It was narrated from Umm Qays bint Mihsan that she brought a small son of hers, who was not yet eating solid food, to the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sat the child in his lap, and the child urinated on his garment. So he called for water and sprinkled it [on the urine], and he did not wash it..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to pay attention to matters of purification and explain the rulings thereon, which included the method of purifying the urine of nursing infants.
In this hadith, the Sahabiyyah Umm Qays bint Mihsan (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that she brought a small son of hers to the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Her describing the child as not yet eating solid food indicates that the child was still breast-feeding. It was their custom to bring their children to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) so that he could pray for them and bless them. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) took the child from her and sat him in his lap, and the child urinated on his garment, but he did no more than sprinkle water on the garment, and he did not wash it. This is by way of making it easy to purify garments from the urine of breast-feeding infants who are not yet eating solid food. In other reports, it is proven that he sprinkled water over the urine of a boy, but washed the urine of a girl.
This hadith highlights the good attitude of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and how he comforted and uplifted adults by honouring their children and sitting them in his lap, and so on..

226

It was narrated that Abu Wa’il said: Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari was very strict concerning urine, and he said: Among the Children of Israel, if urine got on the garments of one of them, he would cut it off. Then Hudhayfah said: I wish he would stop [being so strict]; the Messenger of Allah came to the garbage dump of some people and urinated standing..

Commentary : Islam is a religion of ease, and it made easier for the Muslims many of the rulings that had been imposed on previous nations. One example of that is how it made the matter of purification and removing impurities, if they contaminate someone, easy.
In this hadith, the Tabi‘i Abu Wa’il Shaqiq ibn Salamah narrates that Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) was very strict in taking precautions regarding urine, to the extent that it was said that he would urinate in a bottle, for fear of any of it contaminating him. He said that among the Children of Israel, if urine contaminated the garment of one of them, he would cut it off, meaning that he would cut off the part of his garment that had become contaminated with urine. Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I wish Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari would stop being so strict regarding this matter, because it is contrary to the Sunnah. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came to the garbage dump of some people, and urinated standing, and undoubtedly when one stands, there is bound to be some splashback, but he did not go to the trouble of urinating in a bottle and the like. This is by way of not causing too much hardship for people, because in principle whatever impurity (najasah) contaminates a person’s clothes or body may be purified with water, so if the Muslim pays attention to what he thinks was most likely contaminated with urine and the like, he should pour water over it where it can be seen, then it becomes pure. It was said that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) urinated standing in that place because it was not possible to sit in that garbage dump, or because the impurity that would contaminate him if he sat would be greater than if he stood.
This hadith indicates that it is allowed to urinate standing if you are certain that you will not be contaminated with urine..

227

It was narrated that Asma’ said: A woman came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and said: What do you think if one of us menstruates and the blood gets onto her garment – what should she do? He said: “Scratch it, then rub it with water and sprinkle water on it, and pray wearing it.”.

Commentary : Being clean and free of impure substances (najasah) is one of the essential conditions of prayer, and menstrual blood is impure in and of itself.
In this hadith, Asma’ bint Abi Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that a woman came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to ask him about a garment that becomes contaminated with menstrual blood. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructed her to scratch it, meaning that she should rub it in order to remove the impurity. That applies if the blood has dried on the garment. Then she should rub it with water, meaning that she should rub it with her fingers whilst pouring water onto it, so that the stain that the garment had absorbed will be loosened and removed. Then she should sprinkle water on it, pouring water on it little by little, until the traces of blood are removed by washing it. After cleaning the garment in this manner, it will be permissible for her to pray in it.
This hadith indicates that no specific number of times is stipulated in order to remove impurity by washing; rather what is required is simply to clean the garment. Then if any trace is left on it that is too difficult to remove, it may be overlooked. This is how Islam makes things easy for people. .

228

It was narrated that ‘A’ishah said: Fatimah bint Abi Hubaysh came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and said: O Messenger of Allah, I am a woman who bleeds continually and never becomes pure. Should I stop praying? The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “No; rather that is a vein and is not menses. When the usual time of your menses comes, then stop praying, and when that time ends, wash the blood from yourself, then pray.” – He [one of the narrators] said: My father said: Then you should do wudu’ for each prayer, until that time comes again..

Commentary : The women of the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them), despite their shyness and modesty, would ask the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) about matters having to do with purification that concerned them exclusively, such as menses (hayd) and irregular bleeding (istihadah).
In this hadith, ‘A’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her) tells us that Fatimah bint Abi Hubaysh (may Allah be pleased with her) came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and said: I am a woman who bleeds continually (istihadah) and I never become pure, meaning that the bleeding never stopped. Irregular bleeding (istihadah) is non-menstrual bleeding that occurs after a woman’s normal period ends. Then she asked whether that bleeding came under the same rulings as menses, meaning that she should stop praying until it ended. But the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained to her that that was irregular bleeding, and it was bleeding caused by illness, that came from the rupture of a vein in the uterus that is called al-‘adhil. It is not regarded as menstrual bleeding according to Islamic teachings, and it does not come under the same rulings as menses. So when the time of the usual monthly period comes, which is the time when a woman usually used to menstruate before she began to suffer from irregular bleeding, she should stop praying when that time begins, whether it occurs at the beginning of the month, or in the middle, or at the end. Then when the time of her normal menses ends she should wash the traces of blood from herself and start praying again. What is meant is that she should continue to refrain from prayer, fasting and other things that are forbidden whilst menstruating for what had been the duration of her regular menses before she began to suffer from irregular bleeding. Then when that time ends, and she has completed the number of days that her menses used to last, at that point she is no longer menstruating, so she should wash the site of the bleeding in order to clean it, then do a complete ghusl in order to remove impurity (hadath).
Hisham [one of the narrators] narrated from his father, ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr: Then she should do wudu’ for every prayer during the time of irregular bleeding, until the next menses comes.
This hadith indicates that the Sahabah used to refer to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) concerning any issues that they encountered, and ask him about rulings, seeking answers concerning these matters..

231

It was narrated that ‘Amr ibn Maymun said: I asked Sulayman ibn Yasar about a garment that gets contaminated with semen. He said: ‘A’ishah said: I would wash it from the garment of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), then he would go out to pray, with damp spots on the garment from its having been washed..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to take care of his body and garments by washing and cleaning them, whether that was in accordance with an Islamic ruling, or simply seeking to be clean.
In this report, ‘Amr ibn Maymun asked Sulayman ibn Yasaar about the ruling on a garment if it becomes contaminated with semen, which is the liquid that is emitted from a man’s penis when having intercourse or a wet dream; it is a thick, white substance. He replied by quoting what ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had narrated, that she used to wash the semen from the garment of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and she did not wash the entire garment. Then he would go out of her apartment to pray in the mosque, with damp spots on his garment, and he would pray wearing it. This indicates that a garment may be purified by washing away the semen. This washing applies if the semen is still wet. If it has dried, it may be scratched off the garment, as is mentioned in the report narrated by Muslim: I used to scratch it off the garment of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)..

237

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Every wound that a Muslim sustains in Allah’s cause will appear on the Day of Resurrection as it was at the time when he was stabbed; it will be flowing with blood, the colour of which will be the colour of blood, but its fragrance will be the fragrance of musk.”.

