‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ sent to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) once a silken two-piece garment, and when he ﷺ saw ‘Umar wearing it, he ﷺ said to him, "I have not sent it to you to wear. It (silk) is worn by him who has no share in the Hereafter, and I have sent it to you so that you could avail yourself of it (i.e., sell it).”.

Commentary :
Islam has delineated the topics of beautification and theIslamic dress code in the Book of Allah, Exalted is He, and the Sunnah of his Prophet ﷺ. The Laws of Islamhas laid down general rules that should be taken into account pertaining to the Islamic dress code for men and women, one of which is the prohibition of wearing silk for men.
In this hadeeth, ‘AbdullahIbn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet ﷺ once gifted ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) a ‘Hullah,’ a suit of two Yemeni garments (woven with red and black stripes, or red and green stripes). This one was made of pure silk or mixed with silk. He ﷺ may have sent him Hullah Siraa’, which was a Burdah (i.e., a striped cloak) that had strips of yellow or made of pure silk.
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) wore it and when the Prophet ﷺ saw him wearing it, he ﷺ forbade him and clarified that he ﷺhad not given it to him to wear it, but rather to avail himself of it (i.e., its price). He ﷺ underlined that the men who wear silk in the worldly life will not have any “share in the Hereafter”, as stated in the version complied in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reading: “Whoever wears silk in this worldly life will not wear it in the Hereafter.” This means that men who wear pure silk in the worldly life for no (Laws of Islam-approved) excuse, will be denied wearing it in the Hereafter, either by denying them access to Paradise if they had believed wearing it to be lawful, or by being admitted to Paradise, but denied wearing it therein. This places further emphasis on the prohibition of wearing silk for men. It is noteworthy that it is allowable for women to wear silk, as indicated by the authentic narrations in this regard.
Then, the Prophet ﷺ informed ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he ﷺ had sent him that garment to avail himself of it by selling it or giving it to one of his womenfolk or wives, as stated in the version recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, which also included a narration stating that ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) gave the garment to a polytheist brother of his in Makkah..

2105

‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of the Believers, said:
I bought a cushion with images on it. When Allah's Messenger ﷺ saw it, he kept standing at the door and did not enter the house. I noticed the signs of abhorrence written all over his face, so I said, "O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! I repent to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. (Please let me know) What sin have I committed?" Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "What about this cushion?" I replied, "I bought it for you to sit and recline on." Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "The makers of these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection. It will be said to them, 'Put life in what you have created.'" The Prophet ﷺ added, "The angels do not enter a house where there are such images.".

Commentary :
Making images of animate beings is one of the serious prohibitions that must be forbidden and eliminated, and these image-makers imperil themselves to a severe punishment from Allah, Exalted is He.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers, ‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she once bought a cushion, a small pillow, with images on it. It seems that she (may Allah be pleased with her) put it in a prominent place in the house. When the Prophet ﷺ saw it as he was about to enter the house, he ﷺ stopped and did not enter, as he ﷺ disliked what he saw. Seeing the signs of his disapproval, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her) realized that he ﷺ disliked the new cushion. She (may Allah be pleased with her) hastened to proclaim her repentance before she even understood what sin she had committed, saying, “I repent to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. (Please let me know what sin have I committed?)” She (may Allah be pleased with her) inquired about her act and the reason why he ﷺ got angry. The Prophet ﷺ asked her about the cushion, and she (may Allah be pleased with her) replied that she had bought it for him to sit and recline on. He ﷺ informed her that the makers of such images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection. The reference to images here means those featuring animate beings in particular rather than the images of inanimate objects or plants for example. On the Day of Judgment, Allah, Exalted is He, shall command such image-makers to bring back to life those animate beings in their images and statues that they had made in the worldly life, and such a command aims to mock their sinful act and expose their inability to do so. Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ made mention of another punishment, namely that the angels do not enter a house where there are such images (of animate beings). The reference to the angels here means those other than the ones who record people’s deeds. It goes without saying that the recording angels are constant companions of human beings (throughout their earthly life).
This means that the house where there are images of animate beings are denied the blessings of having other angels enter it.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that a Muslim should not enter a place to which he is invited if there are prohibitions and what is deemed forbidden by Allah, Exalted is He, and His Messenger ﷺ.
It is also inferred therefrom that the prohibition of image-making incorporates all images (of animate beings): three-dimensional, painted, engraved, carved, woven images, or otherwise.
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2115

