak." (Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am at Your service, here I am at Your service. You have no partner; the praise, the favor, and the dominion belong to You. You have no partner). He would not say anything more than these words. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would offer two Rak‘ahs in Dhul-Hulayfah, and when his she-camel stood upright with him on its back near the mosque of Dhul-Hulayfah, he proclaimed Talbiyah with these words. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say: ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) used to proclaim Talbiyah like the Talbiyah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) with these words and would say: Labbayka allahumma labbayk, labbayka wa sa‘dayk, wa al-khayr fi yadayk, labbayka wa ar-raghba’ ilayka wa al-‘amal (Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am at Your service. Here I am at Your service, in bliss. Good is in Your Hands. Here I am at Your service; things are sought of You, and deeds are done for Your sake)..

Commentary : This Hadīth demonstrates the manner of the Prophet's Talbiyah upon assuming Ihrām for Hajj. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) mentions that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) "proclaimed Talbiyah," i.e., he said Talbiyah in a loud voice, "with his hair matted," i.e., he put something like glue in his hair to prevent it from drooping or to keep insects away. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to say in his Talbiyah: "Labbayka allahumma labbayk" (Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am at Your service), i.e., I repeat my response to You in complying with Your command to perform Hajj; so, I respond to Your command time and again. "labbayka la sharīka laka labbayk" (Here I am at Your service; You have no partner), i.e., You alone are Sovereign in Your dominion, without any opponent or partner. "inna al-hamda wa an-ni‘mata laka" (the praise, the favor... belong to You), i.e., praise, gratitude, and laudation are due to You alone, and every favor comes from You, and You are the Giver of it. "wa al-mulk, la sharīka lak" (and the dominion belongs to You; You have no partner). He mentioned the dominion after the praise and favor to generalize the causes of obedience and demonstrate the aspects of submission and worship. Then, he followed that with the words "la sharīka lak" (You have no partner) to dispel any resemblance to Him and affirm that He alone is the Possessor of the dominion, the praise, and the favor. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would not say anything beyond these words in his Talbiyah and the assumption of Ihrām. It is said: The wisdom behind Talbiyah is to note Allah's honor to His servants as they come to His House after a call from Him.
Then, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered two Rak‘ahs in the mosque of Dhul-Hulayfah. This refers to the Zhuhr prayer performed in a shortened form, as related in a Hadīth narrated by Muslim and reported by Ibn ‘Abbās. Dhul-Hulayfah is a place lying outside Madīnah, on the way to Makkah. Dhul-Hulayfah is located 6 or 7 miles, nearly 9 or 10km, away from Madīnah. It is the Miqāt of the people of Madīnah and the non-residents who pass by it. It is known today among the ordinary people as Abiyār ‘Ali or Ābār ‘Ali. It lies about 420km away from Makkah. On the day he arrived in Dhul-Hulayfah, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed the ‘Asr prayer therein as two Rak‘ahs. Then, he performed the Maghrib, ‘Ishā’, Fajr, and Zhuhr prayers there. Thus, he offered five prayers there and stayed for a day and night. "and when his she-camel stood upright with him on its back near the mosque of Dhul-Hulayfah," i.e., he rode his she-camel, and it stood up in preparation for moving, "he proclaimed Talbiyah with these words," i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) raised his voice as he said this supplication mentioned earlier.
Then, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) would assume Ihrām and raise his voice as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to do and say: "Labbayka allahumma labbayk, labbayka wa sa‘dayk" (Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am at Your service. Here I am at Your service, in bliss), i.e., bliss after bliss, and I repeat that time and time again. "Wa al-Khayr fi yadayk" (Good is in Your Hands); good comes from You alone. "Labbayka wa ar-raghba’ ilayka wa al-‘amal." (Here I am at Your service; things are sought from You, and deeds are done for Your sake), i.e., things are sought from You and asked of You.
This addition was from the words of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). Other additions to Talbiyah are reported from some of the Companions, who added them by way of increasing what is good. It is narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would not criticize the Talbiyah proclaimed by any of his Companions..

1185

Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The polytheists used to say: "Labbayk la sharika lak" (Here I am at Your service; there is no partner with You.) He said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would say: "Woe to you! Enough, enough." They would say: "illa sharika howa lak; tamlikuhu wa ma malak" (Except a partner with You, whom You possess and all what he possesses." They would say that while performing Tawāf around the House!.

