Narrated Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him):Allah's Messengerﷺsaid (to me), "If the property of Bahrain had come to us, I would have given you so much and so much." But the Bahrain property did not come till the Prophetﷺhad died. When the Bahrain property came. Aboo Bakr(may Allah be pleased with him)ordered somebody to announce, "Any person who has money claim on Allah's Messengerﷺor whom Allah's Messengerﷺhad promised something, should come to us." So, I went to him and said, "Allah's Messengerﷺhad promised to give me so much and so much." Aboo Bakr scooped up money with both hands thrice for me." (The sub-narrator Sufyaan illustrated this action by scooping up with both hands and said, "Ibn al-Munkadir, another sub-narrator, used to illustrate it in this way.") Narrated Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him): Once I went to Aboo Bakr and asked for the money but he did not give me, and I went to him again, but he did not give me, so I went to him for the third time and said, "I asked you, but you did not give me; then I asked you (for the second time) and you did not give me; then I asked you (for the third time) but you did not give me. You should either give me or allow yourself to be considered a miser regarding my case." Aboo Bakr said, "You tell me that I am a miser with regard to you. But really, whenever I rejected your request, I had the inclination to give you." (In another narration Jaabir added:) So, Aboo Bakr scooped up money with both hands for me and asked me to count it. I found out that it was five hundred. Aboo Bakr told me to take twice that amount. In another narration, it reads: “He said: No sickness is more harmful than miserliness.”
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ liked to always keep his promises, which is from the manners of the believers.He ﷺwould often promise his Companions - especially those with needs and debts - to give them from the wealth that came from the booty which he receivedfrom the cities that entered Islam.
In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ had promised him that if the wealth of Jizyah came to him from Bahrain, he would give him “such-and-such, such-and-such, and such-and-such [an amount];” showing two handfuls three times. Bahrain, at that time,referred to what is known today as Bahrain, as well as Al-Ahsaa and Al-Qateef(which are located in eastern Saudi Arabia).Other accounts have shown, according to al-Bukhaaree and others, that the Prophet ﷺ sent al-‘Alaa ibn al-Hadramee to al-Munthir ibn Saawa, the governor of the Persians in Bahrain, calling him to Islam, so he became Muslim.The Magi of those territories made a peace pact with the Muslims on the condition of paying the Jizyah.When the Prophet ﷺ promised Jaabir to give him a share from the Jizyah of Bahrain, the wealth did not reach al-Madeenah until after the Prophet ﷺ and his soul was taken away.Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took over the Caliphate after him ﷺ andthen,when the money of Jizyah arrived from Bahrain, Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) ordered a man to proclaim - it was stated that that proclaimer was Bilaal (may Allah be pleased with him) - who called out loudly, “Whoever has given a loan to the Messenger of Allahﷺ or there is a promise of money from him, then let him come to us so that we can fulfil his rights.” Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) did this based on his knowledge of what the Prophetﷺ would do in terms of promises and taking loans to fulfil the needs of the people until the wealth of Jizyah or booty came to him.
So, Jaabir came to Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them) and told him that the Messenger of Allah ﷺhad told him: “So-and-so,” and this is a metaphor for what the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had promised him. Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) scooped for him three times.It was said that it was like a handful and that it was what fills both palms. The narrator of this hadeeth, Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyaynah, demonstrated it when he explained what it meant, and he scooped using both palms.
In a different narration, it mentions that he came to Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and asked him to give him three times, and each time he did not give him. Thereupon, Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him, “Either you will give me, or you will be stingy to me.” Miserliness is that a person withholds what is obligatory upon him and does not pay it. Hence, Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him)remarked to him disapprovingly, “Did you really say, ‘or be stingy to me?!’” I have not held back from giving you at any time, but I really intended to give you.”Aboo Bakr only delayed in giving either due to being busy with something more important than that, or from the fear that it could lead to many others starting to demand for similar things.Aboo Bakr filled his both palms with money and asked him to count it.He counted it and found it to be equivalent to five hundred in number, so Aboo Bakr told him, “Take a similar amount twice again,” just as what the Messenger of Allah ﷺ promised him.
In one narration, it is mentioned that Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him)asked him, “And which disease is more severe than miserliness?!” That is, which defect is worse than a person being described as miserly?
This hadeeth demonstrates the goodness of Aboo Bakr as a successor to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, his effortstoward the establishment of his Sunnah ﷺ and his implementation of his promises ﷺ.
It shows that the ruler has the right to allocate a portion of the booty orFay’ to his deputies and the deputies of the Muslims, and it highlights the importance of paying off the debts of the deceased after his death..

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Narrated Jubayr ibn Mut`im(may Allah be pleased with him)The Prophetﷺtalked about war prisoners of Badr saying, "Had Al-Mut`im ibn ‘Adi been alive and interceded with me for these mean people, I would have freed them for his sake."
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Commentary : One who fails to thank people, then he has not been thankful to Allah.The Prophetﷺ was the keenest on preserving the rights of people, and he treated them with kindness, and interacted and addressed the people according to their status and appropriate positions, giving them the due value and respect which they deserved.

Al-Mut’im ibn ‘Adiyy was the one who endeavoured to overturn the scroll that Quraysh had suspended on the Ka’bah, which entailed boycotting Banee Haashim and Banee al-Muttalib.Hence, the Prophet ﷺ noted this noble deed of his.

In this hadeeth, Jubayribn Mut’im reports that the Prophet ﷺ said after the Battle of Badr that took place in the second year of the Hijrah, that if al-Mut’im ibn ‘Adiyy was alive and appealed tohim to forgive those dirtypolytheist prisoners, he would have approved his request and would have set them free without ransom. The Prophet ﷺ wanted to express his gratitude to him not only due to his noble endeavours to end the boycott of Banee Haashim that Quraysh had previously initiated,as written on their scroll that was hung on the Ka’bah.It was also becausewhen he ﷺ returned from Taaif to Makkah, he returned under his protection. However, the death of al-Mut’im happened in the month of Safar during the second year of the Hijrah, about seven months before the Battle of Badr.
It is possible that by this statement, the Prophet ﷺ wanted to comfort the heart of his son Jubayribn Mut’im and incline his heart further towards Islam. The statement of the Prophet ﷺcontains anindication of the lofty status of the Prophet ﷺ and belittlement of the condition of those disbelievers, as his words showed that he did not care about them such that he would not mind entrusting their affairs to a polytheist who had some status in his eyes.
The reasons the Prophet ﷺcalled the disbelieving prisoners‘ dirty and stinkingindividuals’ is either due to their ritual impurity due to their disbelief or because those to whom he referred were those whose bodies had turned to stinking corpses thrown into the well of Badr. However, if al-Mut’im interceded with the Prophet ﷺto hand their bodies over, then the Prophet ﷺ would have turned their bodies over to him.
This hadeeth shows that it is permissible to show compassion to prisoners and effectuate their release without ransom, and that it is allowed to accept the intercession of a noble person on behalf of sinners in order to attract his heart to Islam.
Itshows that one should give the best rewardto someone who did a favour or a kind act for him. .