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
We were accompanying the Prophet ﷺ on a journey and I was riding an unmanageable camel belonging to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), and I could not bring it under my control. So, it used to go ahead of the group and ‘Umar would check it and force it to retreat, and again it went ahead and again ‘Umar forced it to retreat. The Prophet ﷺ asked ‘Umar to sell that camel to him. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, "It is for you, O Allah's Messenger ﷺ!" Allah's Messenger ﷺ commanded ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to sell him that camel (not to give it as gift). So, ‘Umar sold it to Allah's Messenger ﷺ. Then the Prophet ﷺ said to ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar "This camel is for you, O ‘Abdullah (as a gift) and you could do with it whatever you like.".

Commentary :
Among the distinct moral qualities of the Prophet ﷺ were his consideration and thoughtful regard for the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)and his keenness to bring joy to their hearts.
In this hadeeth, ‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that they were once with the Prophet ﷺ on a journey, and ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with him) was riding an unmanageable camel that belonged to his father ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). It was unmanageable because it was young and untamed, and therefore, ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with him) could not control it. It used to go ahead of the group, and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would check it and force it to retreat it and so on. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ asked ‘Umar to sell him that camel. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, "It is for you (as a gift), O Allah's Messenger ﷺ!" However, Allah's Messenger ﷺ repeated his request, to indicate his wish to buy the camel rather than take it as a gift. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) complied and sold him the camel. Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ gifted the camel to ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with him) and said to him: "This camel is for you O ‘Abdullah (as a gift) and you can do with it whatever you like." It means, ‘You are entitled to dispose of it as you wish,’ by selling or gifting it. The Prophet ﷺ said so lest Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) mistakenly assume that he must not dispose of a gift given to him by the Prophet ﷺ by sale, and it was an unmanageable camel and therefore retaining its ownership would have been inconvenient for him.
The Prophet ﷺ gifted it to ‘AbdullahIbn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) immediately upon buying it from ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) before they left the contracting session, although it was narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Both parties in a sales transaction have a right to annul it so long as they have not separated.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]. To reconcile between the two hadeeths, it was said that if a seller does not object to the buyer’s disposal of the purchased commodity upon concluding the purchase before leaving the contracting session, this disentitles him to exercise his right to Khiyaar Al-Majlis (i.e., an option whereby the parties have right to unilaterally withdraw from a contract so long as the parties do not leave the session of contract). This is because his lack of objection to such a disposal serves as a tacit approval, and is held as equal to a verbal approval, as if he had said: “I hereby finalize this transaction.”
It was also said that the Prophet’s disposal of the purchased camel here indicates that the meaning of ‘separation’ or ‘leaving the contracting session,’ may mean physically leaving the contracting session or verbally finalizing the sales transaction.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to venerate the Prophet ﷺ by refraining from going ahead of him while walking or riding along with him.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that ownership is established by virtue of Hibah agreement (i.e., gift contract).
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2117

‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
A person came to the Prophet ﷺ and told him that he was always cheated in sale transactions. The Prophet ﷺ told him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating.".

Commentary :
Islam has regulated the contracts when conducting business transactions between people, to preserve their wealth and their interests and spare them potential Gharar (i.e., risk and uncertainty in transactions) and deceit that may be exercised by some people.
In this hadeeth, ‘AbdullahIbn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)said that a man told the Prophet ﷺ that he was not very good in sales transactionsand was cheated often because of his weak-mindedness. This man was named Hibbaan ibn Munqidh ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him), as narrated in Al-Mustadrak by Al-Haakim, or his father Munqidh, as narrated in Sunan Ibn Maahjah, and he had a serious head injury that impaired his mental abilities and speech, but his mental faculties werestill fully eligible to exercise his legal rights as per the laws of Islam. It was narrated by Aboo Daawood on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that his family had asked the Prophet ﷺ to declare him legally incompetent to conduct sales and business transactions, and the Prophet ﷺ forbade him from conducting sales, but he (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I cannot refrain from conducting (my own) sales transactions!’ The Prophet ﷺ allowed him to conduct sales, but wanted to protect him from potential deception. Therefore, he ﷺ ordered him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating”, to the other party of the business transaction, to remind him of the enjoined truthfulness, honesty, and sincerity. It means, ‘Do not cheat me; Islam forbids cheating, and it is unbecoming of a Muslim cheat others. The Prophet ﷺ established his right to annul sales after three days, as recorded in Sunan Ibn Maajah.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is prohibited to cheat others in sales transactions or do whatever may harm the interests of Muslims..