Commentary : Talbiyah for Hajj among the Muslims involves proclamation of the Tawhīd of Allah, sincere devotion to Him, and keeping away from Shirk. As for the polytheists, they used to proclaim Talbiyah for Hajj with Shirk.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the polytheists used to say while performing Tawāf around the Ka‘bah: "Labbayk, there is no partner with You." So, they would commence the Talbiyah with Tawhīd. Since the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) knew what they would add after that, he would say to them when they pronounced Talbiyah with Tawhīd: "Woe to you!" i.e., you will be in ruin and destruction for what you add to the Talbiyah. "Enough, enough!" i.e., your statement of Tawhīd is sufficient. Limit your Talbiyah to it and do not add the subsequent words: "illa sharika howa lak; tamlikuhu wa ma malak" (Except a partner with You, whom You possess and all what he possesses." By the partner, they meant their idols. This phrase in Arabic (tamlikuhu wa ma malak) has two potential meanings: First: You possess him and what is in his possession. Second: You possess him and he possesses nothing. They acknowledge that he is not worthy of any worship, for he is capable of nothing for himself or others, and that indeed the Sovereign is Allah. Nonetheless, they associate him with Allah in worship, out of ignorance or stubbornness, transgression, and arrogance! Allah Almighty says: {They have taken besides Him other gods who can create nothing but are themselves created. Nor do they have the power to harm or benefit themselves, nor do they have the power to cause death, give life or resurrect the dead.} [Surat al-Furqān: 3]
Moreover, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) says that they used to say that while performing Tawāf around the Sacred House of Allah by way of seeking closeness to Allah Almighty through false words, which are rejected..

1186

Sālim reported: When Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was told that Ihrām should start from Al-Baydā’, he would say: Al-Baydā’ about which you tell a lie about the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not proclaim Talbiyah except at the tree when his camel stood up with him on its back..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) learned the rituals of Hajj from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during the Farewell Hajj, as he enjoined them to do, and they passed them on to those who came after them.
In this Hadīth, Sālim ibn ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar mentions that when his father ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) was told that raising one's voice with Talbiyah in Hajj or ‘Umrah should start from Al-Baydā’, he would deny that and say: "Al-Baydā’ about which you tell a lie about the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)!" i.e., you allege that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) started his Talbiyah in his Hajj when he reached Al-Baydā’. You are mistaken in this. He attributed lying to them, for they said something contrary to reality. This does not mean intentional lying. Indeed, the Arabs tend to say to one who made an error: You lied. Al-Baydā’ is a place near Dhul-Hulayfah from the direction of Makkah. It was called Baydā’ for the absence of landmarks therein such as buildings and the like. What is meant here is the elevated and high place opposite Dhul-Hulayfah from the direction of Makkah.
Then, Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) explained what is right to them, namely that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not raise his voice with Talbiyah "except at the tree" located near the mosque of Dhul-Hulayfah, which is a village situated 6 or 7 miles (nearly 10km) away from Madīnah, and it is the Miqāt for the people of Madīnah and the non-residents who pass by it. This happened when he set out for the Farewell Hajj. He raised his voice with Talbiyah as he rode his camel and made it stand up to leave, after he had assumed Ihrām at that location.
The difference between the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) over the places from which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) proclaimed Talbiyah is probably caused by the fact that each of them talked about what he saw. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) left Madīnah for Hajj. When he prayed in the mosque of Dhul-Hulayfah, he proclaimed Talbiyah for Hajj, which some people heard and memorized from him. Then, he rode his she-camel, and it stood up, he proclaimed the Talbiyah, of which some people became aware, for they were coming in groups. So, they heard him and said: Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) proclaimed the Talbiyah when his she-camel stood up with him on its back. Then, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) proceeded, and when he ascended the elevated place of Al-Baydā’, he proclaimed the Talbiyah, which some people became cognizant of and said: Indeed, he proclaimed the Talbiyah when he ascended the elevated place of Al-Baydā’. So, each of them transmitted what he had heard. This shows that the difference arose over the starting of the Talbiyah and the assumption of Ihrām from the Miqāt. This confusion is cleared up by a Hadīth narrated by Abu Dāwūd, in which Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "By Allah, he proclaimed the Talbiyah in his place of prayer, proclaimed the Talbiyah when his she-camel stood up with him on its back, and proclaimed the Talbiyah when he ascended the elevated place of Al-Baydā’.".

1195

Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Zayd ibn Arqam came, and ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās said to him, reminding him: "How did you tell me about the meat of the game presented as a gift to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) while he was in a state of Ihrām?" He said that he said: "He was presented with a slice of the meat of the game, and he refused it, saying: "Indeed, we will not eat it; we are in a state of Ihrām.".