Commentary : Martyrdom in Allah’s cause is a great virtue, and the martyrs have a high status before Allah (may He be glorified). This hadith highlights some of the virtues of those who are martyred in Allah’s cause; in it the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) states that every wound that a Muslim sustains when fighting in Allah’s cause will appear on the Day of Resurrection as it was in this world when he was stabbed, flowing with blood. But even though its colour will be the colour of blood, its fragrance will be perfume, like the fragrance of musk. It was said that the wisdom behind the blood appearing on the Day of Resurrection as it was [when he was stabbed in this world] is that it will testify to the virtue of the individual and will testify against the one who killed him. The benefit of its fragrance is that this fragrance will spread in the place of standing, also to highlight the virtue of the person. Hence it is not prescribed to wash the bodies of martyrs who die in battle..

239

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that he said: “No one of you should urinate into standing water that does not flow, then wash himself with it.”.

Commentary : Islam is a religion of purity and cleanliness, and it guides the Muslim to that which will preserve his cleanliness. One of the most important means of achieving cleanliness is water, so Islam instructs us to protect it and not let it be contaminated with impurities, or to throw filthy things into it.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) forbids urinating into standing water, which is stagnant water that does not flow and is not renewed, and then washing oneself with it. This prohibition is so that this action will not lead to the water becoming impure or being spoiled so that people find it off-putting. Moreover, such water is not fit to be used for washing oneself.
In a report narrated by Muslim, there is an explanation of how to wash oneself with standing water. In that report it says: he should scoop the water out from it, meaning that he should take water from that pond or pool, then wash himself away from it. This also comes under the heading of protecting clean and pure water that is fit to be used, because the Muslim is enjoined to protect and preserve all kinds of water, whether flowing or stagnant. The emphasis is on being careful to preserve stagnant water because it is not renewed, and it is more likely to change or become spoiled if something is thrown into it, let alone if what is thrown into it is something impure (najis), such as urine and the like. .

241

It was narrated that Anas ibn Malik said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) spat into his garment..

Commentary : The lives of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and of his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were not lives of ease and luxury; rather hardship and roughness were the hallmarks of the lives of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and his companions. Hence there was no sign of luxury in his life, and instead of handkerchiefs, they would use the edge of their garments. In this hadith, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) spat into his garment. Spitting refers to expelling saliva or mucus from the mouth by blowing it out. It may be understood that this happened during the prayer, because the Muslim is required to respect the qiblah and the mosque, and he is enjoined to bury his phlegm if he has no choice but to spit it out [whilst praying], as is proven in various reports.
This hadith indicates that spittle and phlegm are pure (tahir)..

243

It was narrated from Abu Hazim that he heard Sahl ibn Sa‘d as-Sa‘idi when the people asked him, and there was no one between me and him: With what were the wounds of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) treated? He said: There is no one left who knows more about that than me. ‘Ali brought his shield, in which there was water, and Fatimah washed the blood from his face, then a small reed mat was taken and burned, and applied to his wounds..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was injured during the battle of Uhud; he received cuts to his head and face. In this hadith, the Tabi‘i Abu Hazim Salamah ibn Dinar al-Madini narrates that Sahl ibn Sa‘d as-Sa‘idi (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked how the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was treated for the injuries that he had sustained on the day of Uhud. He replied: There is no one left who knows more about that than me. That was because he was the last of the Sahabah to die in Madinah; he died in 91 AH at the age of one hundred years. He narrated that ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) brought water in his shield, which is a piece of personal armour that is used to protect a fighter from being struck by arrows and swords. Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) washed the blood from the wounds, and when she saw that the bleeding would not stop, she burned a small reed mat, then took the ashes and put them on the wound in order to stop the bleeding.
This hadith indicates that trials and calamities befell the Prophets (blessings and peace of Allah be upon them) so that they might attain immense reward, so that their nations and others would know what befell them and thus follow their example, and so that they might know that they were human beings who experienced what other humans experience.
It indicates that a woman may interact with her father and mahrams, show kindness to them and treat them when they are sick or injured.
It indicates that it is valid to seek medical treatment.
It indicates that one who has no knowledge may ask one who does have knowledge about something that he does not know..

244

It was narrated that Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari said: I came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and I found him cleaning his teeth with a siwak that he had in his hand, saying, “Agh, agh” with the siwak in his mouth, as if he was retching..

Commentary : The siwak is a stick cut from the arak tree. It is used to clean the mouth and teeth, to perfume the mouth and to remove bad smells. It is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and he would enjoin people to use it. It is cleansing for the mouth and pleasing to the Lord, as the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said.
This hadith highlights how extensively the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would clean his mouth with the siwak, as Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was cleaning his teeth with a siwak, reaching to the furthest part of the throat, to the extent that he made a sound as if he were going to vomit, saying “Agh, agh.” This is describing the sound made when he using the siwak, because of how extensively he was cleaning his teeth and mouth with it.
This hadith highlights the virtue and importance of the siwak..

245

It was narrated that Hudhayfah said: When the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) got up to pray at night, he would clean his mouth with a siwak..

Commentary : The siwak is a stick cut from the arak tree. It is used to clean the mouth and teeth, to perfume the mouth and to remove bad smells. It is one of the most emphatically confirmed Sunnahs of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), as he often cleaned his teeth with a siwak and enjoined others to do likewise. It is more important to use it at some times than others, such as what is mentioned in this hadith, which speaks of offering voluntary prayers at night (qiyam al-layl). Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that when the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) wanted to get up to pray qiyam al-layl and tahajjud, he would clean his mouth with the siwak, meaning that he would pass it over his teeth and rub them with it. He did that to take away any bad smell, so that he could recite Qur’an and offer du‘a’ in his prayer.
This hadith highlights the virtue and importance of the siwak..

246

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I saw myself [in a dream] cleaning my teeth with a siwak. Then two men came to me, one of whom was older than the other, and I gave the siwak to the younger one, but it was said to me: Give it to the older one, so I gave it to the older of the two.”.

Commentary : The dreams of the Prophets are true. In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) saw in a dream that he was cleaning his teeth with a siwak, which is a stick cut from the arak tree. It is used to clean the mouth and teeth, to perfume the mouth and to remove bad smells. Then two men came to him, one of whom was older than the other, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) gave the siwak to the younger of them. Then it was said to him: Give it to the older one, meaning: give precedence to the older one. The one who told the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to give it to the older one was Jibril (peace be upon him). So the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) gave it to the older one.
This hadith indicates that proper etiquette is to give precedence in a gathering to one who is older over one who is younger. This is the Sunnah when saying salaam and greeting people, when offering drinks and perfume, and other matters.
It highlights the virtue and importance of the siwak..