2118

‘Narrated Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her):
Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "An army will invade the Ka‘bah and when the invaders reach a Baidaa’ (i.e., a desert), all the ground will sink and swallow the whole army." I said, "O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! How will they sink into the ground while amongst them would be their marketplaces (i.e., people who worked in business) and those who had nothing to do with them?" The Prophet ﷺ replied, "All of those people will sink but they will be resurrected and judged according to their intentions.".

Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, assigned to Makkah and Al-Madeenah a superior status to other places and lands, and hastened the punishment for those who wish ill and seek to harm their people.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ stated that at the end of time, a great army shall march towards Makkah with the aim of demolishing the Ka‘bah. As they reach a Baydaa’, which is an empty open land with a smooth surface, meaning a desert between Makkah and Al-Madeenah, Allah, Exalted is He, will command the ground to sink and swallow the whole army. The version complied in Saheeh Muslim reads: “… until there is no one left of them except a fugitive who will tell of what happened to them.” ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) wondered how such a punishment would be afflicted on all people in Makkah, while there shall be people who would have nothing to do with those invaders and would be trading in their marketplaces but happened to be there at the time when such punishment befell. Such people would have no intention to invade Makkah nor demolish the Ka‘bah. She (may Allah be pleased with her) could not understand how the punishment should befall those who would not be involved in such fighting, and the Prophet ﷺ clarified to her that the earth will swallow them all, and then Allah, Exalted is He, shall resurrect them on the Day of Judgment, and each will be held accountable according to his intention. If they intended good, they will reap the fruits of such good intentions, otherwise they shall face the consequences of their actions.
The hadeeth highlights the importance of the intention and its impact on (the fate of) a servant of Allah.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that Allah, Exalted is He, protects the Sacred House.
It is also inferred therefrom that whoever joins a people, shall be subjected to the same Laws of Islam rulings that apply to them as far as the outward worldly punishments are concerned.
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2119

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)
Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "A congregational prayer performed by anyone amongst you is more than twenty (five or twenty-seven) times in reward than his prayer (performed individually) in the marketplace or in his house, for if he performs ablution perfectly and then goes to the mosque with the sole intention of performing the prayer, and nothing urges him to go to the mosque except the prayer, then, on every step which he takes towards the mosque, he will be raised one degree or one of his sins will be forgiven. The angels will keep on asking Allah's forgiveness and blessings for every one of you so long as he keeps sitting at his praying place. The angels will say, 'O Allah, bless him! O Allah, be merciful to him,' as long as he does not do Hadath (i.e., state of ritual impurity, invalidating his ablution by passing urine, stool, or wind) or gives trouble to others." The Prophet ﷺ further said, "One is regarded in prayer so long as one is waiting for it.".