Commentary : Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam, and it is an act of worship for those who can find a way to it. During it, some permissible things become forbidden for those who assume Ihrām for Hajj. One of these is that Allah Almighty says: {But hunting land animals is forbidden to you as long as you are on pilgrimage.} [Surat al-Mā’idah: 96]
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Tāwūs ibn Kaysān al-Yamāni relates that Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) came from Kufa to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him), and Ibn ‘Abbās asked him to relate to him what he had previously told him about the Prophet's action when some meat from a hunted land animal was presented to him as a gift while he was in a state of Ihrām for Hajj. In other words, did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) accept it and eat therefrom or refuse it? So, Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) told him that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was presented with some meat and he knew that it was part of a hunted land animal, he refused the gift and did not accept it from the person who offered it to him. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified to the man who presented the gift that he refused it because he was in a state of Ihrām, and a Muhrim may not eat from hunted land animals.
In a Hadīth in the Two Sahīh Collections, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ate from his game while being in a state of Ihrām. However, Abu Qatādah was not in a state of Ihrām when he hunted this animal from which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ate. Reconciling the two Hadīths, the scholars said that he refused the first gift because the man hunted it for his sake, whereas he deemed the second game lawful because no role was played by a Muhrim in its hunt, and he did not hunt it for his sake. So, if a non-Muhrim hunts an animal for himself and then presents part of it to a Muhrim, there is nothing wrong with that, and the Muhrim may eat from it.
The Hadīth demonstrates the Prophet's guidance upon refusing a gift, and that he would mention the reason for refusing it. This stems from his good manners (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)..

1197

Mu‘ādh ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn ‘Uthmān at-Taymi reported: We were with Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydullāh as we were in a state of Ihrām. A bird was presented to him as a gift. Meanwhile, Talhah was sleeping. Some of us ate and some of us refrained. When Talhah woke up, he agreed with those who ate it and said: "We ate it along with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).".

Commentary : Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam, and it is an act of worship for those who can find a way to it. During it, some permissible things become forbidden for those who assume Ihrām for Hajj.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn ‘Uthmān at-Taymi says that they were one day with the Companion Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydullah (may Allah be pleased with him) as the people were in a state of Ihrām for Hajj or ‘Umrah. Meanwhile, a grilled or cooked bird was gifted to Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him), and it probably was a hunted bird. Talhah was reclining, asleep. So, he did not know about the bird gifted to him, and the ruling on eating therefrom was not clear to those in the state of Ihrām. Therefore, the people fell under two categories; some of them ate from this bird, and others feared and refrained from eating from the gifted bird thinking that a Muhrim may not eat from it. "When Talhah woke up, he agreed with those who ate it," i.e., he described their action as right, by words or deeds. Clarifying the reason behind his approval of those who ate, Talhah said: We ate the like of that along with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) while we were in a state of Ihrām. So, eat from what was gifted to me.
In the Two Sahīh Collections, Ibn ‘Abbās reported: As-Sa‘b ibn Jaththāmah al-Laythi presented to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) the meat of a zebra while he was in Al-Abwā’ or Waddān (they are two places). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) declined to eat therefrom. Upon noticing the unpleasant feeling on his face, he said to him: "Indeed, we only declined it because we are in a state of Ihrām."
Reconciling between the two Hadīths, it is to be said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) permitted the bird for them because the Muhrims played no role in hunting it. This is also explicitly mentioned in a Hadīth in the Two Sahīh Collections, in which Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he hunted a zebra, and when they asked the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), he said to them: "Did anyone of you command him or point to him with something?" They said: 'No.' So, he said: "Then, eat what is remaining of its meat."
As for declining the meat of the hunted animal from As-Sa‘b ibn Jaththāmah, this is because he hunted it for the Prophet's sake, and he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was in a state of Ihrām, and a Muhrim may not eat from the meat of a prey which was hunted for him. Had he not been in a state of Ihrām, he would have accepted it and eaten it.
The Hadīth shows how the Companions used to explain the rulings of the religion to the contemporary Tābi‘is..

1202

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got himself cupped and paid the cupper his wage, and he put medicine in his nose..