247

It was narrated that al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “When you go to your bed, do wudoo’ as for prayer, then lie down on your right side and say: Allahumma aslamtu wajhi ilayka wa fawwadtu amri ilayka wa alja’tu zahri ilayka raghbatan wa rahbatan ilayka, la malja’a wa laa manjaa minka illa ilayka. Allahumma amantu bi kitabika alladhi anzalta wa bi nabiyyika alladhi arsalta (O Allah I submit my face to You, and I entrust my affairs to You, and I seek Your protection, in hope and in fear of You. Indeed there is no refuge nor safe haven from You except with You. O Allah, I believe in Your Book which You have revealed and in Your Prophet whom You have sent).
Then if you die during the night, you will have died in a state of fitrah (sound human nature). Make these the last words that you speak.”
He said: I repeated it back to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and when I reached the words. “Allahumma amantu bi kitabika allahi anzalta (O Allah, I believe in Your Book which You have revealed),” I said: “Wa rasulika (And Your Messenger).” He said: “No. Wa nabiyyika alladhi arsalta (and Your Prophet whom You sent).”
.

Commentary : This hadith highlights the etiquette of going to sleep, and what is to be said when laying down in one’s bed, as al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) tells us that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to him: “When you go to your bed”, meaning: when you want to go to sleep, then do wudu’ properly before you go to bed, as if you were doing wudu’ for prayer. Then lie down on your right side, because it is more effective in giving you energy and making you content with a little sleep, and it is more effective in helping you to wake up at the end of the night, and is more beneficial for the heart. Then say: “O Allah I submit my face to You” meaning: I submit my soul to You when going to sleep, and entrust it to You for safekeeping.
“and I entrust my affairs to You”, so I put my trust in You in all my affairs, hoping that You will suffice me in all things, and protect me from all ills.
“and I rely totally on You”, seeking Your protection and turning to You, so that You will keep me under Your watchful eye that never sleeps. Saying “and I seek Your protection” after “and I entrust my affairs to You” indicates that after entrusting to Allah his affairs that he needs to be in order and that are essential to his well-being, he turns to Allah for protection from that which could cause him harm and damage from various causes, both internal and external.
And I only do that “in hope” that is, hoping for Your mercy, “ and in fear of You” that is, fearing You and Your punishment, for there is no escape from You except to You, and no protection from Your punishment except by turning to Your pardon and forgiveness, O Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
“I believe in Your Book which You have revealed” namely the Qur’an, and I believe “in Your Prophet whom You have sent”, namely Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told him of the reward for the one who does that, which is that the one who dies that night in that state, will have died adhering to the religion of Islam and to the Sunnah of the best of mankind.
Because al-Bara’ was so keen to memorize this du‘a’, he repeated it back to the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), but he said “Rasulika (Your Messenger)” instead of “Nabiyyika (Your Prophet)”, so the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) corrected him. The reason why he corrected him was that he wanted it to refer to both positions, being a Prophet and being a Messenger, and to refer to both blessings. And it was said that that was so as to avoid any ambiguity, because the word rasul (messenger) could also include Jibril (peace be upon him) and others. And it was said that this is dhikr and du‘a’, so it should be limited to the exact wording that was narrated, because of the possibility that there might be something special about these exact words that is not applicable to other words.
This hadith highlights how greatly the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) cared for his ummah in this world and the hereafter, and how he wanted them to die in a state of obedience and closeness to Allah (may He be glorified and exalted).
It encourages us to do wudu’ and offer du‘a’ before going to sleep, so that the last thing the Muslim does is remembering Allah (may He be exalted). .

248

It was narrated from ‘A’ishah, the wife of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that when the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did ghusl to cleanse himself from janabah, he would start by washing his hands, then he would do wudu’ as for prayer, then he would put his fingers in the water [that he had poured on his head] to make the water to reach the roots of his hair. Then he would pour water over his head three times, using both hands, then pour water over his entire body..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) loved to be in a state of purity and to keep himself clean all the time. He often taught his companions how to purify themselves and what purification was.
In this hadith, the Mother of the Believers ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) tells us that when the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) wanted to purify himself and do ghusl to cleanse himself from janabah – the word janabah refers to anyone who emits maniy (semen) or has intercourse; it is so called because he must avoid (ijtinab) prayer and other acts of worship until he has purified himself – he would begin by washing his hands, before putting them into the water, by pouring water over them and washing them first. Then after that, he would do wudu’ as if for prayer, a complete wudu’. Then after that he would put his fingers in the water [that he had poured on his head] to make the water reach the scalp. Then he would pour a handful of water over his head three times. Then after that he would pour water over his entire body, making it reach all of his skin.
This hadith highlights the practice of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) with regard to doing ghusl to cleanse himself from janabah.
It highlights the fact that purification and cleanliness are characteristics of Islam and the Muslims.
It indicates that a little water is sufficient to do ghusl to cleanse oneself from janabah..

251

It was narrated that Abu Salamah said: A’ishah’s brother and I went to visit ‘A’ishah, and her brother asked her about the ghusl of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). She called for a vessel that was approximately the size of a sa‘ and did ghusl, pouring water over her head. Between us and her there was a screen. Yazid ibn Harun, Bahz and al-Jadiy narrated from Shu‘bah that it was the size of a sa‘..

Commentary : In this hadith, the Mother of the Believers ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) describes how the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did ghusl. What is meant by ghusl is that which removes the janabah (state of impurity) that results from emitting maniy (semen) or having intercourse. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did ghusl with an amount of water that would fill a vessel that holds a sa‘. The sa‘ is a unit of measurement equivalent to four mudds or eight ratls. There is a difference of opinion regarding the equivalent to the ratl in terms of modern units of measurement. It is said that the ratl is equivalent to approximately 380 grams, or less than half a litre; or it is said that it is equivalent to 538 grams, or more than half a litre.
Then Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdul Rahman ibn ‘Awf said that ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) explained to him and her brother, ‘Abdul Rahman ibn Abi Bakr al-Siddiq – or it was said that it was ‘Abdullah ibn Yazid, her foster-brother – in practical terms how the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did ghusl with this amount of water. She called for a vessel the size of a sa‘, and did ghusl from it.
There was a screen between her and them, hence they did not see anything but the pouring of water on her head. Abu Salamah was the son of ‘A’ishah’s foster sister; he had been breast-fed by Umm Kalthum, the daughter of Abu Bakr. So the two men present were her mahrams. Hence they saw nothing of her ghusl except the pouring of water onto her head, for that is what is permissible for a man to see of the woman who is his mahram. Were it not that they saw that, there would have been no point in calling for water to be brought and purifying herself in their presence, because if she did all of that behind a screen, where they could not see her at all, it would have been sufficient for her to teach them in words only. She only put the screen to cover the lower part of her body, and what it is not permissible for a mahram to look at..

1316

Bakr ibn ‘Abdullāh al-Muzani reported: While I was sitting with Ibn' Abbās near the Ka'bah, a Bedouin came to him and said: "What is the matter that I see that the children of your uncle supply honey and milk, whereas you supply Nabīdh (water sweetened with dates or raisins)?! Is it due to your poverty or due to your stinginess?" Thereupon, Ibn' Abbās said: "Praise be to Allah, we are neither poor nor stingy. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came riding his mount, and Usāmah was sitting behind him. He asked for water, and we gave him a cup of Nabīdh, and he drank and gave the remaining amount to Usāmah, and he said: 'You have done something good and pleasant. Continue doing it.' So, we do not want to change what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded.".