Commentary : The congregational prayer is one of the best acts of worship by which a servant of Allah draws closer to his Lord, who multiplies its reward many times.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ informed us of the virtue of congregational prayer, and that it is better and more rewardable than praying individually at work or home, by twenty-few times. The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is (Bidh‘) which means a number between three to nine. The version recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim reads: “… twenty-seven times,” and another version reads: “… two and fifty times.” The difference in the numbers used in these narrations is due to the different situations of the worshippers; some may be awarded twenty-five times the reward and others would be awarded twenty-seven times, according to the perfection of their prayers, observing its acts and obligations, adhering to Khushoo‘ (i.e., state of the heart when it stands before its Lord in full submission, humbleness, and absolute concentration), the number of the worshippers in the congregational prayer, their virtues, and the sacredness of the place where the prayer is being performed. Then the Prophet ﷺ explained the reason for the superiority of the congregational prayer, as he ﷺ said: “… for if he performs ablution perfectly and then goes to the mosque with the sole intention of performing the prayer, and nothing urges him to go to the mosque except the prayer,” and this serves as an emphasis on his sole intention to go to the mosque to perform the prayer and not for any other purpose. Whoever does so, will earn the designated reward: “… on every step which he takes towards the mosque,” Allah, Exalted is He, will raise him “one degree or one of his sins will be forgiven,” by Allah, Exalted is He.
Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ stated that the angels shall continue to seek Allah’s forgiveness for him and supplicate in his favor during his stay in the place where he performs the prayer at the mosque, meaning, as long as he stays in the mosque waiting for the prayer. The angels shall say: “O Allah, bless him! O Allah, be merciful to him.’ The meaning of the Arabic word ‘Salaah’ with respect to Allah, Exalted is He, is to praise His servant in the assembly of the angels, and it has also been said that it means to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on His servant, or that it means both. The angels continue to do so, “as long as he does not do Hadath,” meaning as long as he does not invalidate his ablution and becomes in a state of ritual impurity, and it was also said to mean as long as he does not commit a sin such as gossip or backbiting, “or give trouble to others,” meaningas long as he does not do what harms other people or angels.
Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ underlined that a worshiper continues to receive the reward of prayer as long as he is in his mosque waiting for the prayer.
The hadeeth highlights the great virtues and merits of congregational prayer and its abundant reward.
It also underlines the virtues and merits of ablution at home before going to the mosque..

2122

Aboo Hurayrah Al-Dawasee (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
Once the Prophet ﷺ went out during the day. Neither of us talked to the other till he ﷺ reached the marketplace of Banee Qaynuqaa‘ and then he ﷺ sat in the courtyard of Faatimah's house and asked about the small boy (i.e., his grandson Al-Hasan), but Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) kept the boy in for a while. I thought she was either putting a necklace on him or giving him a bath. After a while the boy came out running and the Prophet ﷺ embraced and kissed him and then said, 'O Allah! Love him, and love whoever loves him.'.

Commentary :
It is incumbent on every Muslim to show love, affection, reverence, and respect for the family of the Prophet ﷺ.
This hadeeth highlights the virtues of the Prophet’s grandson, Al-Hasan ibn ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with them), as narrated by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. It was narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he once went with the Prophet ﷺ sometime during the day, and they did not speak during their walk, perhaps because the Prophet ﷺ was thinking about something regarding the divine revelation or otherwise, and Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) did not speak out of respect for the Prophet ﷺ. This was the practice of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them); they used to leave the Prophet ﷺ unbothered whenever they found himpreoccupied.
When the Prophet ﷺreached the marketplace of Banee Qaynuqaa‘, i.e., a Jewish tribe in Al-Madeenah that inhabited it prior to the Prophet’s migration and built a marketplace inside their fortress named after them. Then he ﷺ left, as recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, and went to the courtyard of his daughter Faatimah's house and sat there.
He ﷺ then called upon them saying, “Is the little chap (i.e., Al-Hasan) there? Is the little one here?” (i.e., Is there anyone home?) The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Luka‘, and one of its meanings is a very young child, referring to Al-Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him).
Afterward, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) kept his grandson Al-Hasan in for a while. He (may Allah be pleased with him) thought that she was either putting a necklace on him or giving him a bath. The Arabic word for necklace that was used in the hadeeth is Sikhaab, which was a necklace made of cloves, musk, oud and the like of pleasant perfumes, made in the shape of a rosary necklace for young boys and servants, or it was a string of beads called Sikhaabaa because it produced a sound when its beads moved, and the name Sikhaab linguistically denotes mixed sounds.
After a while the boy came out running, upon hearing the Prophet ﷺcalling for him. The Prophet ﷺaffectionately embraced and kissed him, mirroring the mutual love between him and his grandchildren. He ﷺ then supplicated Allah, Exalted is He, in his favor saying, 'O Allah! Love him, and love whoever loves him.' This means that the reward for loving the Prophet’s family will be earning the love of Allah, Exalted is He.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that young boys should be cleaned and dressed properly, especially when meeting adults.
The hadeeth also urges adults to play with young children and treat them kindly to foster mutual love and affection.
The hadeeth also underlines the virtues and merits of Al-Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him).
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2123

Naafi‘ narrated: Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) told us that people used to buy foodstuff from the trading caravans during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ, and he used to forbid them to resell the purchased goods at the very place where they had purchased them (but they were rather required to wait) till they carried the purchased goods to the marketplace where foodstuff was customarily sold. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'The Prophet ﷺ also forbade the reselling of foodstuff by somebody who had just bought it unless he had received it with exact full measure.'.