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Narrated Jubayr ibn Mut`im:I and `Uthmaan ibn `Affaan went to Allah's Messengerﷺand said, "O Allah's Messenger! You have given to Banee Al-Muttalib and left us although they and we are of the same kinship to you." Allah's Messengerﷺsaid, "Baneeal-Muttalib and Banee Haashim are one and the same." The Prophetﷺdid not give a share to Banee `Abd Shams and Banee Nawfal.
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Commentary : Allah bestowed His grace on the Muslims by helping them conquer the fort of Khaybar in the seventh year of the Hijrah.The Messenger ﷺ acquired therefrom many spoils, and he gave Banee Haashim and Banee ‘Abdul Muttalib of the fifth share which he ﷺ took of the spoils, while he did not give anything to Banee ‘Abd Shams and Banee Nawfal.
Jubayribn Mut’im – who happened to be from Banee Nawfal – reports that he and ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan – who was from Banee ‘Abd Shams - went to the Messenger of Allah ﷺand said, “O Messenger of Allah!You gave Banee ‘Abdul Muttalib from the spoils, and you did not give us anything although they and we have the same status with you,i.e. we are all brothers as we are all the sons of ‘Abd Manaaf.
This is because ‘Abd Shams, Haashim, and al-Muttalib were allmaternal half-brothers whose mother was ‘Aatikah bint Murrah. As for Nawfal, he was their paternal half-brother whose mother was Waaqidah bint ‘Amr al-Maaziniyyah.These four became the masters and leaders of their people after the demise of their father, and so they took the mantle of leadership. Haashim took the responsibility of supplying water to the pilgrims and feeding the needy pilgrims after his father’s demise. It is to him and to his brother al-Muttalib the attribution of the lineage of the close relatives is referred to, and they were one and the same. This is why the Prophet ﷺ stated, “Banoo al-Muttalib and Banoo Haashim are one and the same.” In other words, the same ruling applies to the two of them in terms of the rights that they deserve because there was an oath of alliance between them in the pre-Islamic era.For this reason, when Quraysh besieged Banoo Haashim in the valley and prevented the people from marrying them and trading with them, in that instance, Banoo al-Muttalib tethered alongside Banoo Haashim in the valley, as a protest on behalf of the Messenger of Allahﷺ and for his protection.As a result,the Muslims among the tribe entered the valley as a form of obedience to Allah and His Messengerﷺ, while the disbelievers among them entered the valley as a form of loyalty for the clan, self-esteem and obediencefor Aboo Taalib, the uncle of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.On the other hand, Banoo Nawfal and Banoo ‘Abd Shams did not enter the valley, though they were first cousins. They even fought against them, resisted them, and turned the clans of Quraysh to fight the Messenger ﷺand the Muslims who were with him.
This hadeeth shows that the fifth of the spoils was reserved for the Prophet ﷺ to dispose of it as he wanted, and to give it to his relatives, and withhold from whomever he wanted.
It also shows that one should take care of family members when giving, and shows that close kin should have a sharefrom gifts, because ‘Uthmaan and Jubayr only asked for the gift due to their kinship..

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Narrated Saalih ibn Ibraaheem ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf from his father from his grandfather:While I was standing in the row on the Day (of the Battle) of Badr, I looked to my right and my left and found that two young boys from the Ansaar are on my both sides. At that moment, I wished that I stood between two strong and fierce men instead. One of them called my attention saying, "O Uncle! Do you know Aboo Jahl?" I said, " O my nephew! Yes,what do you want from him?" He said, "I have been informed that he abuses Allah's Messengerﷺ. By Him in Whose Hands my life is, if I should see him, then my body will not leave his body till either of us meet his fate." I was astonished at that talk. Then the other boy called my attention saying the same as the other had said. After a while I saw Aboo Jahl walking amongst the people. I said (to the boys), "Look! This is the man you asked me about." So, both of them attacked him with their swords and struck him to death and returned to Allah's Messenger to inform him of that. Allah's Messengerﷺasked, "Which of you has killed him?" Each of them said, "I Have killed him." Allah's Messengerﷺasked, "Have you cleaned your swords?" They said, "No. " He then looked at their swords and said, "No doubt, you both have killed him, and the spoils of the deceased will be given to Mu’aath ibn `Amr ibn al-Jamooh." The two boys were Mu’aath ibn 'Afra and Mu’aath ibn `Amr ibn al-Jamooh.
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Commentary : The children of the Emigrants and the Ansaar grew upon on the pristine nature of Islam.The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) brought them up righteously as they are the best of the people after the prophets and witnessed the Prophet ﷺ walking amidst them.These children grew up loving him, and they learnt to sacrifice themselves for him since their childhood. This hadeeth presents to us one of the aspects that manifested their unconditional love for the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf(may Allah be pleased with him)reports that he was lining up with the other Muslim fighters for the Battle of Badr that happened between the Muslims and the polytheists of Makkah during the second year of the Hijrah.He looked to his right and left, and he found two young boys of a young age from the Ansaar.He wished that he was standing between two strong and fierce men, instead, because an older person would more entrenched in war and more rightful to be beside him than these young fighters.One of these two boys was Mu’aathibn ‘Amr ibn al-Jamooh(may Allah be pleased with him), and the other boy was Mu’aathibn ‘Afraa (may Allah be pleased with him).One of them gestured,such that he looked with his eye towards him or touched him with his hand and asked him, “Uncle, do you know Aboo Jahl?”‘Abd al-Rahmaan answered him, “Of course, and why are you asking about him, o nephew!”The boy replied, “I heard that he abuses the Messenger of Allahﷺ,” and then he swore that if he saw him, he would not let him go, until the one closer to the death between died. ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf was astonished by the statement of this boy, as it was indicative of his perfect chivalry.Then, the second one gestured to him and made exactly the same statement as the first one.It wasn’t long until ‘Abd al-Rahmaan spotted Aboo Jahl, who happened to be roaming amongst the people, moving around and not remaining still at one place.He showed them where their target was and informed them that this particular man was Aboo Jahl, concerning whom they had asked him earlier.Both of them hastened towards him with their swords, meaning they sprinted with their swords to hit him until they killed him.Then they returned to the Prophet ﷺ and informed him of their killing of Aboo Jahl.The Prophetﷺ asked them, “Who amongst you killed him?”Both answered, “I killed him.”The Prophet ﷺ inquired, “Have you both cleaned your swords?”Meaning, from the blood that is on it.They both answered, “No.” The Prophet ﷺ looked at their swords to see the extent of their penetration into the body of the killed (by looking at the blood stains on them), to judge who was more effective in extracting his soul, and to decide on giving the killed person’s booty to the one who was more effective in killing him.If they had rubbed their swords clean, then the indication of this reality would not be clear.Thereafter, the Prophet ﷺ informed them that each one of them participated with his brother in killing him. Heﷺ gave his acquired booty and armaments to Mu’aathibn ‘Amr ibn al-Jamooh, as he learned that it was his sword that was instrumental in killing him.The reason he said to them, “Both of you killed him,” was to grant comfort to the heart of the other in the sense that he participated in killing him and in acquiring the great rewards that are based on this noble act, though there is a difference between them both in precedence and causation. It is reported on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood that he found Aboo Jahal still had his last trace of life, thus, he gave him the last stroke and removed his head from his body [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim].
This hadeeth shows that the armament of the killed disbeliever in war is not always subject to the one fifth portion (khums), and it can be given to his killer instead.
It confirms the legality of the establishment of financial rights through circumstantial evidence because the Prophet ﷺproved who killed Aboo Jahl by examining the blood on the sword, and judged for him to receive his armaments.
It shows that one should be angry and hasten to fight for the sake of Allah and His Messengerﷺ.
The hadeeth shows that a person should conceal his intention to do good from others, lest they supersede him, and that it is important to avoid belittling anyone, as sometimes one who is belittled with regard to carrying out a task could be greater than what he is perceived as in the hearts, and be more rightful to carry out that task.
Lastly, it shows that it is important for the ruler and the judge to study circumstantial evidence in order to give preference to the statement of one claimants over the statement of another..