Commentary : A true Muslim follows in the footsteps of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and adheres to his guidance, especially concerning what is authentically reported from him. This was the attitude of the Prophet's Companions, who were keen to follow the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in all his actions and statements.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Bakr ibn ‘Abdullāh al-Muzani informs that while he was sitting with Ibn ‘Abbās near the Ka‘bah, a Bedouin - a dweller of the desert - came to him and said: "What is the matter that I see that the children of your uncle", meaning the rest of the Quraysh tribe apart from the children of Al-‘Abbās. "supply honey and milk, whereas you supply Nabīdh?!" The Bedouin was referring to supplying water to the pilgrims. The children of Al-‘Abbās would provide the people with Nabīdh, dates or raisins soaked in water till their taste became sweet. It is not intoxicating. Water in Makkah was subject to change, and so they used to sweeten it by that. He asked him: Is your abandonment of the supply of honey and milk due to poverty or stinginess? Thereupon, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Praise be to Allah", and he told him that they were neither poor nor stingy; instead, they did so in adherence to the teaching they had received from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). This is because the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had come to Makkah while riding his mount, i.e., his she-camel, and Usāmah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) was riding behind him. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked for water, and they brought him a vessel containing Nabīdh, and he drank and made Usāmah drink the amount left over. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "You have done something good and pleasant," i.e., you have done a good and pleasant act by sweetening water with Nabīd made of dates or raisins. This indicates that this drink is not prohibited; otherwise, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would not have drunk it, and he would have forbidden it.
Then, clarifying the reason for that, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "So, we do not want to change what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded" about sweetening water with Nabīdh, when he said: "Continue doing it," i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade them to continue supplying Nabīdh to the people, and they complied with his command. The meaning: We do not change the supply of Nabīdh into the supply of something else like honey and milk, even if this is deemed more appropriate to people, but we will not change something which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) liked and then commanded us to do. Indeed, this is more appropriate and befitting for us.
The Hadīth shows how the Companions followed the Prophet's guidance and were keen to adhere to his Sunnah.
It points out the merit of supplying drinks to the pilgrims.
It indicates that it is legitimate to drink non-intoxicating Nabīdh.
It includes praise for those who supply drinks to the pilgrims and for every doer of good.
The Hadīth demonstrates that wealthy people may consume the water provided in the mosques or roads, for it is supplied for everyone, not the poor alone..

1318

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: We joined the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in Hajj and ‘Umrah, and seven persons shared in a Badanah. A man asked Jābir, "Can a Jazūr be shared as a Badanah is shared? He said: "They are but from among the Badanahs." Jābir was present at the Hudaybiyah, and he said: We slaughtered seventy Badanahs during that day, and every seven persons shared in a Badanah. [In a version]: He commanded us that when we ended our Ihrām, we should present the Hady, and a group of us should share in one Hady. This was when he enjoined them to exit their Ihrām for Hajj..

Commentary : The Hady and Nahr (animal slaughter) are among the rituals of Hajj, and they represent a means of drawing closer to Allah and feeding the poor and needy. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified its rulings and that it is valid for seven persons to share in one Badanah, which is sufficient for them.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that when they were with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in Hajj and ‘Umrah, every seven persons shared in a Badanah. Badanah: It particularly belongs to camels. And it is said: It refers to camels and cows. In another version by Muslim: "in camels and cows, and every seven persons of us shared in a Badanah." This means that if the Hady is a camel or a cow, it is valid and sufficient to be shared by seven persons.
A man said to Jābir: "Can a Badanah be shared as a Jazūr is shared? Jazūr: young camels. And it is said: a Badanah is offered to the House before assuming Ihrām for the rituals, whereas Jazūr is the camels bought and offered to the House after Ihrām. Hence, the man asked about it and whether it is valid to also share in it? Jābir said to him: "They are, but from the Badanahs", i.e., when Jazūr is bought for the rituals, it becomes like Badanah.
Then, Abu az-Zubayr - who narrated the Hadīth from Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) - informed that Jābir attended the Hudaybiyah, the incident when the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the Muslims were prevented from entering Makkah to perform 'Umrah. So, he ended his Ihrām and slaughtered the Hady at the place where he was stopped from proceeding. This happened in the sixth Hijri year. Hudaybiyah is the name of a well located near Makkah, almost 20km away on the old Jeddah Road.
Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that they slaughtered seventy Badanahs on that day, and every seven persons shared in one Badanah. And in a version: "He", i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), "commanded us that when we ended our Ihrām, we should present the Hady and a group of us should share in one Hady", i.e., a group up to seven persons would share in one Badanah. "This is when he enjoined them to exit their Ihrām for Hajj"; by Hajj, he meant the Farewell Hajj; and by ‘Umrah, he meant the ‘Umrah of Hudaybiyah, as indicated by his words: "Jābir was present at the Hudaybiyah."
The Hadīth indicates that it is legitimate for seven persons to share in one Badanah to offer it for Hajj..

1318

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: In the year of Al-Hudaybiyah, we slaughtered with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) a camel on behalf of seven persons and a cow on behalf of seven persons..

Commentary : Hady (sacrificial animals) and Nahr (slaughtering) are from the rituals of Hajj, and they represent a means of drawing closer to Allah and of feeding the poor and the needy. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified its rulings pointing out that it is valid for seven persons to share one camel or one cow and this will be sufficient for them.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reports that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) slaughtered their sacrificial animals with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on the year of Al-Hudaybiyah, the 6th year after Hijrah. Al-Hudaybiyah is the name of a well located near Makkah, almost 20 km away on the old Jeddah Road. The year of Al-Hudaybiyah is the year when the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) set out to perform ‘Umrah. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) assumed Ihrām (ritual state of consecration) for ‘Umrah from Dhul-Hulayfah and brought the Hady with him. However, when the polytheists prevented him from reaching the House, they slaughtered the Hady. Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Badanah was shared by seven and the cow was shared by seven, and this was sufficient for them. "Badanah" here means a camel.
The Hadīth indicates the permissibility of sharing the Hady..

1324

Abu az-Zubayr reported: I asked Jābir about riding the Hady (sacrificial animal) and he said: I heard the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Ride it gently if you have nothing else until you find a mount.".

1325

Mūsa ibn Salamah al-Hudhali reported: Sinān ibn Salamah and I set out to perform 'Umrah. Sinān proceeded while having a sacrificial camel with him, which he was driving. The camel stopped in the way, being completely exhausted, and this state of it made him helpless - if it stopped proceeding further, how would he be able to take it along with him? He said: "When I come to the town, I will surely ask about that." I moved on in the morning, and as we encamped at Al-Bat'hā', he said: "Let us go to Ibn' Abbās to talk to him." He said: He mentioned to him the affair of his sacrificial camel, and he said: "You have come upon the well-informed one. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent sixteen sacrificial camels with a man, and he put him in charge of them. He proceeded and then returned and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, what should I do with those of them which become too exhausted to move?' He said: 'Slaughter them and then dye their hooves in their blood, and then put in on the sides of their humps. Neither you nor anyone of those in your company may eat from it.'" [In a version]: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent eighteen sacrificial camels with a man... and the rest of the Hadīth is the same. He did not mention the first part of the Hadīth..