Commentary :
The Laws of Islam regulates people’s dealings and interactions when conducting sales and business transactions. It has laid down rules and principles clarifying the essential matters to avoid disputes among people and help them conduct lawful and smooth business transactions that are free of disputes and Laws of Islam violations.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with them) related that they used to buy foodstuff from the trading caravans, meaning the traveling traders who used to carry and sell their goods in different towns, during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ used to send someone to forbid them from reselling the purchased foodstuff in the place where they had bought them from the trading caravans until they had carriedit first to the marketplace where people customarily bought foodstuff. This is because Taqaabudh (i.e., immediate and reciprocal exchange and taking possession of the purchased commodity and its monetary equivalent by the buyer and seller respectively in the contracting session) is a condition for the validity of the sale, and this condition is met by carrying the purchased goods to the marketplace.
Another version of the hadeeth reads: “The Prophet ﷺ forbade reselling the purchased foodstuff except after taking possession of it first,” meaning, they must not dispose of the purchased foodstuff by means of sale except after taking it into their possession, and then they may resell it as they wish.
The Prophet ﷺ explained the reason behind the prohibition of reselling the purchased foodstuff from the trading caravans before taking possession of it, as being more convenient and beneficial for people. Therefore, it was reported in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim that it was prohibited to go out to meet the trading caravans before they arrived at the marketplaces, because this involves harming others. Therefore, he ﷺ commanded the buyers to transfer the purchased foodstuff to the marketplaces (before reselling their purchased goods) to avoid inconvenience for other traders, and to protect them from selling their goods before knowing their values and prices at the marketplaces.
The hadeeth highlights the Prophet’s keenness to preserve the worldly interests of people.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that it is prohibited to use any method of sale and purchase that may lead to monopolies and price spikes..

2125

‘Ataa’ ibn Yasaar narrated:
I met ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them) and asked him, "Tell me about the description of the Prophet ﷺ that was mentioned in Torah (i.e., Old Testament.") He (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, 'Yes. By Allah, he ﷺ was described in Torah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Quran as follows: (Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner,} [Quran 33:45] and a protection for the unlettered. You are My servant and Messenger. I have called you Al-Mutawakkil" (i.e., the one who duly relies upon Allah). You are neither discourteous, harsh, nor noisemaker in the marketplaces. You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you rather deal with them with forgiveness and kindness. Allah, Exalted is He, will not cause him to die until He has made the crooked community straight so that they should proclaim, "None is worthy of worship save Allah,” and by it they will open blind eyes, deaf ears, and enveloped hearts.'".