Commentary : Allah Almighty has made good things lawful for His slaves and made unlawful for them anything evil and impure concerning food, drink, gains, trade, etc. The Shariah has also urged Muslims to have self-esteem and to elevate themselves from lowly things.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) mentions that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) "got himself cupped," i.e., he asked someone to cup him. Cupping is to extract some blood from the body by pricking the area of pain and then absorbing and extracting this blood after collecting it by means of a cup, which is an instrument resembling a funnel. Cupping provides treatment for a variety of pains. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) paid the person who cupped him his wage for that. This is part of the Prophet's actual acts of Sunnah. If it was prohibited to give a wage to a cupper, he would not pay this cupper a wage. The scholars took the Hadīths prohibiting the earning by a cupper and stating that it is impure to denote purification and exaltation above lowly earnings and to urge noble manners and lofty matters. Or perhaps the prohibition was in the early days of Islam, and it was subsequently abolished. So, when he paid the cupper his wage, he abrogated the previous ruling.
Then, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned another medicine which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used, saying: "and he put medicine in his nose." To use it, a person lies down and places something below his shoulders to raise them, and then he puts drops of the medicine into his nose, so that they can reach his brain. Then, the illness comes out with sneezing.
The Hadīth demonstrates the Prophet's use of medicine and his pursuit of the proper means of treatment.
It mentions that the cupper took a wage for cupping..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them):The Prophet ﷺ said, "We are an illiterate nation; we can neither write nor calculate. The month is like this and this, i.e., sometimes of 29 days and sometimes of thirty days.".

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "None of you should fast a day or two before the month of Ramadan unless he has the habit of fasting (voluntary fasting) (and if his fasting coincides with that day) then he can fast that day.".

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺsaid, "Eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) for indeed there is a blessing in it."
.

‘Aa’ishah and Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them)said:At times, Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to get up in the morning in a state of Janaabah (i.e., post sexual-intercourse ritual impurity) after having sexual relations with his wives, take a bath and fast.
.

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺhad Hijaamah performed on him while he was in the state of lhraam (i.e., ritual state of consecration), and also while he was observing fasting..

Narrated Thaabit Al-Bunaanee:Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him)was asked whether they believed that undertaking Hijaamah therapyis disliked for a fasting person. He replied in the negative and said, "No [not for a religious reason], except for fear of weakness.".

‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her):Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him) said, "O Allah's Messenger!I fast continuously."
.

‘Aa’ishah(may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, said:“Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him)asked the Prophet ﷺ: "Should I fast while traveling?" The Prophet ﷺreplied, "You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish.”
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Abu Ayyūb al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days in Shawwāl, it will be like a perpetual fast.".

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were talking about Laylat al-Qadr in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), who said: "Who amongst you remembers when the moon rose and it was like a half of plate?".

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would strive more in the last ten days than he would strive in other than them..

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I never saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fasting during the ten days..

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got himself cupped and paid the cupper his wage, and he put medicine in his nose..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them):The Prophet ﷺ said, "We are an illiterate nation; we can neither write nor calculate. The month is like this and this, i.e., sometimes of 29 days and sometimes of thirty days.".

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "None of you should fast a day or two before the month of Ramadan unless he has the habit of fasting (voluntary fasting) (and if his fasting coincides with that day) then he can fast that day.".

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺsaid, "Eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) for indeed there is a blessing in it." .

‘Aa’ishah and Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them)said:At times, Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to get up in the morning in a state of Janaabah (i.e., post sexual-intercourse ritual impurity) after having sexual relations with his wives, take a bath and fast. .

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺhad Hijaamah performed on him while he was in the state of lhraam (i.e., ritual state of consecration), and also while he was observing fasting..

Narrated Thaabit Al-Bunaanee:Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him)was asked whether they believed that undertaking Hijaamah therapyis disliked for a fasting person. He replied in the negative and said, "No [not for a religious reason], except for fear of weakness.".

‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her):Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him) said, "O Allah's Messenger!I fast continuously." .

‘Aa’ishah(may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, said:“Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him)asked the Prophet ﷺ: "Should I fast while traveling?" The Prophet ﷺreplied, "You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish.” .

Abu Ayyūb al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days in Shawwāl, it will be like a perpetual fast.".

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were talking about Laylat al-Qadr in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), who said: "Who amongst you remembers when the moon rose and it was like a half of plate?".

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would strive more in the last ten days than he would strive in other than them..

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I never saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fasting during the ten days..

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got himself cupped and paid the cupper his wage, and he put medicine in his nose..

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺsaid, "Eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) for indeed there is a blessing in it."
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‘Aa’ishah and Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them)said:At times, Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to get up in the morning in a state of Janaabah (i.e., post sexual-intercourse ritual impurity) after having sexual relations with his wives, take a bath and fast.
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‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her):Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him) said, "O Allah's Messenger!I fast continuously."
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‘Aa’ishah(may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, said:“Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslamee(may Allah be pleased with him)asked the Prophet ﷺ: "Should I fast while traveling?" The Prophet ﷺreplied, "You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish.”
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