Commentary : Allah Almighty sent His Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as a mercy to the worlds and made obedience to his commands and avoidance of his prohibitions the cause of salvation in this world and the Hereafter. His way was to make things easy for people in their worship and life, especially in those matters that involve hardship and harm.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Mūsa ibn Salamah al-Hudhali informs that he set out on a journey along with his brother Sinān ibn Salamah to perform ‘Umrah, Sinān had a sacrificial camel which he was driving. Badanah in Arabic and the plural is Budn, refers to a camel or cow brought and presented to the Sacred House of Allah. "The camel stopped in the way, being completely exhausted," i.e., it fell due to exhaustion before reaching where it would be slaughtered. So, Sinān was confused and did not know what to do about it. "If it stopped proceeding further", i.e., if it became tired and exhausted, what should he do with it? So, he swore, saying: "When I come to the town", meaning Makkah, "I will surely ask about that", which means: I will pose a thorough question about that. When he reached Makkah - in the forenoon - he alighted at Al-Bat'hā', a place containing small pebbles. It was initially the channel of the valley of Makkah, and it lies south of the Sacred Precincts, opposite Mount Thawr. It is also called Al-Abtah. He asked Mūsa ibn Salamah to go along with him to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). When they went to Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him), Sinān told him about the sacrificial camel and what happened to it. Thereupon, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "You have come upon the well-informed one", i.e., you have come across a person well aware of the truth of what you have asked about and knowledgeable of all its aspects, apparent and hidden. Then, Ibn ‘Abbās said to him: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent" from Madīnah to Makkah "sixteen sacrificial camels with a man, and he put him in charge of them." He said: "He proceeded," i.e., he departed from the Prophet's gathering. "and then returned" and asked the Messenger of Allah, saying: "What should I do with those who become too exhausted to move?" i.e., they got exhausted and could not move on and reach the place of slaughter. In response, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Slaughter them", i.e., slaughter them in the place where you would leave them, and then dye the hooves hung around their necks in their blood, and then put the blood "on the sides of their humps" so that they could be recognized by anyone passing them by after that and known to be Hady that have been spoiled, and thus he could eat from them freely and would not think them to be dead animals. This is because the routes people took on their journeys were well-known to everyone. Also, it was a common habit for the dwellers of the desert - the Bedouins - and others to follow the positions of the pilgrims to pick up whatever they left behind in the places of their rest.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "Neither you nor anyone of those in your company may eat from it", i.e., your companions who travel with you. This is intended to block the means to wrong action, lest some people may slaughter the Hady or deem them defective before the right time.
The Hadīth indicates that a person may send presents to Makkah or appoint someone to do so on his behalf in case he does not go by himself..

1326

Dhu’ayb Abi Qabīsah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to send the sacrificial camels under his charge and say: If any of these is completely exhausted and you fear it may die, then slaughter it and dip its shoe in its blood, then strike its side therewith; however, neither you nor anyone of your companions should eat it..

Commentary : Hady is the name given to what is offered as a gift and slaughtered at the Haram (sanctuary) from the camels, cows, sheep, and goats. In this Hadīth, Abu Qabīsah Dhu’ayb ibn Halhalah al-Khuzā‘i narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to send the Budn, which refers to the livestock gifted to Allah's Sacred House, with him and then say to him: "If any of these is completely exhausted," i.e., afflicted with a disease or overcome by exhaustion that is likely to cause its death before reaching the place where it should be slaughtered, "then slaughter it" on the spot, "And dip its shoe" that is tied in its blood, "then strike" with this shoe stained with blood on its side, i.e., put the two sandals on the side of the camel's hump as a known sign to be recognized by whoever passes by it. Thus, whoever comes after them will look at it and realize that it is a damaged Hady and that it is permissible to eat from it without thinking it to be a dead animal. This is because the routes that people took in their travels were known to others as well, besides the fact that it was a regular habit of the desert dwellers from among the Bedouins and others to follow the traces of the pilgrims' lodgings to pick whatever they left behind therein. "But neither you nor any of your companions should eat it," i.e., he should not eat from it whether he is poor or rich, which entails blocking the means to what is unlawful lest some people should slaughter the Hady or make it defective prior to its due time.
The Hadīth encourages the act of sending Hadys to Makkah and appointing a proxy in case one does not go there himself..

1328

Tāwūs reported: I was in the company of Ibn' Abbās when Zayd ibn Thābit said: "Do you give Fatwa that a menstruating woman may depart without the last thing she does being Tawāf around the House?" Ibn' Abbās said, "If not, then ask the Ansāri woman so-and-so as to whether the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded her to do that." He said: Then, Zayd ibn Thābit returned to Ibn' Abbās, laughing as he said: "I only found that you spoke the truth.".

Commentary : Allah Almighty says: {Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 185] Allah Almighty also says: {and He has not imposed upon you any hardship in religion.} [Surat al-Hajj: 78] This clearly manifests the facilitation of things for people and the removal of hardship from them during the rituals of Hajj.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Tāwūs ibn Kaysān informs that he was with the Companion ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) when Zayd ibn Thābit (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: You issued a Fatwa that a menstruating woman may leave Makkah without performing the Farewell Tawāf! Ibn ‘Abbās replied to him, saying: "If not" i.e., if you do not accept my view, then leave it and go ask the Ansāri woman so-and-so - this is ’Umm Sulaym bint Milhān (may Allah be pleased with her) - as to whether the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined her to do that. So, Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) went and asked her, and she agreed with the view of Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). It is narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections that ‘Ā’ishah, the Prophet's wife, reported that Safiyyah bint Huyay, the Prophet's wife, got her menses during the Farewell Hajj. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Will she delay us?!" I said: "O Messenger of Allah, she has performed the Ifādah Tawāf around the House." Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then, let her depart."
When Zayd ibn Thābit (may Allah be pleased with him) knew the right thing, he went back to Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him), laughing, as he found his view to be correct. Then, he said: "I only found that you spoke the truth." So, Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) agreed with the view adopted by Ibn' Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). This is what we are required to do when a dispute arises over something; we should refer to the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and when a sincere person finds proof that disproves his own opinion, he complies with it and scraps stubbornness.
The Hadīth shows the politeness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), their righteousness, their keenness to follow the Sunnah, and their readiness to go back to what is right when it becomes manifest.
It indicates that if a woman gets her menses, she can depart and leave the Farewell Tawāf.
It also demonstrates that some rulings may be unknown to some scholars..

1331

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered the Ka‘bah while there were six pillars in it. He stood near a pillar and supplicated, and he did not pray..

Commentary : The Conquest of Makkah took place in the eighth Hijri year. It was a blessed victory for the Muslims. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered it, he did so in modesty and humility toward Allah Almighty, Who bestowed this victory upon him.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered the Ka'bah during the day of the Conquest of Makkah, and "there were six pillars" in it, i.e., six columns, and he stood near a pillar and supplicated while standing and did not pray therein. However, the opposite of that is established by a Hadīth in the Two Sahīh Collections. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered the Ka'bah with Usāmah ibn Zayd, Bilāl, and 'Uthmān ibn Talhah al-Hajabi, and he locked it behind him and remained inside. I asked Bilāl when he came out: What did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) do? He said: "He took up a position with one pillar on his left, one pillar on his right, and three pillars behind him - the House had six pillars at the time - and then he prayed. They are reconciled by giving precedence to the Hadīth reported by 'Abdullāh ibn' Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), as Bilāl (may Allah be pleased with him) was with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) inside the Ka'bah; or that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered the Ka'bah twice; he prayed at one time and did not pray at the other..