Commentary :
The name and description of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ were mentioned in the heavenly books revealed to the previous nations, the Torah and the Gospel.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee (a Muslim who saw at least one of the Companions) ‘Ataa’ ibn Yasaar stated that he met ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them) and asked him about the description of the Prophet ﷺ in the Torah, because ‘Abdullah was quite familiar with it. He (may Allah be pleased with him) told him that the Prophet ﷺ was described in Torah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Quran. Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner,} [Quran 33:45] meaning as a witness for your believing nation, testifying to their belief in you, your prophethood, and the implications of the divine message with which you were sent, and a witness for the disbelievers as well, testifying to their disbelief. It could also mean a witness for the previous Messengers of Allah, testifying that they had communicated the divine message to their people. Another quality was ‘a bearer of glad tidings,’ meaning that he ﷺdelivered good news to the believers, and ‘a warner’ for the disbelievers, communicating to them the warnings of a feared fate, urging them to avoid it and take proper precautions. It could also mean that the Prophet ﷺ was a bearer of glad tidings for the believers that they shall enter Paradise, and a warner for the disbelievers that they shall be thrown into Hellfire. He ﷺ was also described as ‘a protection for the unlettered,’ meaning Arabs. They shielded themselves with him against Satan or the dominion and power of non-Arabs. It is noteworthy that Arabs were described as ‘unlettered’ because most of them did not read or write. The description goes on, “You are My servant and Messenger. I have called you Al-Mutawakkil,” because he ﷺ duly relied on Allah, Exalted is He, and was content with his little share of worldly Rizq (i.e., provision), aspired to none but Allah for victory, adhered to patience while waiting for His relief, embodied noble morals, and fully trusted the promise of Allah, Exalted is He. He ﷺ was “neither discourteous,” meaning ill-mannered and rude, “harsh,” meaning coldhearted, “nor noisemaker in the marketplaces,” meaning that he ﷺ did not raise his voice in the marketplace as indicative of having a bad moral character, and he ﷺdid not shout at others. Rather, he ﷺ was lenient and kind towards people. The description goes on, “You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you rather deal with them with forgiveness and kindness,” unless the ordinances of Allah are violated. Allah, Exalted is He, will not cause him to die until He has made the crooked community straight”, the crooked community here is a reference to the disbelievers, and making them straight means guiding them to Islam. It was also said that the hadeeth refers to the divine religion revealed to Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham) and people who lived during the Fatrah (i.e., a period of time when no Messenger was sent to people), who went astray and therefore either added or omitted parts of the religion, and then Islam was revealed to put things in order and lead people back to the straight path by proclaiming that "None is worthy of worship save Allah.” It can be fairly said that the advent of Islam marks the divine command to such people to give up Shirk (i.e., polytheism) and usher people back to Tawheed (i.e., Islamic monotheism). By means of Islam, Allah, Exalted is He, “will open blind eyes,” to see the truth, “deaf ears,” to hear the call to goodness, “and enveloped hearts,” that have been veiled by the darkness of Shirk. The Prophet ﷺ was a reason for people’s guidance to Islam and edifying them on the religion of Allah, Exalted is He.
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2127

Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Haraam died owing debts to others. I asked the Prophet ﷺ to intercede with his creditors for some reduction of the debts (i.e., to be able to afford repayment). The Prophet ﷺasked them (to reduce the debts) but they refused. The Prophet ﷺ said to me, "Go and put your dates (in heaps) according to their different kinds. The ‘Ajwah dates on one side, the cluster of Ibn Zayd on another side, etc., and then call me." I did that and called the Prophet ﷺ came and sat at the head or in the middle of the heaps and ordered me to measure (the dates) for the people (i.e., creditors). I measured for them till I repaid all the debts. My dates remained as they were; as if nothing had been taken from them!
Another narration reads, "He (i.e., ‘Abdullah) continued measuring for them till he repaid all the debts." The Prophet ﷺ said (to ‘Abdullah), "Cut (clusters) for him (i.e., one of the creditors) and measure for him fully.".

Commentary :
A Muslim is a brother of his fellow Muslim, and it is becoming of a Muslim to strive to fulfill the needs of his Muslim brothers, especially those who explicitly ask for his help. He should (hasten to their help and) stand by them until their need is fulfilled.
In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that his father, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Haraam (may Allah be pleased with him) passed away owing a debt to someone. He (may Allah be pleased with him) had been martyred during the Battle of Uhud. He asked the Prophet ﷺ to help him convince the creditors to reduce their debts so that he would be able to repay them. The Prophet ﷺ interceded for him with the creditors, who were Jews, but they refused. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ asked Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) to go back to his orchard and arrange his dates in heaps according to their different kinds. The ‘Ajwah dates, which were the finest kind of dates in Al-Madeenah, on one side, the cluster of Ibn Zayd, which were low-quality dates, on another side, and so on. Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) did as he ﷺ commanded and then notified him. The Prophet ﷺ came and sat at the head or in the middle of the heaps and ordered Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) to measure the dates for the creditors to repay his late father’s debts. He ﷺ said: "Cut for him,” meaning ‘cut the clusters of dates for one of the creditors, “and measure for him fully,” meaning to repay the debt in full. He (may Allah be pleased with him) measured for them till he repaid all the debts, and his dates remained as they were; as if nothing had been taken from them, by the blessing of the Prophet ﷺ.
The hadeeth highlights a miracle exercised by the Prophet ﷺ and a sign indicating his prophethood.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is permissible to seek debt relief or remittance ofpart of it, if the debtor is unable to repay it in full; but the creditor has the choice either to accept or refuse such request..