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Narrated Aboo Qaatadah (may Allah be pleased with him): We set out in the company of Allah's Messengerﷺon the day (of the battle) of Hunayn. When we faced the enemy, the Muslims retreated, and I saw a pagan throwing himself over a Muslim. I turned around and came upon him from behind and hit him on the shoulder with the sword. He (i.e. the pagan) came towards me and seized me so violently that I felt as if it were death itself, but death overtook him, and he released me. I followed `Umar ibn Al Khattab and asked him, "What is wrong with the people (fleeing)?" He replied, "This is the Will of Allah," After the people returned, the Prophetﷺsat and said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has a proof of that, will possess his spoils." I got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and then sat down. The Prophetﷺagain said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has proof of that, will possess his spoils." I (again) got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and sat down. Then the Prophetﷺsaid the same for the third time. I again got up, and Allah's Messengerﷺsaid, "O Aboo Qataadah! What is your story?" Then I narrated the whole story to him. A man (got up and) said, "O Allah's Messenger! He is speaking the truth, and the spoils of the killed man are with me. So please compensate him on my behalf." On that Aboo Bakr As-Siddeeq(may Allah be pleased with him) said, "No, by Allah, he ﷺwill not agree to give you the spoils gained by one of Allah's Lions who fights on the behalf of Allah and His Messenger." The Prophetﷺsaid, "Aboo Bakr has spoken the truth." So, Allah's Messengerﷺgave the spoils to me. I sold that armour (i.e. the spoils) and with its price I bought a garden at Banee Salimah, and this was my first property which I gained after my conversion to Islam..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ explained the rulings on jihad, spoils, and additionally rewarded booty; he also made it clear what every fighter deserves, and when a Muslim deserves receiving the belongings of a slain polytheist.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that he came out with the Messenger of Allah ﷺin the year when the Battle of Hunayn took place.Hunayn is a valley, the distance between which and Makkah is three miles.The battle took place in the eighth year of the Hijrahandwas between the Muslims and the people of Taaif, namely the tribes of Hawaazin and Thaqeef.When the Muslims met with the enemy, the Muslims resorted to some sort of manoeuvre, meaning that it entailed moving back and forth and some sort of disarray.He used this word to describe the scenario to avoid using a negative word denoting defeat.This military manoeuvre happened in some sections of the army,but not involving the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and those around him.Aboo Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) saw a man of the idolators who had gone on top of a man from the Muslims, meaning he had overpowered him and was ready to kill him, or had toppled him and was sitting on him to kill him. He(may Allah be pleased with him) turned to him from behind until he struck him with a sword on the vein of his neck; the Arabic word Habl al-‘Aatik signifies a nerve, or a muscle string located at a place where the robe fits on the neck, or the place between the shoulder blade and neck where one’s robe sits, or between the neck and the shoulder.However,this polytheist was so strong that he stood up after the strike, turned to Aboo Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) and hugged him until Aboo Qataadah(may Allah be pleased with him) found the severity like the severity of death, but soon death overtook this polytheist, so he let Aboo Qataadah go.Thereafter, Aboo Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) went to join ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab, and asked him, “What is the matter with the people who seemed defeated? And why are they fleeing?” So, ‘Umar told him that the command of Allah is overpowering. That means, whoever trusts in Him and does not admire himself [in terms of his strength and number], the He will help him, and not as what the Muslims did at the beginning, when they were impressed by their multitude, it did not avail them anything, and they were defeated in the early moments of the battle; however, the praiseworthy outcome is for the righteous who place the commands of Allah before their eyes and entrust their affairs to Allah.
Then the Muslims returned to the battle after retreating.That occurred after the Prophet ﷺ called out to them, “I am the Prophet, not a liar. I am the son of [the brave] ‘Abdul Muttalib.”He ordered his uncle al-‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with him) to call out to the people to return, as the narrations of Bukhaaree and Muslim explain.Allah, the Glorified, has mentioned what happened then in His Mighty Book; He Almighty states:{Indeed, Allah has given you [believers] victory on many battlefields, even at the Battle of Ḥunain when you took pride in your great numbers, but they proved of no advantage to you. The earth, despite its vastness, seemed to close in on you, then you turned back in retreat.Then Allah sent down His reassurance upon His Messenger and the believers, and sent down forces you could not see, and punished those who disbelieved. Such was the reward of the disbelievers.}(Quran 9:25-26).
After the end of the battle, the Muslims took the spoils of Hawaazin and Thaqeef, and the Prophet ﷺ sat and said, “Whoever killed a person, he must provide a proof,”i.e. he must have a sign or witnesses, “then he will receive the killed person’s armaments,” that is the arms and other personal belongings the killed person was carrying at that time.
Aboo Qataadah(may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I got up and said,‘Who will testify in my favour that this man was killed by me?’” Then he sat down.Thereafter, he repeated this statement twice - as if he was talking to himself - and in the last instance, the Messenger of Allah asked him, “What is wrong with you, Aboo Qataadah?” So he began narrating to him what had happened.A man exclaimed, “He has spoken the truth, O Messenger of Allah, his booty is with me, accept to give it to me instead.” He meant that he wanted to keep the booty and he was asking the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to give Aboo Qataadah something instead of it. Thereupon, Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) replied to him immediately, “No way, by Allah!” I.e. it is not yours, by Allah, “then he ﷺ shall not turn to a lion among the lions of Allah [to take away his right],” meaning Aboo Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him).The comprehensive meaning of this is that if Aboo Qataadah s truthful about the fact that he is the owner of the booty, then it is plausible that the Prophet ﷺ shall not turn to a person who in his bravery is like a lion, who fights in defence of Allah and His Messenger, thereafter, taking away his right from him and handing it over to you without the approval of the former.It is important to satisfy the heart of the fighter who killed a polytheist first.However, if agrees to leave his acquired arms to the other person, he is free to do so, otherwise, his right shall be returned to him in terms of the acquired armaments.The Prophet ﷺ said, “He is right,” meaning, Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him).Thus, the Prophet ﷺ gave Aboo Qataadah the killed soldier’s armaments after becoming aware of the proof that he was the one who killed the enemy fighter.
Thereafter, Aboo Qataadah narrated that he sold his spoils and bought an orchard in Banee Salamah instead. Banee Salamah is a clan of the Ansaar, and thereafter, Aboo Qataadah stated that this orchard was the first wealth that he acquired or bought in Islam.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is that it expounds the virtue of Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) where he issued a fatwa in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ, and the Prophet ﷺ approved his ruling and was satisfied with it.
The hadeeth highlights the merit of Aboo Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him), whom Aboo Bakr(may Allah be pleased with him) called a lion from the lions of Allah, who fights for Allah and His Messenger, which the Prophet ﷺ affirmed.
This hadeeth shows that the killer is more deserving of the special booty of the one whom he killed, that the special booty will not be divided into the one-fifth share (al-Khums), and that it is given to the fighter who killed the enemy fighter before the booty is divided..

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Narrated Naafi’:`Umar ibn Al-Khattab said, "O Allah's Messengerﷺ! I vowed to observe I`tikaaf for one day before Islam." The Prophetﷺordered him to fulfil his vow.
Naafi’ added: `Umar gained two female captives from the war prisoners of Hunayn and he left them in some of the houses at Makkah. When Allah's Messengerﷺfreed the captives of Hunayn without ransom, they came out walking in the streets. `Umar said (to his son), "O `Abdullah! See what the matter is." `Abdullah replied, "Allah's Messengerﷺhas freed the captives without ransom." He said (to him), "Go and set free those two slave girls."
Naafi` added: Allah's Messenger did not perform the `Umrah from Al-Ji’raanah, and if he had performed the `Umrah, it would not have been hidden from `Abdullah.
In one version of the hadeeth, regarding the vow, it does not say “ a day”.
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Commentary : There are three versions of this hadeeth, all of which represent the complete compliance of the Companions(may Allah be pleased with them) to the orders of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, and how they never tookaction until they hadclarified the truth as stated by Allah and His Messengerﷺ.
In this hadeeth, Naafi’, the freed slave of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him),reports that after Allah granted the Muslims the conquest of Makkah, and it became part of the lands of Islam, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab(may Allah be pleased with him) remembered a matter which he had vowed in the time of ignorance, before Islam.He asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about it, recalling that he had vowed to perform i'tikaaf (seclusion) for a day in the Sacred Mosque (al-Masjid al-Haraam).In the narration of Muslim, it appears that his question occurred at al-Ji’raanah after his return from Taa'if.The Prophet ﷺ ordered him to fulfil his vow by performing i'tikaaf in the Sacred Mosque.
Part of the share of the booty of ‘Umar was receiving two slave girls among the captives of Hunayn. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ showed compassion on the captives of Hunayn and set them free without any ransom. That is when the Prophet ﷺ married the mother of believers Juwairiyyah bint al-Haarith (may Allah be pleased with her) and made her release her dowry. The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ exclaimed, “[These captives] are now the relatives-in-law of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ,” as recorded in the hadeeth in Sunan Aboo Dawood. Hence, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) set the captives free from their ownership, and they began running on the roads.‘Umar asked his son, ‘Abdullah, to find out what was happening! He looked and asked why they were walking on the roads, thus, he learnt that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had set the captives free. Thereupon, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) ordered his son to set free the slave girls whom the Messenger ﷺhad given him from the one-fifth share.This was an excellent example to follow what the Prophet ﷺ had done.After all, they were the most eager of people to follow him and pursue his guidance.
The words of the freed slave of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)are that the Messenger of Allahﷺ did not perform ‘Umrah starting from al-Ji’raanah, and had he performed ‘Umrah from there, Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would have known about it.Al-Ji’raanah is a place between al-Taaif and Makkah.It is closer to Makkah, being about 20 km north-east of it.It is narrated in the authentic hadeeth that the Prophet ﷺ performed ‘Umrah from there when had finished conquering Hunayn and al-Taaif [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim].That was in the eighth year of the Hijrah.Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and a sizeable number of companions did not know about this because the Prophet ﷺassumed the Ihraam for ‘Umrah and only a few companions accompanied him.Heﷺ left al-Ji’raanah at night, performed ‘Umrah at night, and then returned;hence, his ‘Umrah was unnoticed by a large number of people, as narrated by an-Nasaa’ee, Ahmad and others.
This hadeeth encourages us to fulfil a permissible vow, even if a long time has passed, and that whoever makes a vow free from polytheism before he embraces Islam; then after he embraces Islam, he should fulfil his vow.
It shows that it is permissible to make a vow regarding performing seclusion in the Masjid (‘itikaaf).
It also highlights the prompt response of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to obey the commands of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
It teaches us to accept the good news that becomes widespread, even if a reliable person never heard of it..

3147

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik:When Allah favoured His Messengerﷺ with the properties of Hawaazin tribe as booty, he started giving to some men from Quraysh even up to one-hundred camels each, whereupon some men from the Ansaar said about Allah's Messenger “May Allah forgive His Messenger! He is giving to (men of) Quraysh and leaves us while it is our swords that are still dropping blood (of the disbelievers)" When Allah's Messengerﷺwas informed of what they had said, heﷺ called the Ansaar and gathered them in a leather tent and did not call anybody else along, with them. When they gathered, Allah's Messengerﷺcame to them and said, "What is the statement which, I have been informed, and that which you have said?" The learned ones among them replied," O Allah's Messenger!The wise ones amongst us did not say anything, but the youngsters amongst us said, 'May Allah forgive His Messenger; he gives the people of Quraysh and leaves the Ansaar, in spite of the fact that our swords are still dribbling (wet) with the blood of the infidels.' " Allah's Messengerﷺreplied, I give to such people as are still close to the period of infidelity (i.e. they have recently embraced Islam and Faith is still weak in their hearts). Won't you be pleased to see people go with fortune, while you return with Allah's Messengerﷺto your houses? By Allah, what you will return with, is better than what they are returning with." The Ansaar replied, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger! We are satisfied' Then the Prophetﷺsaid to them." You will find after me, others being preferred to you. Then be patient till you meet Allah and meet His Messenger at Al-Kawthar (i.e. a fount in Paradise)." (Anas added:) But we did not remain patient.
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was keen to have all people enter Islam, the religion of Allah.He ﷺused to treat people as he saw in their best interests,i.e.if wealth was suitable for someone, he would give him wealth, and if his closeness would suit someone, he would bring him closer to him, and so on.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him)reports that a group of people from the Ansaar said to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when Allah bestowed upon him the booty from Hawaazin– which is an Arab tribe - in the 8th year of Hijrah,he ﷺ embarked on giving some men of Quraysh a hundred camels in order to create a stronger bondintheir hearts towards Islam, as they happened to be the leaders of their people.When the Ansaar - who are the people of al-Madeenah - saw what the Prophet ﷺ had done, they felt uneasy about it or they became jealous; they perceived in themselves that they were more entitled to this wealth.So they said, “May Allah forgive the Messenger of Allah ﷺ,” as if they saw it as a mistake for which he ought to be forgiven by Allah, or they said this in a way to show the intensity of their love for him, so that they could avoid frankly saying,‘He made a mistake.’Their justification was that the swords of the Ansaar were the ones that fought with him, and the blood of Quraysh was still on their swordsfrom the wars that took place between them for them to enter Islam. It is as if they wanted him to give them the booty also as he gave it to those men from Quraysh, and as if those who said this grieved and sensed that the Prophet ﷺhad begun leaning toward his family and his tribe of Quraysh, and favouring them by giving gifts.The Messenger of Allah ﷺ learned about what they said.It is said that Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah (may Allah be pleased with him) informed him of what these men said.The Prophet ﷺ sent a messenger to Ansaar to call them over, assembled them under a tent made of skin, and did not allow anyone else in apart from them, because the invitation was to the Ansaar only.When they had congregated, the Prophet ﷺcame to them asking, “What is the news that has reached me?”He was inquiring from them about what they had said. The understanding men – those who were sensible and wise – said, “Those who are the most opinionated people amongst us – these are the intellectuals and those possessing comprehension – O Messenger of Allah, have not uttered a single word about this.As for those young ones who possess the minimal intellectual ability, they said, ‘May Allah forgive the Messenger of Allah; he gives booty to Quraysh and leaves the Ansaar, while our swords are still dropping droplets of their blood!’” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied to them, “I do give the booty to some men who are very close to the time of their disbelief,” meaning he wanted to harmonize them and strengthen Islam in their hearts; thus, he gave them the wealth; and not because they were from Quraysh, or because of other reasons.
Thereafter, heﷺ told them – thereby giving them glad tidings and expounding his love and his preference of them to others among the Muslims, “Are you not happy that people take the wealth with them.”They take it to their houses and family members, “and you return to your tents and houses with the Messenger of Allah?”That is better than wealth.Then he took an oath saying, “By Allah!What you are returning with,” what you are returning with to your houses and city, “is better than what they are returning with,” these other people who are returning with the wealth.At this point, the Ansaar came to know their high status with the Prophet ﷺ.Their status was far greater than everyone who took the wealth, and this comforted their hearts.They replied, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah!We are pleased.”The Prophet ﷺ then told them, “You will definitely see extreme favouritism after me,” meaning they would witness tyranny inflicted against them and depeivation of the wealth and rights due to them i.e.the leades would end up giving others undue wealth and power.Thereafter, heﷺ said, “Remain patient until you meet Allah, and you meet His Messenger on the Pond.”It means to remain patient over what you will encounter after me in the world until you meet me at the Pond on the Day of Judgment, safely from any competition and mutual hatred in the debris of the world, when you will be given your rewards in full from Allah Almighty.You will then succeed with great rewards for the patience exercised in the world.The Pond of the Prophet ﷺ is a big pond of water to where the believers will go to drink therefrom in the plains of the Day of Judgement.In a narration of Muslim, they replied, “We will remain patient” on the harms.
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) remarked, “We did remain patient on the favouritism and tyranny as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded us to do”.
From the benefits of this hadeeth, we can conclude that it is permissible to give the booty to new Muslims and also give them whatever is of the same meaning from the state funds, in order to win their hearts and grant them steadfastness on Islam.
The hadeeth highlights the virtue of the Ansaar, and the special relationship of the Prophet ﷺ with the Anssar, and their special relationship with the Prophetﷺ.
It encourages people toendure the tyranny of leaders and their preference for unworthy people.
The hadeeth affirms the water basin for the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgement.

3150

Narrated `Abdullah:On the day (of the battle) of Hunayn, Allah's Messengerﷺfavoured some people in the distribution of the booty (to the exclusion of others); he gave Al-Aqra' ibn Haabis one-hundred camels and he gave 'Uyaynah the same amount, and also gave to some of the eminent Arabs, giving them preference in this regard. A man n came and said, "By Allah, justice has not been observed in this distribution, nor has Allah's Pleasure been aimed at." I said (to him), "By Allah, I will inform the Prophet (of what you have said), "I went and informed him, and he said, "If Allah and His Messenger did not act justly, who else would act justly. May Allah be merciful to Moses, for he was harmed with more than this, yet he kept patient."
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Commentary : The Prophetﷺ was keen to see all people enter Islam, the religion of Allah.Heﷺ would invite the leaders and those who held influential positions in their communities and would win their hearts, in the hope of their entrance into Islam and that their people would follow suit and enter Islam and remain steadfast on it.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him)reports that the Prophet ﷺspecified some people and granted them preference in the distribution of the spoils.He gave them extraat the Battle of Hunayn, which occurred in the eighth year of the Hijrah.Hunayn is a valley that is three miles away from Makkah.This battle occurred against the people of Taaif, namely the tribes of Hawaazin and Thaqeef.He gave al-Aqra’ ibn Haabis – one whose heart it was desirable to win – a hundred camels.He gave ‘Uyaynah ibn Hisn al-Fazaaree the same amount, and he gave some other people among the notables of the Arabs.He gave them precedence and preference over others among those who had stronger faith, were veterans in companionship, and were enduring in trials due to their faith.A man said when he witnessed this, “By Allah, verily, this distribution contains no fairness and nor has the happiness of Allah has been intended thereby.”The statement of this man levelled an accusation at the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood(may Allah be pleased with him) heard him saying this; thus,he swore that he would inform the Messenger of Allah about it. That was because the person spoke whilst backbiting the Prophet ﷺ, which is indicative of the corruption found in the heart of this man.That was because he did not head to the Prophet ﷺ with his opinion for the Prophet ﷺ to explain to him the wisdom behind it or to reassess himself if he had really made a mistake.When the Prophet ﷺ learnt about it, he became unhappy – as it has been mentioned in Saheeh Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim.Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Who will be fair if Allah and His Messenger are not fair?”This statement shows that what the Messenger of Allah did was from the command of Allah and that he was only applying the orders of his Lord.Thereafter, the Prophet ﷺ said, “May Allah have mercy on Moses(peace be upon him).He was harmed by people with more than this,” meaning, more than what I have been annoyed and harmed with.“He remained patient.” We have an excellent example in him, as he was taken out of Egypt and exiled,andthereafter, Allah granted him victory over his enemy and brought forth for him signs before his people.Despite this, they opposed him in many issues, andhe remained patient over them.Some of the prophets (peace be upon them) are consoled by others.The Prophet ﷺ consoled himself by Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) in his perseverance over his people.He remained patient over this person.
Thishadeeth reveals the Prophet’s ﷺforbearance, and it teaches us to ignore the ignorant person.
It highlights the virtue of Prophet Moses(peace be upon him) and indicates consolation by those who have passed away among the righteous counterparts.
It shows that it is permitted to narrate a statement that is not good when it is stated if itis transmitted out of one’s fervour for the truth, so its utterer is known and is warned against..

3153

Narrated `Abdullah ibn Mughaffal(may Allah be pleased with him): While we were besieging the fort of Khaybar, a person threw a leather container containing fat, and I ran to take it, but when I turned, I saw the Prophet (standing behind), so I felt embarrassed in front of him.
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Commentary : The fortress of Khaybar was a fortress of the Jews.The Prophet ﷺ left to fight them in the seventh year of the Hijrah.In this war, many injunctions were revealed concerning the issues pertaining to the spoils and special booty, cultivation on lands and so on.The Prophet ﷺ clarified what is allowed and what is disallowed during these events.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn Mughaffal (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that during the encirclement of the fortress of Khaybar, someone threw a bag containing fat. The Arabic word Jiraab signifies a container made of leather. ‘Fat’ means fat grease. ‘Abdullah says, “I ran quickly to take it,” meaning, I jumped quickly to grab it and take it for myself.‘Abdullah turned and saw the Prophet ﷺ looking at him. So,he (may llah be pleased of him) felt shy of him,andrealisedthat he # wanted it.
The narration in Saheeh Muslim indicates the Prophet’s approval and affirmation of his taking it as it contains that he ﷺ smiled when he saw him.
This amount of food is allowed for the soldiers to take according to their needs without wasting it and hoarding it. If one has enough to sustain him, then he should not take anything extra above that. This allowance is fine, despite there being prohibition from embezzlement in other things of the spoils such as clothing and animals, so that they are not used up or kept from the one who is entitled tohis share.
This hadeethserves as evidence that consuming the fats of the animals slaughtered by the people of the Book are permessible;even if its consumption isprohibited for them, it is allowed for us.Had it been prohibited, the Prophet ﷺ would have reprimanded him from taking it and notified him of its prohibition..

3154

Narrated Ibn `Umar:In our battles, we used to acquire honey and grapes, as war booty which we would eat and would not store.
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Commentary : Fighting in the path of Allah is the top part of the hump [the pinnacle] of Islam.Allah permitted the spoils of war and fighting for hisProphet ﷺ.Conversely, He has prohibited embezzlement of the spoils, apart from the fact that the fighter is allowed to take what food from the spoils he may urgently require.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)reports that they used to acquire honey and grapes in their wars from the wealth of those they used to fight with and from their items of benefit.The one who acquired it would take it and eat it due to their necessity for food and drink, and they did not report that to the Prophet ﷺas being among the wealth set aside for distribution.
This allowance concerns the food and drinksthat the warriors need, without wasting it or hoarding it. One who has a sufficient amount with him, then he should avoid taking anything more above the required amount.But there is a prohibition in place of embezzlement of items of spoils such as clothes and animals;this also ensures that they are not used up and wasted for the ones who ought to receive them.
This hadeeth expounds the facilitation of Islam concerning some items of war, by taking into account the circumstances of the fighters in the way of Allah..