1333

‘Atā’ reported: When the House (the Ka‘bah) was burned during the time of Yazīd ibn Mu‘āwiyah as the people of the Levant invaded it, and what happened to it happened, Ibn az-Zubayr left it until the people came to the season, seeking to encourage - or incite - them against the people of the Levant. When the people departed, he said: "O people, advise me regarding the Ka'bah. Should I demolish it and then rebuild it or repair its damaged part?" Ibn ‘Abbās said: "An opinion has occurred to me concerning it; that you repair the damaged part of it and leave a House upon which the people embraced Islam and stones upon which the people embraced Islam and upon which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was sent." In reply, Ibn az-Zubayr said: "If the house of one of you was burned, he would not be pleased until he renewed it. So, what about the House of your Lord? I will make Istikhārah (consult my Lord) for three and then determine my affair." When the three were over, he decided to demolish it. The people kept away from him, fearing that something from heaven might descend upon the first one to climb it. Then, a man climbed and threw down some stones from it. When the people saw that nothing harmed him, they went one after another and demolished it to the ground. Ibn Az-Zubayr erected pillars and hung curtains on them until its structure rose up. Ibn az-Zubayr also said: I heard ‘Ā’ishah say: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Were it not for the fact that the people have recently left Kufr (disbelief) and that I do not have enough funds to enable me to build it, I would incorporate five cubits from the Hijr into it and make for it a door through which people enter and a door through which they exit." He said: "Today, I have the funds, and I do not fear people." He said: "He added to it five cubits from the Hijr till there appeared a foundation the people could see it. He built the structure upon it. The length of the Ka‘bah was 18 cubits, and when he added to it, he regarded it as short. So, he increased its length by ten cubits and made two doors for it: one for entrance and the other for exit. When Ibn az-Zubayr was killed, Al-Hajjāj sent a message to ‘Abdul-Malik ibn Marwān informing him about that and telling him that Ibn az-Zubayr had placed the structure upon a foundation that was seen by the upright people in Makkah. In reply, ‘Abdul-Malik sent a message to him saying: "We do not have anything to do with Ibn Zubayr's smearing. As for the addition he had made to its length, approve it. As for the addition he had made to it from the Hijr, revert it to its structure and wall up the door he had opened." So, he demolished it and restored it to its structure..

Commentary : The Ka‘bah is the Sacred House of Allah and the Qiblah of the Muslims. It is the first house to be appointed for humankind. Abraham and Ishmael (Ismā‘īl) (peace be upon both of them) had constructed it at the command of Allah Almighty, and it was demolished and built more than once.
In this Hadīth, ‘Atā’ ibn Abu Rabāh relates that when the Sacred House was burned, which happened when Al-Husayn ibn Numayr as-Sakūni surrounded ‘Abdullāh ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) in Makkah after the incident of Al-Harrah in Madīnah, in 63 A.H., at the command of Yazīd ibn Mu‘āwiyah, the then Caliph of the Levant. Ibn Az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) was in dispute with him over the caliphate at the time. So, the people of the Levant entered the Sacred House to fight ‘Abdullāh ibn az-Zubayr and the Ka‘bah was burned, and its wall inclined due to the throwing of a catapult, a tool that throws stones. This burning and damage that happened to the Ka‘bah were not intended to occur to it; rather, the intended purpose was to besiege Ibn Az-Zubayr. So, the catapult strikes were targeting him, not the Ka‘bah.
During the siege, there came news about the death of Yazīd ibn Mu‘āwiyah in 64 A.H. Thereupon, the Levant army returned to its land. Then Ibn Az-Zubayr rose and declared himself as the Caliph, and the pledge of allegiance was given to him as the Caliph, and he commanded the obedience of the people of the Hejaz, Egypt, Iraq, and Khurāsān. After the departure of the Levant army, ‘Abdullāh ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) left the House in its damaged state until people came from every place for the season of Hajj and gathered there. Ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) wanted to "embolden them", i.e., encourage them to fight the people of the Levant, or "incite them", i.e., stir up rage in their hearts by making them see the burned House, and so they would fight the people of the Levant. When the people turned back to their homeland after the end of Hajj rituals, Ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) said to the people of Makkah or the notables among them: "O people, advise me regarding the Ka'bah", i.e., give me your opinion: Should I demolish it and then rebuild it anew, or repair its weakened and damaged part? In reply, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "An opinion has occurred to me concerning it", i.e., an opinion has appeared and become clear to me, which is that you repair the weakened and damaged part in it and restore it to its former condition and leave the Ka'bah in the state which the people were familiar with when they embraced Islam. "and stones upon which the people embraced Islam", meaning the stones of the Ka'bah without alteration, and upon which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was sent, and he did not change them. Ibn az-Zubayr said: "If the house of one of you was burned, he would not be pleased," i.e., the owner of the burned house until he renewed it. "So, what about the House of your Lord?!" In other words, the House of Allah Almighty is more worthy of being repaired and renovated. Then, he said to them: "I am going to make Istikhārah (consult my Lord) for three", i.e., I will perform the Istikhārah prayer and seek goodness and help from my Lord for three times or three days, and then I will make up my mind. When the three days were over, he realised that he should demolish and rebuild it, and he was determined to do that. As a result, the people avoided him. They turned away, fearing punishment would descend upon the first person to go above the House to demolish it, like what happened to the Companions of the Elephant. They remained in that situation till a man from them ascended the Ka‘bah and began to pull out the stones. When the people saw no punishment hit him, they moved and headed to the House one after another in constant succession. They demolished it and removed its stones until it was leveled to the ground. "Ibn az-Zubayr erected pillars and hung curtains on them until its structure rose up." The purpose was to make these pillars and curtains a Qiblah for worshippers so that they could identify the location of the Ka'bah through them. These curtains remained till the structure went up and became visible to the people. At that point, he removed them, as the objective was achieved, which was to build the high structure of the Ka'bah.
Then, Ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned a Hadīth which he heard from his maternal aunt ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Were it not for the fact that the people have recently left Kufr", i.e., they have recently embraced Islam and departed from Kufr. "and that I do not have enough funds" i.e., I do not possess enough money to enable me to build it, I would incorporate into the House "from the Hijr" - which is the circular structure around the Ka'bah from the side opposite the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner, and it takes the shape of a semicircle adjacent to the Levantine and Iraqi Corners, and this Hijr is part of the Ka'bah - "five cubits"; In another version by Muslim: "and I added to it six cubits from the Hijr." This is because the Quraysh did not have enough money to construct the Ka‘bah. So, they built it according to their available means and left the remaining part outside and called it Hijr. Therefore, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to include it in the House. Then the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "and make for it a door through which people enter", which is the eastern door, "and a door through which they exit", which is the western one. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) decided not to demolish the Ka'bah and incorporate the Hijr into it out of fear of possible Fitnah (confusion, strife), so he left it as it was. After narrating the Hadīth, Ibn az-Zubayr said: "Today I have the funds", and I possess money sufficient for this purpose, and I do not fear Fitnah for the people as Imān (faith) is well established in their hearts. So he added to the Sacred House, incorporated into it five cubits from the Hijr, and dug an area in the ground of the Hijr till he reached the foundation of the House, upon which Abraham (peace be upon him) constructed the building, and the people saw and observed it. Ibn Az-Zubayr built the structure upon it. "The length of the Ka'bah was 18 cubits, and when he added to it, he regarded it as short," i.e., he considered it to be short. So, Ibn az-Zubayr increased its length by ten cubits. A cubit is about 69 cm. "and he made for it two doors: one for entrance and the other for exit." So, Ibn Az-Zubayr built the Ka'bah according to the design intended by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
When Ibn az-Zubayr was killed in 73 A.H., and the caliphate was established for Banu Umayyah, Al-Hajjāj ibn Yūsuf ath-Thaqafi sent a message to ‘Abdul-Malik ibn Marwān - the then Caliph of the Levant - informing him "that Ibn az-Zubayr had placed the structure upon a foundation" i.e., upon the foundation of Abraham, which he revealed when the Hijr was dug; "that was seen" i.e., observed "by the upright people", those whose testimony is acceptable, "in Makkah"; so, should he leave it in the way Ibn az-Zubayr built it or demolish it and then rebuild it according to its old design? ‘Abdul-Malik sent a reply to Al-Hajjāj: "We do not have anything to do with Ibn Zubayr's smearing", i.e., we have nothing to do with the blame for the crime Ibn Az-Zubayr perpetrated by demolishing the Ka‘bah. In other words, we are innocent of his crime of demolishing the House. "As for the addition he had made to its length, approve it", i.e., keep it as it is. "As for the addition he had made to it from the Hijr, revert it to its structure," i.e., demolish it and restore it to its former structure, as it was during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). "and seal up the door he had opened"; this is the other door, which Ibn Az-Zubayr added. So, Al-Hajjāj demolished the House and restored it to its former structure.
The Hadīth highlights the significance of seeking the opinion of those with sound judgment and experience.
It mentions the repair of the damaged part of the Sacred House.
It indicates the permissibility of abandoning something recommended and legitimate for fear that people may fail to understand it.
It also indicates that an interest may be abandoned for the sake of being safe from falling into evil.
It shows how the ruler should win the hearts of his subjects and work to protect them.
The Hadīth demonstrates how the Companions were keen to comply with what the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted.
It points out that the Istikhārah prayer should be performed with regard to important matters..