2128

Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma‘dee Karib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.".

Commentary :
The divine blessing is one of the bounties bestowed by Allah, Exalted is He, to increase what is little, preserve it, and prevent its loss. The Prophet ﷺ guided us to a number of means to receive the blessing of Allah, Exalted is He.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ underlined one of such means, namely, the use of measures for foodstuff, including: wheat, barley, dates, raisins, and others, when buying or selling, or when paying their due Zakaah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “…you will be blessed,” meaning that Allah, Exalted is He, will enable you to better avail yourselves of its blessing, good, and great benefits, and both the sellers and buyers get to taste such benefits. It is also possible that the hadeeth refers to what a person spends on his dependents, and thus it would mean, “When you allocate foodstuff for your family and dependents, use measures to estimatethe exact amount that would suffice you for a specified period of time.” They did not use measures and therefore would eat to excess.
It is noteworthy that this hadeeth does not contradict the one narrated on the authority of the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim reading: “…I hada small quantity of barley I had on a shelf and from which I kept eating for a long time. Then when I measured what was left of it, it soon finished.” To reconcile between the two hadeeths, scholars underlined that it is recommended to use measures when conducting sales transactions because it preserves the rights of the contracting parties. However, it is disliked to use measures for foodstuff given in charity, because it is motivated by miserliness.
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2129

‘Abdullah ibn Zayd narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Prophet Ibraaheem declared Makkah a (sacred) sanctuary, and asked for Allah's blessing to be bestowed upon it. Likewise, I declared Al-Madeenah a (sacred) sanctuary as Ibraaheem declared Makkah a (sacred) sanctuary and I asked for Allah's Blessing to be bestowed upon its measures the Mudd and the Saa‘ as Ibraaheem did for Makkah.”.

Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, assigned to Makkah and Al-Madeenah a superior status to other places and lands.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ stated that Prophet Ibraaheem declared Makkah a sanctuary and supplicated Allah, Exalted is He, in its favor, as stated in the ayah that reads (what means): {And [mention] when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day."} [Quran 2:126]. Likewise, the Prophet ﷺ declared Al-Madeenah a sanctuary, as Prophet Ibraaheem declared Makkah one, and he ﷺ supplicated Allah, Exalted is He, to bless its measures as Prophet Ibraaheem supplicated Him to bless Makkah.
The Saa‘ and Mudd were dry measures used for agricultural produce by the Arabs, and their exact measures differed according to the different towns and lands where they were used. The Saa‘ was the larger measure, and it equals four Mudds.
The sacredness of Al-Madeenah is manifested in the fact that whatever lies within its boundaries is declared inviolable (as per the laws of Islam). No animal may be hunted, and no tree may not be cut down, except those planted by people; it is permissible to cut down and eat from such trees only. Moreover, no religious innovation, offence, act of injustice, or violation of the Laws of Islam warranting the application of Hadd (i.e., a corporal punishment prescribed by the Laws of Islam for certain crimes) may be committed therein. The Prophet ﷺ underlined that in his statement after the conquest of Makkah, narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them), and recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, reading: “Makkah was declared sacred by Allah, Exalted is He, the day He created the heavens and the Earth. Fighting therein was not permitted for any one before me or after me, rather it was permitted for me for a short part of a day. At this moment it is a sanctuary that is sacred by the decree of Allah until the Day of Resurrection. Its green grass may not be uprooted or cut, its trees may not be cut down, and its animals may not be chased (or hunted)… . It is not permissible to pick up its lost property (Luqtah) except by one who will announce it publicly (i.e., toreturn it to the owner).”
Furthermore, it was recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺsaid, “Al-Madeenah is a sanctuary from such-and-such place to such-and-such place. Its trees may not be cut down and no religious innovation nor sin may be committed therein, and whoever introduces a religious innovation or commits sins (and evil deeds) therein, will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all people.”
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2134

It was narrated on the authority of ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "A barter of gold for gold is Ribaa (i.e., interest), except if they are exchanged hand to hand (i.e., on the spot) and are equal in amount, and wheat grain for wheat grain is Ribaa except if they are exchanged hand to hand and are equal in amount, and dates for dates is Ribaa except if they are exchanged hand to hand and are equal in amount, and barley for barley is Ribaa except if they are exchanged hand to hand and are equal in amount.".