3155

Narrated Ibn Abi `Awfaa (may Allah be pleased with him): We were afflicted with famine during the besiege of Khaybar, and when it was the day of (the battle of) Khaybar, we slaughtered the domestic donkeys and when the pots got boiling (with their meat), Allah's Messenger made an announcement that all the pots should be upset and that nobody should eat anything of the meat of the donkeys. We thought that the Prophetﷺprohibited that because the one fifth share had not been taken out of the booty (i.e. donkeys); other people said, "He prohibited eating them for ever." The sub-narrator added, "I asked Sa’eed ibn Jubayr who said, 'He has made the eating of donkeys' meat illegal definitely and indefinitely [always].”
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Commentary : Allah has legislated, for His servants, laws that take their interests into account and has legislated what is good for them in their religion and worldly affairs.Henceforth, Allah, the Sublime, has permitted for them the good and pure things to eat and prohibited them from those things that contain harm to them.Many events occurred during the battle of Khaybar wherein provisions relating to that which is lawful and that which is forbiddenfrom food, drink, spoils and so on were revealed.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Awfaa (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Muslims were hit by famine, that is, situations of extreme hunger - due to lack of food, and that was during the Khaybar invasion, in the seventh year of the Hijrah.Khyber was a town inhabited by the Jews, 153 km away from al-Madeenah, toward the north on the road to the Levant.The Jews had gathered there, so the Prophet ﷺ wanted to secure al-Madeenah from their evil.
When it was the day of the Battle of Khaybar and the forts were conquered,and the Muslim army entered the town, they confiscated the domesticated donkeys used by humans for their needs.They slaughtered them with knives at their slaughterhouse and cooked them, without the permission of the Prophet ﷺ.When the pots started boiling with meat inside, a crier for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, was Aboo Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him), proclaimed, “Overturn the pots,” meaning that the Prophetﷺ had commanded them to empty the pots with their contents and that they should not taste anything of the meat of the domestic donkeys.
‘Abdullah ibn Abee Awfaa relates that some of the Companions said,“The Prophet ﷺ forbade it because the fifth share was not taken from it.”Some others said thatthe Prophetﷺ forbade it “definitely and indefinitely [always].”This is the position which the Follower Sa’eed ibn Jubayr settled on, and he stated, “The Prophet ﷺ prohibited it forever.”
This hadeeth shows that it is forbidden to eat the meat of domesticated donkeys, and it demonstrates hastening to change the evil and to remove it when it appears..

3156

Narrated `Amr ibn Dinaar:I was sitting with Jaabir ibn Zayd and `Amr ibn Aws;so Bajaalahnarrated to them while they were sitting at the steps of Zamzamthat in the year 70 after Hijrah, Mus`ab ibn Al-Zubayr was the leader of the pilgrims of Basrah. He added: I was the clerk of Jaz’ ibn Mu’aawiyyah, the paternal uncle of al-Ahnaf. A letter came from `Umar ibn Al-Khattab(may Allah be pleased with him) one year before his death, which contained the following: " Separate between each relative among the Magians " `Umar did not take the Jizyah from the Magian infidels till `Abd al-Rahmaan ibn `Awf testified that Allah's Messengerﷺhad taken the Jizyah from the Magians of Hajar.
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ and those after him from the Rightly Guided Caliphs would send out missions, companies, and armies, in order to spread Islam, especially after the Treaty of Al-Hudaybiyah, and after the conquest of Makkah. Whoever made a treaty with them and entered Islam, his blood and wealth were protected.However, whoever opposed and did not enter it, they were given a choice between paying the Jizyah or fighting.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee ‘Amr ibn Dinaar reports that he was sitting with Jaabir ibn Zayd and ‘Amr ibn Aws. Bajaalah ibn ‘Abdah– who was among the senior Tab’een – mentioned a narration that happened in the year seventy of the Hijrah.That was the year in which Mus’ab ibn al-Zubayr, the governor of Iraq, performed the Hajj on behalf of his brother, ‘Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, who had taken over the caliphate then and was ruling most of the Islamic Lands.Mus’ab performed Hajj with the people of Basrah.Bajaalah ibn ‘Abdah mentioned the narration at the steps of Zamzam.These were special steps then situated at the well of Zamzam down which it was descended to the bottom of the well to draw out the water.He said, “I used to be the scribe of Jiz’ ibn Mu’aawiyah, the paternal uncle of al-Ahnaf ibn Qays.He was the governor of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) over al-Ahwaaz in the eastern region of Iraq.The letter of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) came to us a year before his death,” in other words, in the year twenty-two of the Hijrah, that is because ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred in the year twenty-three of the Hijrah.The order was: “Separate between each relative among the Magi (who were fire worshipers).” This could carry the meaning ofcancelling the marriages conducted between the close relatives among them(marriages that are regarded as illegal in Islam: a relative of this sort being called Mahram.So, aman would be separated from his mother or a brother away from his sister so as to prevent them from making apparent this aspect of their religion.This is similar to his stipulation for the Christians to stop displaying their cross and creed so that the weak Muslims were not tempted thereby and so that the symbols of disbelief did not enjoy emergence or superiority under Islam.
Then he reported that ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) did not take the Jizyah from the Magians. Jizyah is a specific small amount that was taken from non-Muslims under the protection of the Muslim state and others.It was named thus as a recompense for protecting their blood.‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was of the opinion that it should only be taken from the People of the Book, the Jews and Christians, until ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf witnessed that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to collect it from the Magi of Hajar; these were a people of Bahrain.In those days the term Bahrain was used to geographically encompass Bahrain, as well as al-Ahsaa and al-Qateef in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.These areas were conquered in the time of the Prophet ﷺ, in the eighth or the tenth year of the Hijrah at the hands of al-‘Alaa ibn al-Hadramee.
This hadeeth shows that the honour of Islam and its symbols should be manifested, and the display of the rituals and customs of the infidels in the lands of Islam should be prevented.
It shows that the Jizyah is taken from the People of the Book and from the Magi as well.
It teaches us to only resort to the rulings that Allah and His Messenger ﷺhave dictated and never go beyond them. .

3158

Narrated `Amr ibn `Awf Al-Ansaaree: Allah's Messengerﷺsent Aboo 'Ubaydah ibn Al-Jarraah to Bahrain to collect the Jizyah. Allah's Messengerﷺhad established peace with the people of Bahrain and appointed Al-`Alaa' ibn Al-Hadramee as their governor. When Aboo 'Ubaydah came from Bahrain with the money, the Ansaar heard of Aboo 'Ubaydah's arrival which coincided with the time of the Fajr prayer with the Prophetﷺ. When Allah's Messengerﷺled them in the Fajr prayer and finished, the Ansaar approached him, and he looked at them and smiled on seeing them and said, "I feel that you have heard that Aboo. 'Ubaydah has brought something?" They said, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger! He said, "Rejoice and hope for what will please you! By Allah, I am not afraid of your poverty, but I am afraid that you will lead a life of luxury as past nations did, whereupon you will compete with each other for it, as they competed for it, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them."
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Commentary : Poverty and prosperity are both trials from Allah; Exalted is He, and tribulations with which Allah tests His chosen servants so that the forbearance of those who are patient and the gratitude of the grateful are revealed.The Prophet ﷺ used to seek Allah’s protection from poverty and used to warn about the temptations of richness and wealth.
In this hadeeth, ‘Amr ibn ‘Awf al-Muzanee reports that the Messenger of Allahﷺ sent Aboo ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah (may Allah be pleased with him) to Bahrain to bring its Jizyah.This is the tax that was imposed on the Magi, who were among its residents in lieu of leaving them to live peacefully and granting them protection after he had made a pact with them on that.Bahrain in those days was a term used for a vast land that covers present-day Bahrain, as well as al-Ahsaa and al-Qateef, situated in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.This area was conquered in the eighth year of the Hijrah.The Prophet ﷺ appointed al-Munthiribn Saawa as the governor of the region.Then, when he passed away, the Prophet ﷺ appointed al-‘Alaa ibn al-Hadramee as the governor.
When Aboo ‘Ubaydah brought this wealth, it happened to coincide with the time of Fajr, when the people attended the prayers.After the Prophet ﷺ completed the prayer and turned away from it and turned to the people, the Ansaar presented themselves in front of him.It was as if they requested something through this gesture due to their being well aware of the Prophet’s noble character.They wanted to distribute the wealth brought by Aboo ‘Ubaydah between them.They did that at that time because they were overburdened by the dire need and hunger which they endured, and not because of their greediness for worldly pleasures or for their interest in it.The Prophet ﷺ understood what they wanted, and he smiled, and then he said, “I think you have heard that Aboo ‘Ubaydah has brought something?”They replied, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.”Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Receive good news and be anticipating”i.e. be hopeful of what will please you.This is a kind of calming them down from the hardship which they were in, and good news for them by hastening the prosperity upon them.
Then heﷺswore by Allah that he did not worry about poverty afflicting them; however, he feared that the world wouldbe offered to them, meaning prosperity and excessive wealth, as it was offered to those nations before them.Thereafter they may engage in acquiring it, which could lead to their downfall, due to conflicts concerning it, inclination towards it and engagement with it by turning away from the hereafter, as happened to the nations before them.
In this statement, there is a warning about what would happen in the future, and allthat the Prophet ﷺ informed of really happened.Their economy prospered and they became affluent afterwards; hence, mutual jealousy and in-fighting occurred. All thattestifies to the truthfulness of the information that the Prophetﷺ foretold.
This hadeeth shows that there is no aberration in seeking gifts from the leader, and that the ruler should give good news to his followers and should expand their hopes.
It highlights that competition in worldly matters may drag one to the destruction of one’s religion..

3159

Narrated Jubayr ibn Haiyyah: `Umar sent the Muslims to theoutskirts ofbig cities to fight the disbelievers. When Al-Hurmuzaan embraced Islam, `Umar said to him. "I would like to consult you regarding these cities which I intend to invade." Al-Hurmuzaan said, "Yes, the example of these cities and their inhabitants who are the enemies of the Muslims, is like a bird with a head, two wings and two legs; if one of its wings got broken, it would get up over its two legs, with one wing and the head; and if the other wing got broken, it would get up with two legs and a head, but if its head got destroyed, then the two legs, two wings and the head would become useless. The head stands for Khosrau, and one wing stands for Caesar and the other wing stands for Persia. So, order the Muslims to go towards Khosrau." So, `Umar sent us (to Khosrau) appointing Al-Nu`maan ibn Muqrin as our commander. When we reached the land of the enemy, the representative of Khosrau came out with forty-thousand warriors, and an interpreter got up saying, "Let one of you talk to me!" Al-Mugheerah replied, "Ask whatever you wish." The other asked, "Who are you?" Al-Mugheerah replied, "We are some people from the Arabs; we led a hard, miserable, disastrous life: we used to suck the hides and the date stones from hunger; we used to wear clothes made up of fur of camels and hair of goats, and to worship trees and stones. While we were in this state, the Lord of the Heavens and the Earths, Elevated is His Remembrance and Majestic is His Highness, sent to us from among ourselves a Prophet whose father and mother are known to us. Our Prophet, the Messenger of our Lord, has ordered us to fight you till you worship Allah alone or give Jizyah (i.e. tribute); and our Prophet has informed us that our Lord says:-- “Whoever amongst us is killed (i.e. martyred), shall go to Paradise to lead such a luxurious life as he has never seen, and whoever amongst us remain alive, shall become your master." Al-Nu' maan said to Al-Mugheerah, "If you had participated in a similar battle, in the company of Allah's Messengerﷺhe would not have blamed you for waiting, nor would he have disgraced you. But I accompanied Allah's Messenger in many battles, and it was his custom that if he did not fight early by daytime, he would wait till the wind had started blowing and the time for the prayer was due (i.e. after midday).
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Commentary : In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee Jubayr ibn Hayyah reports that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) – during his caliphate – sent fighters to the outskirts of big cities.It means that he sent them to different cities and towns to fight the polytheists. However,Hurmuzaan, one of the leaders of the Persians, whose real name was Rustum, entered Islam willingly.He embraced Islam after the Battle of al-Qaadisiyyah, which happened in the year fourteen of the Hijrah.‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) drew him closer to him and would consult him [concerning the state of affairs of the Persians].This occurred after the defeat of the Persians and after the Muslims occupied the Metropolises of Persia.‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) told him that he would consult him about these battles,i.e.the battles of Persia, Isfahan, and Azerbaijan.This was because he was more aware of their affairs than anyone else.Hurmuzaanagreed to give advice to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), and he gave an example about this land, meaning, about its campaign.He explained that its example in terms of the people residing in it among the enemies of the Muslims is as the example of a bird having a head, two wings, and legs.If one of the wings is clipped, the two legs with a wing and head will still stand up to move.If the other wing is clipped, then the two legs and the head will still stand up to move forward. However, if it is slaughtered (meaning beheaded), then the two legs, the wings, and the head become immobile, the whole body will become useless.If the head is removed, everything else will fall apart.The head here was Kosrae;one wing was Caesar (Qaysar), the emperor of the Romans, and the other wing was the Persians.Then, he gave advice to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to command the Muslims to set out to fight and to start the fight withKosrae, as he was the head, and his beheading would entail clipping the two wings.
When it was the twentieth year of the Hijrah, ‘Umar took the warriors out to battle and appointed al-Nu’maan ibn Muqarrin (may Allah be pleased with him) as their commander.The army set out at night until they had entered the land of the enemy, Nahawand. Now it is an Iranian city which is situated in the highlands toward the south of the Zagros Mountains.The governor of Kosrae came out to attack them – he was known as Bundaar – in an army of forty thousand strong men from the people of the Persian mountains and Kerman (which is now an Iranian city which is situated in the central region of the country), and with the people of other regions too, such as Nahawand and Isfahan (Isfahan is now an Iranian city and the provincial capital of the province of Isfahan, 340 km away from Tehran).A hundred and ten thousand enemy soldiers set out to counterattack the Muslim army.A translator stood up and said, “A spokesperson should speak to me.”Al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah replied, “Ask whatever you wish to ask.”He asked him, “Who are you, people?” He asked purposefully in the context of a person who somehow does not know them with the intention of belittling them. Al-Mugheerah answered, “We are a people from the Arabs who were once in anunfortunate state and in severe calamity.We would suck the skins (meaning the skins of the animals [to survive]).”This is a metaphor for having very little food and he meant thereby hunger.“We would wear wool.”That is a metaphor for having very little clothing.“We used to worship trees and stones.”This is an expression for their severe ignorance.They remained in that state until the Exalted and Mightily Majestic Lord of the earths and heavens, “sent a Prophet amongst us, whose father and mother were known to us.”This means they were fully aware of the family tree of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.He meant thereby to venerate the Messenger of Allahﷺ and to exalt him and purify him from the belief that he came to create bloodbath.“Our Prophet and the Messenger of Our Lord ﷺ commanded us to fight you until you worship Allah Alone or that you pay us the Jizyah.”The Persians used to be Magi, worshipping fire.
He continued, “Our Prophet ﷺ has transmitted to us the message from Our Lord that anyone amongst us killed in fighting for the cause of Allah, then he goes to the bliss in Paradise, and no Paradise of that sort has ever been seen before. As for the one who stays alive amongst us and has not been martyred, then he attains victory and owns your necks (you) by imprisoning you.”In this statement, there is an indication that a Muslim fights until he attains either victory or martyrdom.
Al-Nu’maan (may Allah be pleased with him) delayed the fighting, while al-Mugheerah wanted to fight straight after his statement with theinterpreter.Al-Nu’maan told al-Mugheerah, “Perhaps Allah has made you witness,”i.e. made you present in a similar situation, in other words, in such a tense situation with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. However,he ﷺdid not make you regret regarding the prudence and forbearance exercised during the hardship you encountered with him.He did not humiliate and degrade you. I witnessed fighting with the Messenger of Allahﷺ in many battles which he set out for.If he did not fight in the beginning of the day at sunrise, then he would wait until winds would start to blow, until the prayers would come after the inclination of the sun at noonday,” that is the disappearance of the intensity of the heat.That was part of the Prophetic kindness towards the army and soldiers, so that they were able to fight better in more temperate weather conditions.According to Aboo Dawood, “… thereafter, the divine help of victory would descend.”That manoeuvre would be part of the causes of the victory (divine help) which Allah has promised His servants.
This hadeeth shows that it is allowed to take the Jizyah from the Magi.
It highlights the merits of al-Numaan ibn al-Muqarrin(may Allah be pleased with him) and reveals the military expertise of al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah, and his strength, magnanimity, eloquence, and articulation.
It expounds the virtue of consultation, and that there is no wrong for someone who is of a higher status to consult someone who is below him in status.
It also contains exemplification in order to clarify the intent of speech.
It shows the necessity to take the causes of the victory during war and facing the enemy..

3163

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him):Once the Prophetﷺcalled the Ansaar to grant them part of the land of Bahrain. On that they said, "No! By Allah, we will not accept it unless you grant a similar thing to our brothers from Quraysh as well." He said, "That will be theirs if Allah wishes." But when the Ansaar persisted in their request, he said, "After me, you will see others given preference over you in this respect (in which case) you should be patient till you meet me at the Pond (of Al-Kawthar).
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺappreciated and recognized the value and worth of everyone among the Emigrantsand the Ansaar.Heﷺ would advise them tolook after each other so as to maintain the brotherhood and bondsand help each otherto remain on the truth.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him)reports that the Prophet ﷺcalled the Ansaar in order to appoint for each one of them a portion feudally from the Jizyah and the land tax in Bahrain.It does not mean making them owners of the lands because the land conquered through a peace treaty cannot be distributed and feudally divided.The Prophet ﷺ had made a peace treaty with the people of Bahrain and imposed on them Jizyah.The area of Bahrain was considered to include what is now known as Bahrain, as well as al-Ahsaa and al-Qateef, situated in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The Ansaar replied, “No, by Allah.We will not accept until it is also written for our Emigrant brothers from the Quraish whatever is going to be allocated for us.”This was not in opposition to the command of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ; rather they had understood that the Prophetﷺ intended to repay their kindness, and their statement was due to selflessness and their love for the Emigrants. The Prophet ﷺ replied, “That will be theirs if Allah wills it.”In a narration in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, it says, “That was not with the Prophet ﷺ”i.e.the Prophet ﷺ did not haveat that time enough to give the Emigrants like what he wanted to allocate for the Ansaar.It was also said that the meaning is that the Prophet ﷺ did not want to do [what the Ansaar were kindly proposing for the Emigrants], because he had already divided the lands of banoo al-Nadeer for the Emigrants earlier.However, the Ansaar were insistent that the Prophet ﷺ prescribe that for the Emigrants first, to the extent that the Prophet ﷺ had to say to them, “You will see [favouritism] after me,”from the rulers who will favor themselves over the Ansaar with the worldly things, will favour others over them, and will not give them a large portion in state affairs,“hence, remain patient until you meet me at the Pond” wherein they will receive great rewards and abundant recompense, which will be inlieu of this favouritism. The Pond of the Prophet ﷺ is a huge collection of water where the believers will go to get water on the plains of the Day of Judgement.In the narration of Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states, “However, we could not forbear” the favouritism and tyranny as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had commanded us to do.
This hadeeth highlights the selflessness of the Ansaar,how they gave preference to others over themselves and kindly exceeded the bounds in generosity.
It encourages us to remain forbearing during calamities, and it affirms the Pond (Pond) for the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgement..

1160

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

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

1162

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

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

1163

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

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

1164

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

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

1166

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

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

1168

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

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

1170

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

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

1175

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

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

1176

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

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

1184

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

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

1185

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

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

1186

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

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

1195

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

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

1197

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

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

1202

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

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

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Jubayr ibn Mut`im(may Allah be pleased with him)The Prophetﷺtalked about war prisoners of Badr saying, "Had Al-Mut`im ibn ‘Adi been alive and interceded with me for these mean people, I would have freed them for his sake."
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Narrated `Abdullah ibn Mughaffal(may Allah be pleased with him): While we were besieging the fort of Khaybar, a person threw a leather container containing fat, and I ran to take it, but when I turned, I saw the Prophet (standing behind), so I felt embarrassed in front of him.
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Narrated Ibn `Umar:In our battles, we used to acquire honey and grapes, as war booty which we would eat and would not store.
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Abu Ayyūb al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days in Shawwāl, it will be like a perpetual fast.".

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

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

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

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

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Jubayr ibn Mut`im(may Allah be pleased with him)The Prophetﷺtalked about war prisoners of Badr saying, "Had Al-Mut`im ibn ‘Adi been alive and interceded with me for these mean people, I would have freed them for his sake." .

Narrated `Abdullah ibn Mughaffal(may Allah be pleased with him): While we were besieging the fort of Khaybar, a person threw a leather container containing fat, and I ran to take it, but when I turned, I saw the Prophet (standing behind), so I felt embarrassed in front of him. .

Narrated Ibn `Umar:In our battles, we used to acquire honey and grapes, as war booty which we would eat and would not store. .

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

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

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

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

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

Narrated Jubayr ibn Mut`im(may Allah be pleased with him)The Prophetﷺtalked about war prisoners of Badr saying, "Had Al-Mut`im ibn ‘Adi been alive and interceded with me for these mean people, I would have freed them for his sake."
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Narrated `Abdullah ibn Mughaffal(may Allah be pleased with him): While we were besieging the fort of Khaybar, a person threw a leather container containing fat, and I ran to take it, but when I turned, I saw the Prophet (standing behind), so I felt embarrassed in front of him.
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Narrated Ibn `Umar:In our battles, we used to acquire honey and grapes, as war booty which we would eat and would not store.
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