1336

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came across a caravan at Ar-Rawhā’. He said: Who are the people? They replied: The Muslims. Then, they asked: Who are you? He said: The Messenger of Allah. So, a woman lifted up a boy to him and said: Is Hajj counted for this one? He said: Yes, and you will have a reward..

Commentary : Islam has laid down certain conditions for a Muslim to be held accountable for religious duties and obligations. One of these conditions is making Hajj obligatory only upon the adult, sane, and free Muslim who has the ability.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reports that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) "came across a caravan," i.e., a traveling group. A caravan specifically refers to the owners of camels. And it is originally used to refer to ten or less than that. "At Ar-Rawhā’", is a village located almost 80 km away from Madīnah, that was on the way back from the Farewell Hajj, as mentioned in the narration of An-Nasā’i. He asked them: "Who are the people?" They answered him saying that they were from the Muslims. Then, they asked him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "Who are you?" He replied: "The Messenger of Allah". Perhaps they did not recognize him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) because they had not seen him before, as they did not emigrate, i.e., they embraced Islam in their countries and did not emigrate before this incident.
On knowing that he was the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), a woman from among them lifted up a little boy - one who had not reached the age of puberty - and she asked: "Is Hajj counted for this one?", i.e., does this little boy obtain the reward of Hajj? The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) answered her, saying: "Yes" he gets the reward of voluntary Hajj, "and you will have a reward," i.e., because of making him avoid what the Muhrim (one in state of ritual consecration) avoids, and doing what the Muhrim does, and teaching him if he is discerning, or the reward of being his deputy in Ihrām (state of ritual consecration), throwing the pebbles, standing, and carrying him during Tawāf (circumambulating the Ka‘bah) and Sa‘y (walking at a brisk pace between Safa and Marwah) if he is undiscerning. His saying: "And you will have a reward" is meant to encourage her.
A boy's Hajj is valid, and he gets a reward for it; however, it does not exempt him from the obligation, and he will have to perform the obligatory Hajj after reaching puberty.
The Hadīth indicates the permissibility of performing Hajj on behalf of the minor in general.
It also makes it clear that the boy is rewarded for his act of obedience and his virtuous deeds are recorded for him.
The Hadīth also affirms the reward of the boy's guardian if he makes him perform Hajj.
It also denotes that whoever does not know something must ask the scholars about the rulings he does not know.
It points out that whoever helps someone offer an act of obedience gets rewarded..

1342

‘Ali al-Azdi reported that Ibn ‘Umar taught them: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mounted his camel to set out on a journey, he would say Takbīr three times and then say: "Subhāna al-ladhi sakhkhara lana hādha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinīn wa inna ila rabbina lamunqalibūn. Allāhumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hādha al-birra wa at-taqwa wa min al-‘amali ma tarda. Allāhumma hawwin ‘alayna safarana hādha watwi ‘anna bu‘dah. Allāhumma anta as-sāhibu fi as-safar wa al-khalīfatu fi al-ahl. Allāhumma inni a‘ūdhu bika min wa‘thā’ as-safar wa ka’ābat al-manzhar wa sū’ al-munqalab fi al-māli wa al-ahl (Glory be to Him Who has subjected this for us, for we could not have done it by ourselves, and we will surely return to our Lord. O Allah, we ask You on this journey of ours for goodness and piety, and for deeds that are pleasing to You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and make its distance short for us. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the One in Whose care we leave our family behind. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from this journey's hardships, from the terrible sights, and from a misfortunate return to our property and our family)." On returning, he would say the same and add: "Āyibūn tā’ibūn ‘ābidūn lirabbina hāmidūn (We are returning in safety, turning to our Lord in repentance, worshiping Him, and praising Him).".