Commentary :
Dealing with Ribaa (i.e., interest, usury) is one of the major sins, and Allah, Exalted is He, threatened those who deal with it of a war [against them] from Him and His Messenger ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺclarified the rules and principles governing business transactions in Islam, and underlined the different forms of Ribaa so that the Muslims should not fall into it, and he ﷺ also clarified the different forms of lawful sale transactions.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explained how barters of two similar commodities should be conducted. He ﷺ said: “A barter of gold for gold is Ribaa, except if they are exchanged hand to hand (i.e., on the spot) and are equal in amount,” and the meaning is that the two commodities must be exchanged hand to hand before leaving the contracting session. Selling gold for gold is an unlawful transaction that involves Ribaa in all cases, except when the two commodities are exchanged on the spot, fulfilling the Taqaabudh requirement (i.e., immediate exchange and reciprocal taking possession of the purchased commodity and its monetary equivalent by the buyer and seller respectively in the contracting session). The reference to the Taqaabudh requirement in the hadeeth was given by the words ‘exchanged hand to hand.’ Likewise, the ruling applies to wheat and barley. If the seller and buyer want to conclude such transactions, the commodities must be exchanged hand to hand on the spot, before leaving the contracting session.
A second requirement for the validity of a barter of similar commodities is that the exchanged commodities must be of equal amounts.
It was narrated on the authority of Aboo Sa’eed Al-Khudhri (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said, stating the requirement of being of the same amount: “Do not sell gold for gold or silver for silver unless both are of equal weight.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
The version recorded in Saheeh Muslim reads: “Gold is to be paid for by gold, silver by silver, wheat by wheat, barley by barley, dates by dates, salt by salt, like by like, provided that payments are made hand to hand (i.e., immediate exchange on the spot). He who made an excess, or asked for an excess, in fact dealt with Ribaa. The receiver and the giver are equally guilty.”
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2135

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of foodstuff before receiving it (i.e., taking possession of it). I believe that all sale transactions should be done in the same way..

2136

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ said, "A buyer of foodstuff may not resell it before it has been measured for him." Ismsa‘eel narrated instead, "He may not resell it before receiving it.".

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

‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
A person came to the Prophet ﷺ and told him that he was always cheated in sale transactions. The Prophet ﷺ told him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating.".

Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma‘dee Karib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.".

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of foodstuff before receiving it (i.e., taking possession of it). I believe that all sale transactions should be done in the same way..

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ said, "A buyer of foodstuff may not resell it before it has been measured for him." Ismsa‘eel narrated instead, "He may not resell it before receiving it.".

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

‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): A person came to the Prophet ﷺ and told him that he was always cheated in sale transactions. The Prophet ﷺ told him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating.".

Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma‘dee Karib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Prophet ﷺ said, "Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.".

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of foodstuff before receiving it (i.e., taking possession of it). I believe that all sale transactions should be done in the same way..

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "A buyer of foodstuff may not resell it before it has been measured for him." Ismsa‘eel narrated instead, "He may not resell it before receiving it.".

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..

‘AbdullahNarrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
A person came to the Prophet ﷺ and told him that he was always cheated in sale transactions. The Prophet ﷺ told him to say at the time of the purchase, "There should be no cheating.".

Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma‘dee Karib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Measure your foodstuff and you will be blessed.".

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of foodstuff before receiving it (i.e., taking possession of it). I believe that all sale transactions should be done in the same way..

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ said, "A buyer of foodstuff may not resell it before it has been measured for him." Ismsa‘eel narrated instead, "He may not resell it before receiving it.".