Commentary : Traveling involves hardship and fatigue, but Allah Almighty, out of His mercy, has created for His slaves and guided them to make ships that they could ride on the sea; camels, horses, and cars that they could ride on land; and airplanes that they could ride in the air. They carry them to their destinations without any fatigue or hardship. So, when they settle on them, they remember the favor that Allah Almighty has bestowed on them by subjugating and making such mounts and vehicles easy for them to ride.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) teaches some of his companions the supplication for traveling. He informed them that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) rode and settled on his mount - which was the camel, and this includes all types of animals that could be ridden and the modern means of transportation - to set out from Madīnah on some journey, he would remember Allah and say: "Allāhu akbar (Allah is the Greatest)", three times. The Prophet's (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) saying Takbīr when riding and settling on the mount was acknowledging the greatness of Allah Almighty and the fact that He is greater than everything. He, thus, proclaimed His greatness to thank Him for that, so Allah would grant him extra bounty from Himself. Then, he would say: "Glory be to Him Who has subjected this for us" and has made it submissive to us, referring to the mount. "For we could not have done it by ourselves," i.e., we could not have been able to subjugate it and use it if Allah Almighty had not subjected it for us. "and we will surely return to our Lord," i.e., surely, we will return and go back to our Lord after death. It is as if the traveler who rides on what Allah has subjected for him remembers the last journey in this world, which is one's journey to Allah Almighty when he dies and people carry him on their shoulders.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would praise Allah and supplicate Him saying: "O Allah, we ask You on this journey of ours for goodness and piety," Birr (goodness): adherence to obedience. Taqwa (piety): refraining from sins; thus, obeying the commands and avoiding the prohibitions. Then, he would ask his Lord to grant him deeds so that He becomes pleased with him. After that, he would ask Allah to make the journey easy for him and make its distance short for him. Following his supplication, he would say: "O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey," i.e., You accompany me on my journey and, thus, You make it easy for me. "And the One in Whose care we leave our family behind," in my absence, so, You surround them with Your care and protection, as Allah Almighty is with man on his journey and the One Who takes care of his family in his absence because Allah Almighty encompasses all things.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would seek refuge with Allah from some of what afflicts man during his journey including: "This journey's hardships," i.e., its severity, difficulty, and the fatigue it causes. and "the terrible sights," i.e., the change in the face as if one is sick, and the feeling of defeat as a result of seeing what one likes undergoing something bad, which causes grief and sadness. It was also said: It means seeking refuge with Allah from every sight that results in grief when looking at it. "A misfortunate return," indicates when returning and seeing what displeases him in his family and property. In the Hadīth of ‘Abdullah ibn Sarjis (may Allah be pleased with him) - in Sahīh Muslim and Musnad Ahmad - it was mentioned that he would start with "the family" on returning, as he would say: "And from a misfortunate return to our family and our property" instead of "our property and our family." The Hadīth also states: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sought refuge from "Hawr" after "Kawr", i.e., from scarcity after abundance and from the change in state from obedience to sin. He also sought refuge from the supplication of an oppressed person, i.e., I seek refuge with You from oppression, as it leads the oppressed person to engage in supplication, and there is no barrier between it and Allah, as mentioned in the Two Sahīh Collections.
On returning, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would say these aforementioned words and would add: Āibūn (We are returning), i.e., we are returning from the journey safely. Tāibūn: (We are repenting), i.e., turning to our Lord from sins to obedience. Ābidūn, lirabbina hāmidūn (We are worshiping Him, and praising our Lord,) i.e., praising Allah Almighty with His attributes of perfection and majesty and showing gratitude to Him for His blessings and favors. It means: We are on our way back to our country, homeland, and families, and we are determined to return to Allah in sincere repentance coupled with righteous deeds, including showing gratitude to Allah, worshiping Him on a regular basis, and drawing close to Him by prayer and frequent prostrations.
So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to remember Allah's worship and the fact that he was a slave of Allah Almighty all the time.
The Hadīth urges the act of Allah's remembrance when setting out on a journey and on returning therefrom..

1348

‘Ā’ishah reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There is no day on which Allah sets free more of His slaves from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah. He verily draws near, then He boasts about them before the angels saying: 'What do these [people] want?'".

Commentary : Allah has favored some days over others, and these favored days are occasions for Allah's grants and gifts that He offers His slaves, forgiving sins and elevating degrees, and the Day of ‘Arafah is one of these virtuous days.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says that saving people from torment and setting them free from the Fire takes place on a larger scale on the Day of ‘Arafah than on any other day. ‘Arafah is a spot located on the way between Makkah and Tā’if. It is almost 22 kilometers away from Makkah, 10 kilometers away from Mina, and 6 kilometers away from Muzdalifah. It is the place where the pilgrims stand on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah supplicating to Allah and asking for His forgiveness. "He" the Almighty verily "draws near" in a manner that befits His majesty and greatness, in compliance with what Allah Almighty has established for Himself, without Tashbīh (drawing comparison) or Tamthīl (likening Him to His creatures). Then, He boasts before the angels about the Muslims standing at ‘Arafah, demonstrating their merit and the excellence of what they do, and praising them before the angels. The word "bahā’" (boast) originally means beauty and grace. So, Allah boasts about them and praises them in the angels' presence. "Saying: What do these [people] want?", i.e., what do these people want by leaving their families and homelands, spending their money, and exhausting their bodies? The answer is omitted, and it is assumed to be: They only sought Allah's forgiveness and pleasure, which indicates that they are granted forgiveness, as Allah does not boast about sinners and wrongdoers except after repenting and being granted forgiveness.
The Hadīth establishes the attribute of drawing near to Allah Almighty in a way that befits His majesty and greatness.
It also establishes the attribute of boasting for Allah Almighty in a way that befits His majesty and greatness..

1356

Jābir reported that he heard the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "It is not lawful for any of you to carry a weapon in Makkah.".

Commentary : Makkah is a sacred city as it has the Sacred House and sacred sites. The Shariah has legislated for its special rulings that affirm such meanings. It has legislated therein means of security that have not been legislated in any other spot on earth.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade carrying weapons in Makkah. Perhaps the reason behind this is to prevent it from being a cause of terrifying a Muslim or doing harm to anyone. Undoubtedly, this enhances the sense of security in a place like Makkah where the Islamic sacred sites are found. The prohibition here is meant when there is no necessity for carrying a weapon. However, if there is a necessity - like fighting the disbelievers and their likes - it is permissible to carry weapons like what happened in the Year of the Conquest when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered Makkah with his armies carrying their weapons. Allah granted him permission to do so to spread His religion and make His word superior. Hence, Allah made this Sanctuary lawful for him for part of the day, from sunrise to ‘Asr prayer. Then, he declared among people that its sanctity had returned to its former state..

1358

Jābir ibn Abdullah al-Ansāri reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered Makkah, Qutaybah said: - [another narration reads]: He entered on the day of the Conquest of Makkah - wearing a black turban without being in Ihrām (state of ritual consecration)..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to observe the Prophet's states to learn from him, especially during calamities like wars and battles, and reported all this to those who came after them. They described his appearance, his clothes, and all his states.
In this Hadīth, the great Companion, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered Makkah on the day of the Conquest, 8 AH, wearing a black turban on his head. He was not wearing the clothes of Ihrām and did not have the intention to make Ihrām on that day because he did not want to perform the rituals; rather, he wanted to conquer Makkah.
In the two Sahīh Collections, Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered in the year of the Conquest wearing a helmet on his head." It is likely that the helmet was over the turban to protect his honorable head from iron rust, or the turban was over the helmet, or perhaps he was wearing the helmet when first entering, then he took it off and put on the turban later. Thus, each one of them reported what he had seen..

1359

‘Amr ibn Hurayth reported: It is as if I am looking at the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on the pulpit, wearing a black turban, the two ends of which he has let hang down between his shoulders..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to observe the Prophet's conditions to learn from him, and they conveyed what they saw to those who came after them and described his appearance, clothes, and all conditions.
In this Hadīth, ‘Amr ibn Hurayth (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that he saw the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in one of his sermons on the pulpit - and this took place at the time of the Conquest of Makkah, as narrated by Al-Humaydi in his Musnad Collection - wearing a black turban on his head and letting the two ends of his turban hang down between his shoulders. The words "two ends" are reported like this, in the plural form, whereas it is narrated by Abu Dāwūd in the singular form 'end', which is more preponderant.
The Hadīth makes mention of wearing a black turban..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths