Narrated ‘Aaishah (raa): I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) whether the round wall (near Ka`bah) was part of the Ka`bah. The Prophet (ﷺ) replied in the affirmative. I further said, "What is wrong with them, why have they not included it in the building of the Ka`bah?" He (ﷺ) said, "This is because your people (Quraysh) ran short of money (so they could not include it inside the building of Ka`bah)?" I asked, "What about its gate? Why is it so high?" He (ﷺ) replied, "Your people did this so as to admit into it whomever they liked and prevent whomever they liked. Were your people not close to the Pre-Islamic Period of ignorance (i.e., they have recently embraced Islam) and were I not afraid that they would deny it, surely I would have included the (area of the) wall inside the building of the Ka`bah and I would have lowered its gate to the level of the ground."
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Commentary : The Hijr of Ismaa’eel is the curved construction round the Ka’bah, facing the Black Stone and al-Rukn al-Yamaanee. It is in the form of a semi-circle adjoining the two corners, al-Rukn al-Shaamee and al-Rukn al-‘Iraaqee. The Prophet refrained from touching or kissing the other two corners, the Black Stone and al-Rukn al-Yamaanee, because they were not built according to the correct structure of the House.
In this hadeeth ‘Aaishah (raa) relates that she asked the Prophet ﷺabout the Ka’bah and whether the Hijr of Ismaa’eel is part of it or not. He ﷺexplained to her that it is part of the Ka’bah due to the foundation of its wall, but what happened was that Quraysh could not afford to include it and build the Ka’bah on all the foundations of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) when they rebuilt the Ka’bah due to lack of funds. The Prophet ﷺadded that had Quraysh not been new to Islam and fearing they may leave Islam because of it, he ﷺwould have restored it to the foundations of Prophet Ibraaheem (peace be upon him), and he ﷺwould have built it anew on all its foundations, included the Hijr of Ismaa’eel, and lowered its gate to the level of the ground. This is because they made the gate so high to have control who would enter it i.e., they have power to allow whoever they like and forbid whoever they wish. It is reported in the authentic hadeeth that he ﷺsaid: “I would have placed two doors for it, one door for people to enter and the other door for them to exit.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim].
From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it serves as evidence for perpetrating the lesser of two evils to repel the greater of them. This is because the harm done from making no changes to the construction of the Ka’bah is lesser than the dissension that may be caused by this and having some Muslims turning away from Islam.
This hadeeth shows that it is permissible to deal tactfully with people in matters of religion - other than the obligatory acts - by leaving and removing from the people that which they deny (i.e., things they view as the norm and not aware of its opposite).
It also shows that people may not be blocked from the House..

1586

Narrated ‘Aaishah (raa): The Prophet (ﷺ) told her, “O ‘Aaishah! Were it not for the fact that your people being in the closest era to pre-Islam, I would have commanded that the House be demolished, and I would have incorporated into it what was left out of it. I would have made its (door) in level with the ground and I would have made two doors for it, an eastern door and a western door. I would have taken it to the foundations of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him). (One of the narrators said:) “This is what motivated Ibn al-Zubayr (ra) to knock it down. Yazeed said: "I saw Ibn Al-Zubayr (ra) when he knocked it down and rebuilt it and included part of the Hijr in it. And I saw the foundation of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) stones like the humps of camels. Jareer says, “I asked him, ‘Where is its place?’ He replied, ‘I will show you now.’ I entered al-Hijr with him and he pointed towards a place and said, ‘There it is.’ Jareer says, “I estimated the distance from al-Hijr to be six-cubit foot or something similar to it.”
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Commentary : The description of the construction of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) of the House was that it was curved around the two corners of al-Rukn ash-Shaamee and al-Rukn al-‘Iraaqee; thus, the Hijr of Ismaa’eel was a part of it, and it had two corners, which are the two Yamaanee corners. But when Quraysh built it in the pre-Islamic era, they made four corners for it, and placed the Hijr of Ismaa’eel behind it, as they wanted to perfectly complete the circumambulation of the Ka’bah, and it is in the form of a semi-circle adjoining the two corners, al-Rukn al-Shaamee and al-Rukn al-‘Iraaqee. Hence, al-Hijr is part of the Ka’bah.

In this hadeeth, ‘Aaishah raa reports that the Prophet ﷺ informed her that were Quraysh not closer in time to disbelief (i.e., they are new to Islam) and were there no fear of the hearts denying the act, then he would have commanded to demolish the Ka’bah and would have rebuilt in upon the original foundations of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and would have inserted into it what was left out of it and bring the floor closer to the ground, and would have placed two doors for it, an eastern door and a western door, so people could enter from one of them and exit from the other. This hadeeth is the evidence upon which Ibn al-Zubayr (ra) relied to demolish the Ka’bah and rebuild it during his reign on Hijaaz.

Yazeed ibn Roomaan, at-Taabee’ee, one of the sub-narrators of this hadeeth, mentions that he witnessed Ibn al-Zubayr (ra) demolishing the Ka’bah as he undertook the task of demolishing it until he razed it to the ground and when he rebuilt it. This event happened in the 65th year of Hijrah. He inserted in it five-cubit foot of Hijr Ismaa’eel. Yazeed explains that he saw the foundations of Ibraaheem and described that they were made of stones that looked like the humps of the camels.
Jareer bin Haazim asked Yazeed ibn Roomaan to inform him about the place of the foundations?’ He replied that he would show it to him; so, he entered entered al-Hijr with him and then pointed to a place of it and said, ‘Here it is.’ Jareer reported that he estimated the distance referred to from the Hijr as six-cubit foot or so. It is reported in Saheeh Muslim from the narration of the Taabi’ee ‘Ataa’ ibn Abee Rabaah that when Al-Hajjaaj killed Ibn al-Zubayr (ra), he demolished the building, and returned it to the foundations of Quraysh and it is still, until now, upon those foundations.
From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it serves as evidence for perpetrating the lesser of two evils to repel the greater of them. This is because the harm done from making no changes to the construction of the Ka’bah is lesser than the dissension that may be caused by this and having some Muslims turning away from Islam.
This hadeeth shows that it is permissible to deal tactfully with people in matters of religion - other than the obligatory acts - by leaving and removing from the people that which they deny (i.e., things they view as the norm and not aware of its opposite).
It shows that the ruler should strive to establish the religion of Islam and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
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1587

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas ra: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said on the day of the conquest of Makkah, “Verily, Allah made this city sacred; its thorns will not to be cut, its game will not be repulsed, and the things dropped will be picked up only by one who makes a public announcement of it.”.

Commentary : Makkah is the most beloved land to Allah, Most high, which He has venerated it in the hearts of His believing servants. He legislated exclusive injunctions for Makkah and protected it from the evil of the disbelievers. It is one of the best places on earth, hence, the conquest of Makkah, which took place in the eighth year of the Hijrah, was a great conquest for Islam and Muslims.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbaas ra reports that the Prophet ﷺproclaimed on the conquest of Makkah that Allah has made Makkah sacred i.e., no fighting on its land is allowed. The only exemption was given to the Prophet ﷺto conquer it and eradicate disbelief from the holy land. Thereafter, its sanctity was reactivated as reported in the authentic hadeeths of Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim. Part of the sanctity of this land is that: neither its thorns nor its trees will be cut or broken, nor its game will be disturbed from its place, let alone hunting it, and any lost property found there will only be picked up by one who intends to announce about it and looks after it for its owner, thereafter, returns it to him when he shows up.. This is known in religion as Luqatah, which refers to the lost property which a person may find on the road whose owner is unknown.
One of the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning about the strong emphasis on the sanctity of Makkah and the strict warning against committing any forbidden act in it..

1588

Narrated Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him): I said: “O Allah's Messenger! Which house of yours will you choose to stay in Makkah?” He (ﷺ) replied, "Has ‘Aqeel left any property or houses in Makkah?” It happened that ‘Aqeel along with Taalib had inherited the property of Aboo Taalib, whereas Ja’far and ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with them) did not inherit anything as they were Muslims and the other two were disbelievers. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say, “A believer may not inherit (anything) from a disbeliever.” Ibn Shihaab, (a sub-narrator) said, “They (`Umar and others) derived the above verdict from Allah's Statement: {Verily! those who believed and emigrated and strove with their life And property in Allah's Cause, And those who helped (the emigrants), and gave them their places to live in, these are (all) allies to one another.} (Quran 8.72)”
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺhas set himself as a perfect example for us in all acts of worship, dealing, and transactions, including the application of the provisions of inheritance between a Muslim and a disbeliever. He ﷺclarified that Muslims cannot inherit their disbelieving relatives.
In this hadeeth, Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that he asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)at the conquest of Makkah in the eighth year of the Hijrah about which of his homes in Makkah that he left before his emigration to al-Madeenah. The Prophet ﷺexplained to him that he is not entitled to any of the properties that belonged to Aboo Taalib or any other of his relatives in Makkah because a believer cannot inherit an infidel.
The narrator – perhaps Usaamah (may Allah be pleased with him) – has explained the meaning of his statement. He mentioned that when Aboo Taalib, the uncle of the Prophet ﷺdied, his two sons inherited his wealth: ‘Aqeel and Taalib, and they both took over all his property comprising of several houses, while Ja’far and ‘Alee, the two believing men did not inherit from him. If they were the heirs, then the Prophet ﷺwould have stayed in their houses as they would be as if they are his properties because he knew that they (Ja’far and ‘Alee) preferred him to themselves.
‘Umar bin Al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say, “A believer cannot inherit from a disbeliever.” i.e., he made this statement based on the words of the Prophet ﷺwho confirmed that ‘Alee and Ja’far (may Allah be pleased with them) did not inherit from Abu Talib.
Ibn Shihaab al-Zuhree commented on this by saying, “They used to adopt this view based on their interpretation of the following Statement of Allah, {Those who believe and have emigrated and struggled with their wealth and themselves in the path of Allah and those who sheltered and helped, those, some of whom are allies of others.} [Quran 8:72]. They interpreted alliance in this ayah to mean the entitlement to inheritance. The ayah goes to read: {But those who believed and did not emigrate - for you there is no support of them until they emigrate. And if they seek help from you for the religion, then you must help, except against a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty. And Allah is Seeing of what you do.And those who disbelieved are allies of one another. If you do not do so [i.e., ally yourselves with other believers], there will be fitnah [i.e., disbelief and oppression] on earth and great corruption. [Quran 8:72-73]. The meaning of this is that those who believed in Allah but did not emigrate from the lands of disbelief to the lands of Islam, you do not have to - O believers - help them, and protect them, until they emigrate in the path of Allah. However, if the disbelievers wronged them, then they demanded help from you; then, aid them against their enemy, unless there is a covenant between you and the enemy which they have not broken. Allah is watchful of the acts that you do, nothing of your deeds is hidden from Him and He will reward you for them. As for those who disbelieve, disbelief brings them all together and thus aid each other. With that said, no believer may not ally with them, and if the Muslims do not ally with the believers and hate the disbelievers, then there will be strife for the believers, wherein they will not find anyone from their brethren who can help them in religion. Even worse, a great corruption on earth will ensue by preventing people from the path of Allah.
From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning that it is permissible to allow the houses and property of Makkah to be inherited.
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1589

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah’s Messenger ﷺstated when he came to Makkah, “Our encampment tomorrow, Allah-willing, will be at Khayf Banee Kinaanah where they (the pagans) took an oath between themselves on disbelief.””
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Commentary : The Farewell Hajj was in the tenth year of the Hijrah, and during which the Prophet ﷺexplained all the rulings pertaining to Hajj and ‘Umrah, including that which is recommended acts and considered from their etiquettes.
In this hadeeth, AbooHurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺinformed them after he had returned from Mina after completing the rite of throwing the stoning and he headed to the Sacred House for the farewell tawaaf round the Ka’bah that he ﷺwill halt at the Khayf of Banee Kinaanah, known today as al-Muhassab, which is located at the beginning part of the flat land of Makkah, and is now situated in the outskirts of Makkah in the so-called Qasr al-Saqqaaf. This place was where the disbelievers of Quraysh allied with each other before on disbelief, and they allied with each other in their disassociation from Banee Haashim and Banee al-Mutallib, and rejecting any peace treaty with them, and that they will exile the Prophet ﷺ, Banee Haashim, and Banee al-Muttalib from Makkah and drive them to this valley. This valley is Khayf Banee Kinaanah, and they wrote between them the famous sheet, wherein they penned all different kinds of falsehood, breaking of ties of kinship and disbelief. However, Allah, Exalted be He, sent termites which ate all the points of agreement therein about disbelief, severing ties of kinship, and falsehood, and left intact that which was about the remembrance of Allah. His saying: “Allah willing,” is to seek Allah’s blessings and comply with the command of Allah in the Quran.
The scholars differed as to the reason for the encampment of the Prophet ﷺin this place. It was said: It was a halting that was a following part of the rituals, and so it is a Sunnah, which is the view of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with her). And it was said: It is not a Sunnah, based on the hadeeth in Sunan Aboo Daawood - whose origin is found in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree – where ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺhalted at al-Muhassab only so that it is facilitating to come out, and it is not a Sunnah; hence, whoever wills can halt at it, and whoever wills can avoid encamping at it.” With that said, it shows that his halting at al-Abtah was because it would be easier and faster for him to depart from there to al-Madeenah, and so that those who are slow and those who have valid excuses would be equal, so that they spend the night there and depart at the last part of the night, and their departure be together towards al-Madeenah..

1590

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (ra): The Prophet ﷺstated the next day, the day of ritual slaughtering while he was at Mina, “We are halting tomorrow at Khayf Bani Kinaanah where they mutually took an oath on disbelief, he meant thereby al-Muhassab.” That is because Quraysh and Kinaanah both allied with each other against Bani Haashim and Bani Abdul al-Muttalib – or Bani al-Muttalib – that they will not intermarry with them and will not mutually do business with them until they surrender the Prophet ﷺto them..

Commentary : The polytheists of Makkah did harm the Prophet ﷺand those who believed in him with all different kinds of harm to the extent that the tribe of the Prophet ﷺand his immediate family members were not spared of their harms, including those who embraced Islam amongst them and those who had not embraced it. Quraysh and Kinaanah penned a sheet wherein they agreed to oppose and harm Banee Haashim and Banee Abdul Muttalib i.e., Quraysh and Kinaanah agreed that they will not marry a woman from Banee Haashim and Banee ‘Abd al-Muttalib, and that they will not marry them a woman from among them, that they will not trade with them or buy from them and will not intermingle with them and there will be nothing at all between them.
This hadeeth shows that the Prophet ﷺpointed out the place where they mutually took an oath, i.e., mutually agreed therein to harm the Prophet ﷺand to hold tight to disbelief. The Prophet ﷺtold his Companions on the Day of Slaughtering in Hajj, “We are halting tomorrow at Khayf Banee Kinaanah.” Khayf means a valley, and it refers to the valley of al-Muhassab, which is located between Makkah and Mina. i.e., it is the beginning area of the plains of Makkah, which is now found at the outskirts of Makkah, and it is called Qasr as-Saqqaaf.
The Farewell Hajj was in the tenth year of the Hijrah, and during which the Prophet ﷺexplained all the rulings pertaining to Hajj and ‘Umrah, including that which is recommended acts and considered from their etiquettes.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺinformed them after he had returned from Mina after completing the rite of throwing the stoning and he headed to the Sacred House for the farewell tawaaf round the Ka’bah that he ﷺwill halt at the Khayf of Banee Kinaanah, known today as al-Muhassab, which is located at the beginning part of the flat land of Makkah, and is now situated in the outskirts of Makkah in the so-called Qasr al-Saqqaaf. This place was where the disbelievers of Quraysh allied with each other before on disbelief, and they allied with each other in their disassociation from Banee Haashim and Banee al-Mutallib, and rejecting any peace treaty with them, and that they will exile the Prophet ﷺ, Banee Haashim, and Banee al-Muttalib from Makkah and drive them to this valley. This valley is Khayf Banee Kinaanah, and they wrote between them the famous sheet, wherein they penned all different kinds of falsehood, breaking of ties of kinship and disbelief. However, Allah, Exalted be He, sent termites which ate all the points of agreement therein about disbelief, severing ties of kinship, and falsehood, and left intact that which was about the remembrance of Allah. His saying: “Allah willing,” is to seek Allah’s blessings and comply with the command of Allah in the Quran.
The scholars differed as to the reason for the encampment of the Prophet ﷺin this place. It was said: It was a halting that was a following part of the rituals, and so it is a Sunnah, which is the view of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with her). And it was said: It is not a Sunnah, based on the hadeeth in Sunan Aboo Daawood - whose origin is found in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree – where ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺhalted at al-Muhassab only so that it is facilitating to come out, and it is not a Sunnah; hence, whoever wills can halt at it, and whoever wills can avoid encamping at it.” With that said, it shows that his halting at al-Abtah was because it would be easier and faster for him to depart from there to al-Madeenah, and so that those who are slow and those who have valid excuses would be equal, so that they spend the night there and depart at the last part of the night, and their departure be together towards al-Madeenah.
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1591

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The Ka’bah will be demolished by a man with thin legs from Abyssinia.”.

Commentary : In this hadeeth the Prophet ﷺinfo that that there will be trials towards the end of time and that the sanctity of sacred places will be violated.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ - who is the truthful and whose truthfulness is attested – informs us that a man with two thin legs from Abyssinia will be the one who will demolish the Ka’bah near the time of the Hour. The Abyssinians are black people from an African race. The word used to describe that his two legs will be thin is a belittling word for shank, meaning, one with two weak shanks. The belittling word is for humiliating purposes. It means it will be a person who is weak, and slim with no status. As if it is intended to say, “The sacredness of this glorified House will be violated by this lowlife despicable ugly person! It is reported in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺstated, “As if I can envisage him to be black, hen-toed, who will remove brick by brick.”
Abyssinians will be the ones who will excavate the treasure of the Ka’bah, which is buried under the Ka’bah. It was said that it is a treasure created in it. It was also said that it is what the guardians of the Ka’bah used to accumulate of the gifts, and then they used place under the Ka’bah.
This hadeeth does not contradict with the ayah, {Have We not established for them a safe haven ˹in Makkah˺.} (Quran 28: 57) because its meaning is that: it is a safe haven until the closest time to the Day of Judgment and the ruination of earth at a time when there will be no Muslim on the face of earth. It is said that the story of the man with two thin legs is an exception or that Allah has made it a safe sanctuary given how it is often the case, because there were incidents where the sanctuary of Makkah was violated like the case of Ibn al-Zubayr and the story of al-Qaraamitah and the likes. It was said that the meaning of making it a safe sanctuary is in fact the command to ensure it is so i.e., it is incumbent upon the Muslims to grant safety to people and not to show aggression to anyone therein.
From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning about the prophesy of the Prophet ﷺregarding what will happen towards the end of time, which is one of the signs of his prophethood. It is part of the unseen matters concerning which it is obligatory to believe and affirm. Likewise, we are required to believe and affirm all the unseen events that they are proven to be authentic from the Prophet ﷺ..

1592

Narrated ‘Aaishah (raa): The people used to fast on 'Ashura (the tenth day of the month of Muharram) before the fasting of Ramadan was made obligatory. And on that day the Ka`bah used to be covered with a cover. When Allah made the fasting of the month of Ramadan compulsory, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever wishes to fast (on the day of 'Aashooraa') may do so; and whoever wishes to leave it can do so.".

Commentary : The Jews used to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, which is the tenth day of the month of Muharram, as a form of venerating the day in which Allah saved Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) from the clasps of Pharoah and of thanking Allah for this favour. The Prophet ﷺrecommended that Muslims fast the day, albeit with opposing the way Jews fast it by prescribing an additional fast of a day before it. The fast of the day of ‘Aashooraa’ underwent different phases of legislation. It is reported on the authority of ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that people used to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ before Allah made the fasting of Ramadan obligatory upon them, and when He made the fasting of the month of Ramadan obligatory upon them in the second year of Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺmade it optional i.e., people have the choice either to fast it or forgo it. It has been mentioned concerning the virtue of its fast, that it expiates the sins of the year that has passed. It is reported in Saheeh Muslim that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Sunnah is to fast the nineth day with it, for the purpose of opposing the Jews.”
During the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ, the ‘Ka’bah would be shrouded on this day i.e., they would shroud its stone bricks and wall with veils and fabrics. Quraysh was the one responsible for the task of shrouding it during that period because the Prophet ﷺthen was in al-Madeenah and he ﷺonly took control of the Ka’bah after the conquest of Makkah in the eighth year of the Hijrah. The Prophet ﷺconfirmed the practice of shrouding it on this day, which has been the practice of Muslims until today, despite the different timings for it. Nowadays, it is shrouded during the season of Hajj straight after the pilgrims making their way to the mount of ‘Arafaat. Its shrouding is among the exhibits of reverence and showing honour for the House of Allah.
The statement of ‘Aaishah in the hadeeth that ‘They used to fast on ‘Aashooraa before Ramadan was made obligatory,’ benefits the possibility that fasting the day of ‘Aashooraa’ was compulsory and obligatory in nature, before Ramadan became mandatory, then the injunction was abrogated to the grade of desirability and recommendation. It was said that this was only an emphasis to fast and was not an obligatory injunction due to the agreed-upon hadeeth of Mu’aawiyah ibn Abee Sufyaan (may Allah be pleased with him) wherein the Prophet ﷺstated, “This is the day of ‘Aashooraa, Allah has not enjoined its fasting on you, but I am fasting it. You have the choice either to fast or not to fast (on this day).'.”
From the benefits we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning about the significance of the day of ‘Aashooraa and the veneration of the Muslims for it..

1593

Narrated Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (ra): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The people will continue performing Hajj and `Umrah to the Ka`bah even after the appearance of Gog and Magog." Narrated ‘Abd al-Rahmaan from Shu`bah: The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established till the Hajj (to the Ka`bah) is abandoned..

Commentary : Gog and Magog are those who Dhu al-Qarnayn constructed a dam as a barrier to keep them away from people, as mentioned in the Statement of Allah, the Most Exalted, {But assist me with resources, I will build a barrier between you and them.} (Quran 18: 95). Their appearance from behind this barrier or dam is one of the major signs of the Hour.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺprophesises that Muslims in the end of time will continue to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah after the demise of Gog and Magog and after their corruption on earth.
It is reported in another hadeeth that the Prophet ﷺsaid, “The Hour will not be established until the Hajj (pilgrimage) of the House stops.” That is to say, the Day of Judgment will not be established while there is on earth a person who believes in Allah Almighty and Majestic, which explains the reason why Hajj will cease to exist. It is reported on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺsaid, “The Last Hour will not be established until no one on earth will utter the word “Allah”.” It is possible to reconcile between both hadeeths by saying that it is not necessary that performing Hajj after the advent of Gog and Magog means that it will constantly continue until the establishment of the Last Hour. Rather, people will stop performing Hajj at a time just before the Last Hour.
From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning about the prophesy of the Prophet ﷺconcerning some of the matters of the unseen, which is one of the signs of his prophethood..

1594

Narrated Aboo Waa’il: (One day) I sat along with Shaybah on the chair inside the Ka`bah. He (Shaybah) said, "No doubt, `Umar sat at this place and said, 'I intended not to leave any yellow (i.e. gold) or white (i.e. silver) (inside the Ka`bah) undistributed.' I said (to `Umar), 'But your two companions (i.e. The Prophet (ﷺ) and Aboo Bakr) did not do so.' `Umar said, they are the two persons whom I always follow.' ".

Commentary : The Ka’bah is the Sacred House of Allah; thus, it is not allowed to mess around with it and its possessions. All the Prophets venerated it due to the glorification of Allah of it.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee, Aboo Waa’il, the brother of Ibn Salamah informs that he sat on a chair inside the Ka’bah with Shaybah bin ‘Uthmaan bin Talhah, the guardian and the custodian of the Ka’bah. According to a narration in Sunan Ibn Maajah, it reads, “A man sent me with dirhams as a gift to the House. I entered the House and Shaybah was seated on a chair. I gave them to him. He asked, ‘Are these yours?’ I replied, ‘No. If they were mine, then I would not have brought them to you.’ He said, ‘Since you have stated this, ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab sat on the same sitting place where you are now on.’” He informed him that ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) intended not to leave any yellow item or white item (gold and silver) but to distribute it among the people. He meant the treasure that it contained. It is what was gifted to it and what was above the necessity that was stored therein. In the period of ignorance, the people would gift the wealth to the Ka’bah due to its veneration, and this wealth would accumulate therein.
When Shaybah (may Allah be pleased with him) informed him that his two previous companions – the Prophet ﷺand Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) – did not do that while they saw the treasure of the Ka’bah and its status, although they were in more need of wealth [for distribution] than ‘Umar, yet they did not disturb it and neither did they distribute it among the poor. On this, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) remarked, “They are two perfect persons from whose deeds I would not dissent, rather I would follow them instead.”
It was said that it is possible that the Prophet ﷺleft it there only in consideration with Quraysh just as he ﷺleft the reconstruction of the Ka’bah upon the foundations of Prophet Ibraaheem (peace be upon him).” This position is corroborated by one report narrated in Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of ‘Aaishah concerning the rebuilding of the Ka’bah (on its original foundations), “I would have spent the treasure of the Ka’bah in the path of Allah.” Based on this, its expenditure [in the path of Allah] is permissible just as it was permissible for ‘Abdullah bin al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) rebuilding it upon the foundations of Prophet Ibraaheem (peace be upon him), since the cause of prohibition no longer exists. The Prophet’s statement, “in the path of Allah,” can mean to spend on the good cause for the welfare of the Muslims or the refurbishment of the Ka’bah itself.
From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning that we should imitate and empathise with the deeds of the Prophets and the righteous.
This hadeeth shows the following of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺand his footsteps in his deeds.
It also highlights that it is important to venerate the Ka’bah and all those things that are related to it..

1595

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I can envisage him as a bowlegged black person, dismantling it [the Ka’bah] brick by brick.”
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺwould foretell people about some events that will occur in the future and explains to them that trials and tribulations like the violation of the sanctities of sacred places will take place towards the end of time.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺtells us that among the events that will occur in the future is that the Ka’bah will be demolished at the hand of a bowlegged black person. This man will dismantle it brick by brick i.e., this is a description of the method of demolition to indicate that he will remove it completely while he has full power and authority to an extent that he will uproot its stones and will break it one after the other!
It is reported on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺsaid, “The Ka’bah will be ruined by a bowlegged man from the Abyssinians.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree]. Then, the Prophet ﷺmentions that the House will be visited for pilgrimage after the advent of Gog and Magog and that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will perform Hajj and ‘Umrah after that. From the collection of all that it became known that the attack on the Ka’bah and its demolition will occur after the appearance of Gog and Magog and after the time of Jesus (peace be upon him), and that will happen in the end of times closer to the establishment of the Last Hour. And Allah knows best.
This hadeeth does not contradict with the ayah: {Have We not establish for them a haven [in Makkah].} (Quran 28:57) because it means that it will continue to be a haven for people until the approach of the Hour and ruination of the world, at a time when there will be not even be one Muslim on the face of earth. It is said that the story of the man with two thin legs is an exception or that Allah has made it a safe sanctuary given how it is often the case, because there were incidents where the sanctuary of Makkah was violated like the case of Ibn al-Zubayr and the story of al-Qaraamitah and the likes. It was said that the meaning of making it a safe sanctuary is in fact the command to ensure it is so i.e., it is incumbent upon the Muslims to grant safety to people and not to show aggression to anyone therein.
This hadeeth shows that the Prophet ﷺforetold us about some of the unseen matters that will happen in the future, which is considered among the signs of his prophethood ﷺ..

1597

Narrated ‘Aabis bin Rabee’ah that ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Black Stone, he kissed it and then he stated. “Certainly, I am aware that you are just a stone, which does not harm or benefit. Had I not seen the Prophet (ﷺ) kissing you, then I would have not kissed you.”
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Commentary : The Black Stone is an object of reverence which Allah, Exalted be He, brought down from Paradise. The Prophet ﷺused to kiss it, hence, following his guidance we also kiss it, touch it, and point towards it, although, it is a stone that does not avert harm or bring forth benefit.
This hadeeth highlights the total submission of the Companions and the strength of their faith. The Taabi’ee. ‘Aabis bin Rabee’ah reports that ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab (ra) used to kiss the Black Stone, which is a rock set into the southeast corner of the Ka’bah, and it is embedded in a silver frame.
He (ra) did so because he saw the Prophet ﷺkissing it and had he not seen him doing so, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would not have kissed it, because he knew that it is just a rock that does not harm and benefit per se. The only benefit that one can obtain from kissing it is receiving reward through emulating the command of the Prophet ﷺand following the Sunnah of his kissing.That is because Allah has granted some stones virtues over the others, some pieces of lands over the others, and some nights and days over the others. The kissing of the Black Stone has been prescribed as a form of showing respect and veneration to its right and to observationally know who obeys the command and refrains from the prohibition. This is similar to the story of Satan when he was commanded to prostate to Adam (peace be upon him).
It was said: ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) only said that because they were very close in time to the idolatry, and he feared that the ignorant ones will think that touching the Black Stone is the same as what the Arabs used to do in the time of ignorance. He intended to teach them that it is only the exaltation of Allah and adherence to the command of the Prophet intended by the touching of the [Black] Stone and that it is part of the rites of Hajj.
From the benefits of this hadeeth: it contains a great rule about following the Prophet ﷺin all his actions, even if the wisdom therein remains unknown.
This hadeeth shows that it is permissible to kiss the Black Stone and it is prohibited to kiss any other stones and objects that we are not prescribed to kiss, and there is no mention of them in Islam.
It demonstrates the Sunnah through words and actions, and that it is compulsory on the ruler to hasten to clarify a matter and explain it when he fears about the corruption of someone’s creed due to a certain action..

1598

Narrated Saalim from his father: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered the House as well as Usaamah bin Zayd, Bilaal, and ‘Uthmaan bin Talhah (ra). They closed the doors on themselves. When they opened the door, I was the first one to enter. I met Bilaal and asked him, “Did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) pray inside it?” He replied, “Yes, between the two Yamaanee pillars.””.

Commentary : The Ka’bah is the ancient House of Allah that Muslims revere and respect. The Prophet ﷺprayed inside it during the year of the Conquest of Makkah.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ, Usaamah bin Zayd, Bilaal, and ‘Uthmaan bin Talhah (may Allah be pleased with them) entered the Ka’bah and closed the door on themselves from inside. When they opened it, Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) happened to be the first one to enter it. He asked Bilaal (may Allah be pleased with him), “Did the Prophet ﷺperform prayers inside?” He replied, “Yes, he prayed between the two Yamaanee pillars that face towards Yemen.”
It is reported in another hadeeth that, “He ﷺmade one pillar to be on his left and the other pillar to be on his right and three behind him. The House in that time used to stand on six pillars, then he ﷺperformed his prayers.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim]. The length between where he prayed and the Qiblah was three cubits, as it is mentioned in Sunan Aboo Daawood.
The scholars reconciliated between this hadeeth and the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (ra) in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree wherein the following is mentioned, “He entered the House and he pronounced takbeer in all its corners and he did not pray in it.” The confirmation of Bilaal takes precedence over the negation of others, because Ibn ‘Abbaas was not with the Prophet ﷺon that day. He attributed his negation to sometimes (narrating from) Usaamah and to sometimes to his brother al-Fadl. It is said that it is possible that the entrance [of the Prophet ﷺ] to the House happened twice, on one occasion he ﷺperformed prayers, while, on the other, he ﷺdid not pray.
From the benefits we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning that it is permissible to enter the Ka’bah and performing prayers therein.
This hadeeth shows the passion and keenness to acquire knowledge and asking about it, and that it is permitted to ask someone who is of lower status while someone of a higher status is present and to find him sufficient.
It highlights the virtue of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) due to his profound eagerness to follow the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ.
One can also learn from this hadeeth that a companion possessing great virtues would sometimes be absent from the Prophet ﷺduring some virtuous occasions, while someone of a lower rank than him would be present and would come to know what others had not learnt..

1599

Narrated Naafi’: Whenever Ibn ‘Umar (ra) entered the Ka’bah, he would proceed ahead keeping the door at his back on entering. He would walk until the distance between him and the wall in front of him would be three cubits. Then he would offer prayers at the place where the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)had performed prayers, as Bilaal informed him. There is nothing for anyone to offer prayers in any one the corners of the House which he wishes.
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Commentary : Ibn ‘Umar (ra) was known for his profound love and eagerness to follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, Naa’fi, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Umar, reports that whenever ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (ra) entered the Ka’bah, he would walk straight ahead and would leave the door behind his back and would proceed until the distance between him and the wall in front of him is of about three cubits, which would give him enough space to pray with ease. He would look for the exact place where the Prophet ﷺprayed, which he came to know about from Bilaal (ra). Then he explained that there is nothing wrong for anyone to perform prayers anywhere inside the Ka’bah if the door is closed. It appears that this statement is made by Naafi’, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Umar, whilst maintaining the possibility that it could be someone else’s statement.
It is reported in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim that the Prophet ﷺ “made one pillar to be on his left and the other pillar to be on his right and three behind him. The House in that time used to stand on six pillars, then he ﷺperformed his prayers.” The distance between him and the Qiblah was three cubits, as reported in Sunan Aboo Daawood.
The scholars reconciliated between this hadeeth and the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (ra) in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree wherein the following is mentioned, “He entered the House and he pronounced takbeer in all its corners and he did not pray in it.” The confirmation of Bilaal takes precedence over the negation of others, because Ibn ‘Abbaas was not with the Prophet ﷺon that day. He attributed his negation to sometimes (narrating from) Usaamah and to sometimes to his brother al-Fadl. It is said that it is possible that the entrance [of the Prophet ﷺ] to the House happened twice, on one occasion he ﷺperformed prayers, while, on the other, he ﷺdid not pray.
From the benefits to be concluded from this hadeeth is knowing that it is permissible to enter the Ka’bah and pray therein.
The hadeeth shows that whoever arrives first is more entitled to pray at the virtuous spot.
It also shows that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) learn and benefit from each other..

1600

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Abee Awfaa (ra): “The Messenger of Allah ﷺperformed ‘Umrah and did circumambulate round the Ka’bah and offered a two-units-prayer behind the Maqaam of Ibraaheem (the standing place of Ibraaheem) while some of his Companions covered him from people.” A person inquired from him, “Did the Messenger of Allah ﷺenter the Ka’bah? He replied, “No.”
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Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would eagerly observe all the acts of worship, dealings, and interactions of the Prophet ﷺ. As such, they ensured to closely observe how he performed the rites of Hajj and ‘Umrah so as to learn his Sunnah and thereafter to act upon it.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah bin Abee Awfaa (ra) reports that the Prophet ﷺperformed his first ‘Umrah, a.k.a. ‘Umrah al-Qadaa’ in the seventh year of Hijrah, before the Conquest of Makkah. In this ‘Umrah, he performed the Tawaaf round the Ka’bah, offered a two-units prayer behind the Maqaam of Ibraaheem whilst some of his Companions veiled him from the front so that no person can cross in front of him while praying. A man asked him, “Did the Messenger of Allah really enter the Ka’bah in this ‘Umrah?” Ibn Abee Awfaa replied, “In this ‘Umrah the Prophet ﷺdid not enter it.”
Entrance into the Ka’bah is not among the rites of Hajj and ‘Umrah, however, who enters it, then that is good for him, whereas, who does not enter it, then there is nothing to blame him for. It is reported in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim that the Prophet ﷺentered inside the Ka’bah when he conquered Makkah after removing all the idols and pictures which were placed inside and then he ﷺprayed inside of it. .

1361

Nāfi‘ ibn Jubayr reported: Marwān ibn al-Hakam addressed the people and made mention of Makkah and its inhabitants and inviolability. Still, he did not mention Madīnah and its inhabitants or inviolability. Thereupon, Rāfi‘ ibn Khadīj called him and said: "What is it that I hear you making mention of Makkah and its inhabitants and its inviolability, but you did not make mention of Madīnah and its inhabitants and its inviolability, while the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) declared what is between its two lava fields as inviolable?! And this is with us on Khawlāni parchment. If you wish, I can make you read it." He said: Marwān became silent and then said: "I heard part of that.".

Commentary : Allah Almighty has given Makkah and Madīnah greater status than other places and positions. Allah rendered Makkah a sanctuary for Abraham (Ibrāhīm) (peace be upon him) and made it a safe town. Likewise, He rendered Madīnah a sanctuary for the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
This Hadīth points out that Madīnah is sacred like Makkah. This version has a story. Marwān ibn al-Hakam - the then-governor of Madīnah - addressed the people and mentioned Makkah and its people and its inviolability but did not mention Madīnah and its people and its inviolability. Its inviolability means that everything becomes secure therein, even animals, which may not be hunted, and trees, which may not be cut down, and that no one may do anything in it that contradicts the religion of Allah or commit a crime, an act of injustice, or a sin for which a legal punishment is prescribed. So, it is forbidden to hunt in Madīnah as it is forbidden in the sanctuary of Makkah, but he who hunts in Madīnah faces no punishment, for it is not a place for the rituals, unlike Makkah.
So, Rāfi‘ ibn Khadīj (may Allah be pleased with him) called him and said: "What is it that I hear you making mention of Makkah and its inhabitants and sacredness, but you did not make mention of Madīnah and its inhabitants and its inviolability, while the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) declared what is between its two lava fields as inviolable?!" He meant that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) declared all of Madīnah inviolable. Madīnah lies between two lava fields, eastern and western. A lava field is a land covered with black stones as if it was burned. The eastern lava field is called "Harrat Wāqim", and it now contains Qubā' and the Wāqim fortress. The western lava field is "Harrat Wabarah", and it contains the mosque called the Mosque of the Two Qiblahs. Its borders from the south and north are between the two mountains' Ayr and Thawr. The Prophetic Sanctuary falls between Mount' Ayr from the south, 8.5km away from the Prophet's Mosque, and Mount Thawr from the north, 8km away from the Prophet's Mosque. An official committee in Saudi Arabia has demarcated the Madīnah sanctuary, and the Madīnah Regional Municipality has put architectural signs in the form of arches like those of the Prophet's Mosque, in many places demonstrating these borders.
Then, Rāfi‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "And this is with us" written "on Khawlāni parchment", which is skin attributed to Khawlān, a village in Yemen. Perhaps this skin is characterized by strength and durability suitable for keeping such things. Then, Rāfi‘ said to him: "If you wish, I can make you read it", i.e., if you want to verify this matter by reading the text by yourself, I will enable you to read it. Thereupon, Marwān kept silent and then acknowledged that, saying: "I heard part of that," i.e., the Hadīth in which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) declared Madīnah inviolable.
The Hadīth demonstrates the status of Madīnah.
It indicates that a knowledgeable person should alert others if they make a mistake or forget or overlook a Shar‘i ruling..

1363

Sa‘d reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I declare inviolable what is between the two lava plains of Madīnah, so its thorn trees must not be cut down and its game must not be killed." He also said: "Madīnah is best for them if they only knew. No one leaves it out of dislike for it except that Allah will replace him with someone better, and no one remains therein despite its hardships and distress except that I shall be an intercessor or a witness for him on the Day of Judgment." [Another narration reads]: And no one intends to harm the people of Madīnah except that Allah will cause him to melt in fire like the melting of lead or the dissolution of salt in water..

Commentary : Allah Almighty has granted Makkah and Madīnah a special position that excels other places and positions on account of the Islamic sacred sites found therein, like the Sacred House in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madīnah.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says: "I declare inviolable what is between the two lava plains of Madīnah," i.e., it is a safe sanctuary, so everything therein should be safe. "Two lava plains": Lava plain, i.e., lava field, which is an area of land with black rocks as if burnt with fire. Madīnah - may Allah increase its honor - is located between two lava fields on the east and the west. The eastern lava field (Harrat Wāqim) now has Qubā’ and Wāqim Fort, whereas the western lava field is Harrat Wabarah, which has a mosque called Masjid Al-Qiblatayn. Its borders from the south and north are between the two mountains ‘Ayr and Thawr. The Prophetic Sanctuary falls between Mount ‘Ayr from the south, which is 8.5 kilometers away from the Prophet's Mosque, and Mount Thawr from the north, which is 8 kilometers away from the Prophet's Mosque. An official committee in Saudi Arabia has demarcated the Madīnah sanctuary, and the Madīnah Regional Municipality has put architectural signs in the form of arches, like those of the Prophet's Mosque, in many places demonstrating these borders.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) then clarified what is prohibited within these borders, as it is prohibited to cut down thorn trees, i.e., all trees having thorns, and it is prohibited to hunt animals and birds therein, as they are protected within these borders.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) then informed us of some of the merits of Madīnah, saying: "Madīnah is best for them if they only knew," referring to people who would leave Madīnah, i.e., Madīnah is best for those leaving it from such countries for whose sake they are leaving it. Then, he clarified that anyone who leaves and abandons it from among its dwellers out of dislike for it, i.e., out of aversion or unwillingness to get a reward for living there, Allah will replace him with someone better in Madīnah, whether a child born there or someone moving from another city and settling therein.
Then he added that anyone who remains steadfast, patiently enduring its hardships, i.e., straitened circumstances and hunger, "and distress", i.e., its difficulties, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) will be an intercessor or a witness for him on the Day of Judgment. The meaning of this may be: the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) will be a witness for some of the people of Madīnah and an intercessor for the rest of them; or he will be an intercessor for the sinners and a witness for the obedient ones; or a witness for those who die during his lifetime and an intercessor for those who die after him; or maybe "or" here is used in the sense of "and", i.e., he will be an intercessor and a witness for them. This is an exclusive merit in addition to the intercession for the sinners or for the worlds on the Day of Judgment and in addition to his testimony to the entire Ummah.
In another narration, he said: "And no one intends to harm the people of Madīnah except that Allah will cause him to melt in fire like the melting of lead or the dissolution of salt in water," i.e., this will happen to him in the Hereafter. This could also mean: Whoever has ill will towards it during the Prophet's lifetime, or in this worldly life, Muslims will be spared of his harm and his plot will fade away just as the lead fades away in fire. Thus, Allah will not grant him a respite and will not grant him authority; rather, He will soon eliminate him.
The Hadīth stresses the importance of Madīnah and its great inviolability.
It also points out how Allah Almighty hastens to inflict His severe punishment on whoever intends to harm Madīnah and its people..

1364

‘Āmir ibn Saad reported: Saad rode to his castle in Al-‘Aqīq and found a slave cutting down the trees or beating them. So, he took all his belongings. When Saad returned, the people of the slave came to him and talked to him about giving back to their slave or to them what he had taken from their slave. Thereupon, he said: "Allah forbid that I should give back anything which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) has given me as a spoil!" He refused to return anything to them..

Commentary : Allah Almighty has given Makkah and Madīnah greater status than other places and positions. Allah rendered Makkah a sanctuary for Abraham (peace be upon him) and made it a safe town. Likewise, He rendered Madīnah a sanctuary for the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i ‘Āmir ibn Saad ibn Abi Waqqās informs that Saad ibn Abi Waqqās (may Allah be pleased with him) rode to his castle in Al-‘Aqīq, a place as close to Madīnah as Al-Baqī 'is close to it, situated nearly 20km away from the Prophet's Mosque. Al-‘Aqīq means: what was ripped by the flood a long time ago. He found a slave cutting trees from the sanctuary of Madīnah or beating them. In other words, he was beating the tree leaves or throwing stones at them. So, Saad (may Allah be pleased with him) took all his belongings, i.e., he took the clothes he was wearing and other things which would be taken from a killed person among the disbelievers, which include his horse, weapon, money, etc. The people of the slave came and asked him to return to their slave or to them what he had taken from their slave. He declined that, citing the Prophet's instruction regarding anyone who does so within the sanctuary of Madīnah. He said: Allah forbid that I should give back anything which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) has given me as a spoil, i.e., booty with his permission to anyone who sees someone hunting or cutting trees that he may take his belongings. So, he refused to return what he had taken from them. This is all intended to show extreme rejection and deterrence, and it is also because he considered this act worthy of criticism and firm response so that this issue could spread among the people so that they would refrain from hunting and cutting trees in Madīnah..

1373

Abu Hurayrah reported: When the people saw the first fruits, they would bring them to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) received them, he would say: "O Allah, bless for us our fruits, bless for us our Madīnah, bless for us our Sā‘, and bless for us our Mudd. O Allah, indeed Abraham is Your slave, friend, and Prophet, and indeed I am Your slave and Prophet; and he supplicated You regarding Makkah, and I supplicate You regarding Madīnah with the same supplication he made to You for Makkah and the like of it along with it." He said: Then, he would call the youngest child and give these fruits to him..

Commentary : Allah Almighty has endowed some places in the world with particular blessings which He has not given to other places. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to supplicate Allah to bless Madīnah and its people and fruits and to fill it with goodness and blessing, as Abraham, the friend of Allah (peace be upon him), supplicated for Makkah.
In this Hadīth, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that when the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) "saw the first fruits", which is the first produce and the first fruits to become ripe in their farms, they would bring them to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as a gift to him, or they would do that out of a desire for the Prophet's supplication and to notify him of the fruits becoming ripe and the Zakah related to them. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) received them, he would supplicate for them, saying: "O Allah, bless for us our fruits" with growth, increase, and continuity. Then, he would supplicate for Madīnah, saying: "bless for us our Madīnah", i.e., in its essence in terms of its opulence and the opulence of its people and so on. Blessing is intended to refer to blessing in this world and the Hereafter. Then, he supplicated with regard to the Sā‘ and Mudd of Madīnah, saying: "bless for us our Sā ', and bless for us our Mudd", i.e., bless for us what is measured in our Sā 'and bless for us what is measured in our Mudd, making what is in it more sufficient than what lies elsewhere. The Sā‘ of Madīnah is a measure that consists of four Mudds, and a Mudd equals one pound and a third among the people of Hejaz and two pounds elsewhere.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) supplicated for Madīnah as Abraham (peace be upon him) supplicated for Makkah; he said: "O Allah, indeed Abraham is Your slave, friend, and Prophet, and indeed I am Your slave and Prophet; and he supplicated You regarding Makkah" by saying: {So make the people’s hearts incline towards them, and provide for them fruits, so that they may be grateful.} [Surat Ibrāhīm: 37] Meaning, provide the people of Makkah with fruits by bringing them from other lands so that they may show gratitude for this blessing. Certainly, Allah answered his supplication and made it a safe sanctuary to which all different fruits are brought.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "And I supplicate You regarding Madīnah with the same supplication he made to You for Makkah and the like of it along with it," i.e., with the double of what Abraham (peace be upon him) supplicated for. Thus, Madīnah should have double the blessing in the fruits.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would give these fruits he received to the youngest child present, and he probably gave them to children in particular because they have a greater desire, want, and longing for them.
The Hadīth demonstrates the Prophet's noble manners, great compassion and mercy, and gentle attitude toward the old and young.
It shows the Prophet's love for Madīnah..

1374

Abu Sa‘īd, the freed slave of Al-Mahri, reported: they suffered distress and hardship in Madīnah, and he came to Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri and said to him: "I have a lot of dependents, and we are enduring hardship. I have, therefore, made up my mind to take my dependents to some rural land." Abu Sa‘īd said: "Do not do that; stick to Madīnah, for indeed we came out with the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) - I think he said:- until we reached 'Usfān, and he stayed there for some nights. The people said: 'By Allah, we are here for nothing, whereas our children are unprotected, and we do not feel secure about them.' This was conveyed to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and he said: 'What is this that was conveyed to me from your speech?! - I do not know what he said: By the One by Whom I swear, or by the One in Whose Hand my soul is - I made up my mind, or if you will - I do not know which of that he said - that I should command my she-camel be prepared for proceeding and I will not untie any of its knots until I come to Madīnah.' Then, he said: 'O Allah, indeed Abraham declared Makkah as sacred and rendered it a sanctuary, and I declare Madīnah as sacred and a sanctuary between its two mountains. Thus, no blood is to be shed on it, no weapon is to be carried therein for fighting, and the leaves of trees are not to be beaten off except for fodder. O Allah, bless us in our city; O Allah, bless us in our Sā '; O Allah, bless us in our Mudd; O Allah, bless us in our Sā '; O Allah, bless us in our Mudd; O Allah, bless us in our city; O Allah, give with the blessing two more blessings. By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, there is no ravine or mountain path in Madīnah which two angels do not guard until you reach there.' Then, he said to the people: 'Proceed,' We proceeded and came to Madīnah. By the One in Whose name we take oath - or in Whose name oath is taken - we had hardly put down our camel saddles upon entering Madīnah that we were attacked by Banu ‘Abdullāh ibn Ghatafān, and nothing prevented them from doing it before that.".

Commentary : Allah Almighty endowed some places of the world with particular blessings that He did not give to other places, and He made some places locations for evils and trials and some others locations for goodness and blessings. The Prophet's Madīnah has been endowed with abundant goodness and blessing.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Abu Sa‘īd, the freed slave of Al-Mahri, who was living in Madīnah, relates that they suffered distress and hardship due to poverty and lack of provisions, he complained to Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) about his condition and that he had "a lot of dependents," i.e., the members of one's household and those he supports; and he wants to leave Madīnah and go to some rural land where there are plants and fertility. In response, Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) enjoined him to stick to Madīnah and not leave it. Clarifying the reason behind that, he mentioned that they went out of Makkah along with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) until they reached 'Usfān, a village lying 80km to the northwest of Makkah. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stayed in it for nights and days. The people said: "We are here for nothing," i.e., business or work, or anything related to war. "whereas our children are unprotected," i.e., without men or any means of protection. We left them behind, and "we do not feel secure about them"; rather, we fear for them that the enemy may attack them while we are away. These words reached the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and he asked them: "What is this that was conveyed to me from your speech" regarding your dependents and families?! Then Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I do not know what he said"; Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) was doubtful about the oath taken by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), whether he said: "By the One by Whom I swear, or by the One in Whose Hand my soul is"; the latter is the form the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would mostly use for swearing. Also, Abu Sa‘īd was in doubt about whether the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I made up my mind, or if you will", meaning he resolved and intended to do something, but he did not actually do it, or he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) left the matter to them; and that is: to command his she-camel be saddled and prepared for riding and travel and he would ride it and proceed and not untie any of the knots of the luggage loaded on it till he reaches Madīnah. This indicates that they alighted in 'Usfān for rest and to let their animals rest. Had it not been for that, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would have hastened to Madīnah nonstop, which shows the Prophet's intense love for Madīnah.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Allah, indeed Abraham declared Makkah as sacred and rendered it a sanctuary", i.e., he proclaimed its sacredness and informed people that it is a sanctuary because Allah made it sacred. "And I declare Madīnah as sacred"; the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) rendered it "a sanctuary between its two mountains." In another version by Muslim: "I declare what is between the two lava fields of Madīnah as sacred." A lava field is called Al-Harrah. Madīnah lies between two lava fields, eastern and western. A lava field is a land covered with black stones as if it was burned. Madīnah is bordered by Mount Thawr, behind' Uhud, from the north and Mount Ayr from the south. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) meant that he declared all of Madīnah as sacred. An official committee in Saudi Arabia has demarcated the Madīnah sanctuary, and the Madīnah Regional Municipality has put architectural signs in the form of arches like those of the Prophet's Mosque, in many places demonstrating these borders.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed out that his declaration of Madīnah as sacred means: "that no blood is to be shed in it", i.e., nobody is to be unjustly killed therein. The unjust shedding of blood is forbidden everywhere, but shedding it in Makkah and Madīnah is more severely forbidden. "no weapon is to be carried for fighting" except for self-defense and the like. And no tree should be cut off except for fodder. Fodder is a name for grass, hay, barley, and the like, and it is intended to refer to the food of animals.
Then the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) supplicated for them to have the blessing in their foods. He said: "O Allah, bless us in our city; O Allah, bless us in our Sā '; O Allah, bless us in our Mudd", i.e., bless the food measured by the two of them. Also, the supplication probably means that blessing should lie in the very measure, and thus, a Mudd in it be sufficient in a way not found elsewhere. The Sā‘ of Madīnah is a measure that consists of four Mudds, and a Mudd equals one pound and a third according to the people of Hejaz and two pounds elsewhere. Then the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) repeated his supplication: "O Allah, bless us in our Sā '; O Allah, bless us in our Mudd; O Allah, bless us in our city." And he added: "O Allah, give with the blessing two more blessings", supplicating Allah, the Exalted and Glorified, to increase and multiply the blessings and favors for the people of Madīnah. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) swore by Allah in Whose Hand lies the soul of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and all humankind: "There is no ravine or mountain path in Madīnah which is not guarded by two angels", i.e., they protect it by the command of Allah Almighty until the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and those with him returned to Madīnah. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined his Companions to prepare for travel. So, they got prepared and proceeded toward Madīnah.
Then Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) swore by Allah Almighty - by Whom every Muslim swears - that once they unloaded their luggage from their animals as they entered Madīnah, Banu' Abdullāh ibn Ghatafān raided Madīnah, those are people who used to be called Banu' Abd al-‘Uzza during Jāhiliyyah. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) called them Banu' Abdullāh, and then the Arabs called them Banu Muhawwalah due to Tahwīl (the change) of their name. The meaning: In their absence, Madīnah was guarded, as informed by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). No apparent cause prevented those people from raiding Madīnah before the return of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions, except that Allah Almighty and His angels guarded it.
There is no contradiction in this Hadīth between the Prophet's supplication for Madīnah to be blessed and the fact that some of its people endured hardship, as there is no conflict between the existence of hardship in it and the existence of blessing and no harm done if it is lacking with regard to some people. It is said: What appears to be more correct is that the blessing in it lies in the obtainment of sustenance, and the Mudd in it is sufficient for such an amount that needs three Mudds elsewhere. So, the hardship can be endured in getting the Mudd, and the blessing is represented by multiplying the sustenance therein.
The Hadīth mentions that Allah blessed the people of Madīnah with their fruits and foods and placed blessings in their measures.
It demonstrates the Prophet's intense love for Madīnah and how he would yearn for it whenever he went out until he returned.
It points out the merit of Madīnah and that it was guarded during the Prophet's lifetime and numerous guards were stationed in all ravines, by way of increasing the honor of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)..

1375

Sahl ibn Hunayf reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed with his hand to Madīnah and said: "It is a safe sanctuary.".

Commentary : Allah Almighty endowed some places of the world with particular blessings that He did not give to other places, and He made some places' locations for evils and trials and others' locations for goodness and blessings. The Prophet's Madīnah has been endowed with abundant goodness and blessing.
In this Hadīth, the noble Companion Sahl ibn Hunayf (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed with his hand to Madīnah and then said: "It is a safe sanctuary." So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) declared it - as in another version by Muslim -: "inviolable throughout the area between its two mountain paths, that no blood should be shed in it, no weapon should be carried in it for fighting, and no leaves should be beaten off trees except for fodder." Fodder is a name for grass, hay, barley, etc. In another version in the Sahīh Muslim Collection: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I declare inviolable the area between the two lava fields of Madīnah, that its large thorn trees should not be cut down or its game be killed." The meaning: It is forbidden to cut down its trees or kill its game. Its sanctuary lies between its two lava fields, the eastern and the western. A lava field is a land covered with black stones as if it was burned. Madīnah is bordered by Mount Thawr to the north, behind ’Uhud, and by Mount ‘Ayr to the south..

1377

Yuhannas, the freed slave of Az-Zubayr, reported that while sitting with 'Abdullāh ibn Umar at the time of the trial, one of his freed female slaves came and greeted him. She said: "I want to leave, O 'Abu' Abdur-Rahmān. The time has become harsh for us." Thereupon, 'Abdullāh said to her: "Stay, O you Lakā ', for indeed I have heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: 'No one patiently endures its hunger and hardship except that I will be a witness or intercessor for him on the Day of Judgment.'".

Commentary : Allah, the Exalted and Glorified, endowed some places of the earth with particular blessings that He did not give to other places, and He made some of them locations for evils and trials and others for goodness and blessings. The Prophet's Madīnah has been endowed with abundant goodness, blessing, and merit.
In this Hadīth, Yuhannas, the freed slave of Az-Zubayr - or the freed slave of Mus‘ab ibn az-Zubayr - relates that while he was sitting in the company of ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him), "one of his freed female slaves came and greeted him", a greeting of farewell, as she wanted to leave Madīnah. This was at a time in which some tribulations occurred among the Muslims, involving fighting and the like. He was apparently referring to the trial of Al-Harrah, which took place during the reign of Yazīd ibn Mu‘āwiyah. She said: "I want to leave" Madīnah, "O ‘Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmān", the surname of ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). And she said: "The time has become harsh for us." This demonstrates the reason behind her desire to depart from Madīnah. She meant that famine had become severe at this time because of the trial. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) disapproved of that and urged her to stay in Madīnah, given the merit of doing so. He said: "Stay, O you Lakā '". The word 'Lakā" is used to refer to a vile person, a slave, a fool who does not benefit from the speech of others, or a child. Ibn' Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) addressed her by this word in a friendly manner and to express disapproval of her desire to depart from Madīnah, for one should not leave it due to difficulty and hardship.
Then, he clarified to her why he enjoined her to stay in Madīnah, and this is because he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "No one patiently endures its hunger and hardship except that I will be a witness or intercessor for him on the Day of Judgment." The intended meaning is that he will be a witness for some of the people of Madīnah and an intercessor for the rest of them; or an intercessor for the disobedient and a witness for the obedient; or a witness for those who die during his lifetime and an intercessor for those who die after him; or the word 'or' here means 'and', in which case the meaning will be that he will be an intercessor and witness for him. This is an additional characteristic besides the intercession for sinners or humankind on the Day of Judgment and besides his testimony over the entire Ummah.
The Hadīth urges dwelling in Madīnah.
It points out the merit of patiently enduring hardship and hunger in Madīnah.
It demonstrates the Prophet's favor upon the people of Madīnah..

1380

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The Anti-Christ (Al-Masīh ad-Dajjāl) will come from the east with the intention to attack Madīnah until he will alight behind' Uhud, and then the angels will dissuade his face toward the Levant, and there he will be destroyed.".

Commentary : The Prophet's Madīnah possesses great merits, and Allah Almighty has protected it from evils and ills and the Anti-Christ, preventing him from entering it, as He also protects Makkah from him by virtue of the Prophet's supplication for it.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that the Anti-Christ will be keen on going to the Prophet's Madīnah, and his primary goal and intention behind entering it will be to destroy and ruin it. "he will alight behind' Uhud", i.e., he will reach the area behind Mount' Uhud, the well-known mountain lying on the outskirts of Madīnah from the north and situated 4 or 5km away from the Prophet's Mosque. In his story in which he met the Anti-Christ, Tamīm ad-Dāri narrated that he said to him: "and I will travel in the land and not leave any town except that I will stay in it for forty nights, except for Makkah and Taybah (Madīnah), as both of them are forbidden for me. Each time I try to enter one of them, an angel with a sword in his hand unsheathed will confront me and bar my way, and there are angels to guard every passage leading to it." [Narrated by Muslim] But, the angels who guard Madīnah will direct him toward the Levant, which nowadays includes Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon. The Anti-Christ will come to the Levant, and there he will be destroyed, as Jesus the son of Mary (‘Īsa the son of Mariyam) (peace be upon both of them) will descend at the white minaret in eastern Damascus, placing his hands on the wings of two angels. Then, he will pursue him and find him at the gate of Ludd, where the Messiah, the son of Mary, will kill him. as related in another Hadīth narrated by Muslim and others.
The Anti-Christ was called Masīh because one of his eyes is Mamsūh (effaced); he is one-eyed. He is a person from the children of Adam, and his emergence is one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment. Allah will afflict His servants through him and enable him to do things of which only Allah Almighty is capable: bringing the dead person he will kill back to life, the emergence of worldly flourishment and abundance along with him, his paradise and fire, his two rivers, the treasures of earth going after him, and his command to the sky to rain and it will rain and to the earth to produce plants and it will produce plants. All this will happen by the will and power of Allah Almighty. He will come on this day from the east. In a Hadīth narrated by At-Tirmidhi, Abu Bakr as-Siddīq (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The Ant-Christ will emerge from a land in the east called Khurāsān," which is located in the east of Iraq..

1381

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A time will come for the people when a man will invite his cousin and relative: 'Come to prosperity, come to prosperity.' But Madīnah is better for them if they only knew. By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, none amongst them will go out with a dislike for it except that Allah will make someone better succeed him therein. Indeed, Madīnah is like a bellows, which expels the impurities. The Last Hour will not come until Madīnah banishes its evils just as a bellows eliminates the impurities of iron.".

Commentary : The Prophet's Madīnah is a blessed spot on earth. Allah rid it of impurities and chose it to be the place of Hijrah for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), the incubator of his mission and the foundation of his state.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that a time will come for the people when a man will call his cousin and relative, saying: "Come to prosperity", i.e., leave Madīnah and hasten to prosperity. By this, he meant that countries would be conquered by the Muslims, and thus, there would be abundant fortunes. Consequently, many of those who left the Hejaz and the Arab land would be inclined to the fortunes they found in these conquered countries and would take them as a homeland and invite their relatives in Madīnah to come to them, given the difficult living there. But in reality, staying in Madīnah is better for them as it is the sanctuary of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his refuge and the place where divine revelation and blessings descended if they only knew the religious benefits and results of staying in it, compared to which the worldly transient and fleeting fortunes they find in living elsewhere would seem trivial. Or the meaning: If they only had any knowledge, i.e., Would that they were among the people of knowledge - by way of emphasis and rebuke.
Then the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) took an oath, saying: "By the One in Whose Hand my soul is", and this is swearing by Allah, Who possesses the life and soul, "none amongst them will go out" i.e., none of those who live in it will abandon and leave it, disliking and being disinterested in it, or disinterested the reward for dwelling in it, except that Allah, the Glorified and Exalted, will make a better person than him will succeed him - who will be born in Madīnah or move to it from another place. Then the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned that it banishes evil people from it, and they do not bear to live therein. Only the righteous believers bear to stay in it. Indeed, it does not leave in it anyone in whose heart there is wickedness and corruption. Rather, it distinguishes him from people with sincere hearts and drives him out, as fire separates bad iron from good one. A bellows is the leather by which the blacksmith blows into the fire. The Hour will not occur until Madīnah banishes its evils just as a bellows eliminates the impurities of iron. The impurities of iron are the dirt and filth extricated therefrom by fire. It is said: It is meant to refer here to some of the hypocrites who lived during the lifetime of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Otherwise, many righteous and virtuous people left Madīnah after the Prophet's lifetime, and some wicked and evil people remained therein. It is also said That Madīnah banishes its evils, which probably applies to the time of the Dajjāl and may also apply to different eras.
The Hadīth demonstrates some merits of Madīnah.
It includes one of the signs proving the Prophet's prophethood..

1385

Jābir ibn Samurah reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Indeed, Allah Almighty named Madīnah Tābah.".

Commentary : The Prophet's Madīnah is a blessed spot on earth. Allah has purified it from filth and has chosen it to be the Prophet's destination of Hijrah (immigration), the incubator of his call, and the basis of his state.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that one of the names by which Allah Almighty called Madīnah is 'Tābah'. The meaning is that Allah Almighty named it in the Preserved Tablet or commanded His Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to name it as such in response to the hypocrites concerning its name as Yathrib. Tābah is derived from At-Tīb, which means good scent, or from something Tayyib (good) or something Tāhir (pure), for it has been purified from Shirk (polytheism). It is said: Because it is Tayyibah (good) for those who dwell in it. And it is said: Because living in it is Tayyib (good). It is also said: Because its soil and air are Tayyib. He who stays in it finds a good scent in its soil and walls that can hardly be found elsewhere.
Madīnah used to be called Yathrib before the Prophet's Hijrah to it. In the Two Sahīh Collections, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I have been commanded to go to a town which will devour all towns. People call it Yathrib, but it is Madīnah." He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) seemed to have disliked the name Yathrib, for it comes from "Tathrīb", which means censure and punishment, or from "Tharb", which means corruption, and because it was the name used in Jāhiliyyah. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to change bad names. Also, Allah Almighty calls it Madīnah in several Qur'anic verses. When something has numerous names, this denotes its greatness.
As for calling it "Yathrib" in the Qur'anic verse that reads: {And [remember] when a group of them said: "O people of Yathrib, you cannot withstand [the enemy attack], so go back"} [Surat al-Ahzāb: 13], this is taken as a quotation of the words of the hypocrites whose hearts had sickness..

1386

Abu Hurayrah reported that Abu al-Qāsim (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever intends to do harm to the people of this city - meaning Madīnah - Allah will make him dissolve just as salt dissolves in water.".

Commentary : Prophetic Madīnah is a blessed spot on earth. Allah has purified it from filth and has chosen it to be the Prophet's destination in his Hijrah (emigration), the incubator of his call, and the basis of his state.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says that Allah Almighty defends Madīnah and its righteous believing dwellers. So, whoever intends to do harm to the people of Madīnah and is determined to hurt them, Allah will make him dissolve as salt dissolves in water, and this will be in the Hereafter as mentioned in Sahīh Muslim: "No one intends evil for the people of Madīnah except that Allah will make him melt in fire like the melting of lead;" so He made the punishment in Hellfire. This could also mean: Whoever has ill will towards it during the Prophet's lifetime, Muslims will be spared his harm, and his plot will fade away just as salt fades away in water. This could also be in reference to whoever has an ill will towards it generally in this life, so Allah will not grant him a respite and will not grant him authority; rather, He will soon eliminate him..

1398

Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān reported: ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Abi Sa‘īd al-Khudri passed by me, and I said to him: What did you hear your father say about the mosque that was founded on piety? He said: I heard my father say: I entered upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in the house of one of his wives and I said: O Messenger of Allah, which of the two mosques is the one founded on piety? He said: He took a handful of pebbles and threw them on the ground and then said: It is this very mosque of yours, i.e., the Madīnah Mosque. I said: I bear witness that this is how I heard your father make mention of it..

Commentary : Piety means fearing Allah and being heedful of Him in all deeds, and abiding by His commands, prohibitions, and rulings in all aspects of life. The Muslim must adopt piety and must seek to attain it. Allah Almighty commended piety and the pious people in the Qur’an.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn ‘Awf reports that ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Abi Sa‘īd al-Khudri passed by him, so he asked him: What did you hear your father, Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) say in relation to what is meant by the mosque that was founded on piety, which Allah Almighty described in His statement: {A mosque that was founded on piety from the first day}? [Surat at-Tawbah: 108] That is to say, it was founded and built on fearing Allah and obeying Him from the very beginning.
He told him that Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) entered upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) when he was in the house of one of his wives and asked him: "Which of the two mosques is the one founded on piety?" The "two mosques" refer to Qubā’ Mosque and the Madīnah Mosque, which was built by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) took a handful of small pebbles from the ground and threw them on the ground, then he answered the question of Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) saying: "It is this very mosque of yours," i.e., the Madīnah Mosque. This is meant as a form of exaggeration in clarifying that it is the Madīnah Mosque.
Thereupon, Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān said to ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Abi Sa‘īd: "I bear witness that this is how I heard your father," i.e., Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), "make mention of it," i.e., he had mentioned to me the like of what you mentioned to me about it.
The Hadīth clarifies the merit of the Prophet's Mosque and the fact that it was founded on piety..

1403

Jābir reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) saw a woman, so he came to his wife Zaynab, while she was tanning a Manī’ah (piece of leather), and satisfied his need. Then, he came out to his Companions and said: "The woman advances in the shape of a devil and retires in the shape of a devil. So, when any of you sees a woman, he should come to his wife, for that will repel what he feels in his heart." [In another version]: He did not mention: "retires in the shape of a devil.".

Commentary : Islam has protected women from all evil, and the Shariah has commanded women to avoid Tabarruj (impermissible exposure of adornment), so as not to arouse desires and become a cause of tempting others.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reports that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) saw a woman, as if he saw her all of a sudden. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went to his wife, Zaynab bint Jahsh, to satisfy his human lust and maintain his chastity. Zaynab (may Allah be pleased with her) was tanning a piece of leather, i.e., rubbing it. "Manī’ah": it is the leather once put in tannin. He did this only to clarify to people and guide them to what they should do, as he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) taught them with his acts and words. As for what he felt in his heart, he is not to be blamed for it, and it does not negatively affect his status. It is a requirement of human nature and lust. It must not be thought that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did this out of a whim or for being overcome by lust, far be it from him. Rather, he did this by way of legislation and to set an example and to ward off what is expected to happen.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The woman advances in the shape of a devil and retires in the shape of a devil" referring to personal desires and inviting others to be tempted by her, given the natural inclination for women that Allah Almighty has instilled in men and the pleasure they get by looking at women and at whatever is related to them. The woman is, thus like the devil who calls to evil through his whispering and through making evil appealing to them. This is because her advance calls men to look stealthily at her just like the devil that calls to evil and whispering. The same applies to her turning back because the gaze is the heart's guide, so when she turns back, she attracts a man's gaze and he tries to take backdoors to reach her, as seeing her from all directions is a cause of corruption.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "So, when any of you sees a woman," i.e., likes and admires her, because seeing something that arouses one's amazement, leads to admiring it. Another version by Muslim reads: "When any of you admires a woman and his heart is captivated by her, he should go to his wife and have sexual intercourse with her." Here he said: "He should come to his wife," i.e., and have sexual intercourse with her. "For that will repel what he feels in his heart," i.e., his sexual intercourse with his wife will repel what he feels in his heart and will satiate his lust and calm him down.
The Hadīth indicates that there is nothing wrong with one asking his wife for sexual intercourse during daytime or at any other time, even if she is preoccupied with something that could be postponed because a man might be overcome by lust and the delay might cause him harm in his body, or in his heart and sight.
It also denotes how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) taught his Companions the way of ridding the devil's whispers by going for what is lawful instead of what is unlawful..

1405

Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) allowed the Mut‘ah marriage (temporary marriage) for three days in the year of Awtās, then he forbade it..

Commentary : Islam has established the legal marriage system to protect the progeny and people's honor. It has forbidden all means of enjoying women that were widespread in the pre-Islamic era of ignorance, which do not protect women's rights.
In this Hadīth, Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) permitted and allowed his Companions to enter into Mut‘ah marriage for three days and that was when it became so hard for them to stay unmarried in the Battle of Awtās, which took place in the same year after the Conquest of Makkah, i.e., 8 AH. The Mut‘ah marriage is a fixed-term marriage, with the word "tamattu‘" (enjoyment) verbally stated, in return for an amount of money. Awtās is a valley in Tā’if where the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) distributed the spoils of Hunayn and Awtās. Then, he forbade the Mut‘ah marriage after those three days and made it permanently forbidden until the Day of Judgment.
The Mut‘ah marriage was known during the early stages of Islam and the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not forbid them from it during their travels, given their need for it. However, he forbade them from it during their stay and residence in their countries. The ruling of the Mut‘ah marriage passed through various phases, as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade them from it more than once, then he ordered them to engage in it at various times until he made it permanently forbidden. Forbidding the Mut‘ah marriage was reported in many narrations, which point out that the prohibition was in the Conquest of Makkah, which is the most famous opinion, or in the Battle of Awtās, or in the Battle of Khaybar, or during the Prophet's last days in the Farewell Hajj. It was a permanent prohibition and not a temporary one, thus leaving no room for any difference of opinion among the jurists and the leading scholars of the Ummah. Only some of the Shiites hold a different opinion whose opinion does not count..

1405

‘Atā’ reported: Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh came for ‘Umrah. We came to his abode, and the people asked him about certain matters, and then they mentioned Mut'ah. Thereupon, he said: "Yes, we engaged in Mut'ah during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Bakr and 'Umar.".

Commentary : Islam has established the Shar‘i marriage system to protect progeny and honor. It has forbidden all means of enjoying women that were widespread in Jāhiliyyah (the pre-Islamic era of ignorance), which do not protect their rights.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i ‘Atā’ ibn Abi Rabāh informs that Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) came to Makkah to perform ‘Umrah, and some of the Tābi‘is came to him in his dwelling and began to ask him about religious matters and seek his Fatwas on them. This was the attitude of the Tābi‘is; they were keen on receiving knowledge from the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Then, they asked him about Mut‘ah marriage, in which a man enjoys a woman in return for compensation agreed upon by them and for a specified period, and the marriage ends with the elapse of this period. In response, Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Yes, we engaged in Mut‘ah during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Bakr and ‘Umar," i.e., during the reign of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and during the reign of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). In another version by Muslim: "We used to engage in Mut'ah in return for a handful of dates and flour during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Bakr, until 'Umar forbade it in the case of 'Amr ibn Hurayth." 'Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) married a woman by Mut'ah marriage during the reign of 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), and she got pregnant from him. The statement of Jābir and the action of 'Amr (may Allah be pleased with both of them) are taken to indicate that the Prophet's prohibition of such marriage did not reach them.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) permitted the Mut'ah marriage in the beginning and then forbade it later during the battle of Khyber until the Day of Judgment, and he declared it unlawful during the Farewell Hajj, as narrated by Al-Bukhāri, Muslim, and others. In a Hadīth in the Two Sahīh Collections, ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade the Mut‘ah marriage of women as well as eating the flesh of domestic donkeys. In the Sahīh Muslim Collection: Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) allowed the Mut‘ah marriage for three days in the year of Awtās, and then he forbade it..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas ra: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said on the day of the conquest of Makkah, “Verily, Allah made this city sacred; its thorns will not to be cut, its game will not be repulsed, and the things dropped will be picked up only by one who makes a public announcement of it.”.

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah’s Messenger ﷺstated when he came to Makkah, “Our encampment tomorrow, Allah-willing, will be at Khayf Banee Kinaanah where they (the pagans) took an oath between themselves on disbelief.””
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Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The Ka’bah will be demolished by a man with thin legs from Abyssinia.”.

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I can envisage him as a bowlegged black person, dismantling it [the Ka’bah] brick by brick.”
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Sahl ibn Hunayf reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed with his hand to Madīnah and said: "It is a safe sanctuary.".

Jābir ibn Samurah reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Indeed, Allah Almighty named Madīnah Tābah.".

Abu Hurayrah reported that Abu al-Qāsim (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever intends to do harm to the people of this city - meaning Madīnah - Allah will make him dissolve just as salt dissolves in water.".

Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) allowed the Mut‘ah marriage (temporary marriage) for three days in the year of Awtās, then he forbade it..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas ra: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said on the day of the conquest of Makkah, “Verily, Allah made this city sacred; its thorns will not to be cut, its game will not be repulsed, and the things dropped will be picked up only by one who makes a public announcement of it.”.

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah’s Messenger ﷺstated when he came to Makkah, “Our encampment tomorrow, Allah-willing, will be at Khayf Banee Kinaanah where they (the pagans) took an oath between themselves on disbelief.”” .

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The Ka’bah will be demolished by a man with thin legs from Abyssinia.”.

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I can envisage him as a bowlegged black person, dismantling it [the Ka’bah] brick by brick.” .

Sahl ibn Hunayf reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed with his hand to Madīnah and said: "It is a safe sanctuary.".

Jābir ibn Samurah reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Indeed, Allah Almighty named Madīnah Tābah.".

Abu Hurayrah reported that Abu al-Qāsim (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever intends to do harm to the people of this city - meaning Madīnah - Allah will make him dissolve just as salt dissolves in water.".

Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) allowed the Mut‘ah marriage (temporary marriage) for three days in the year of Awtās, then he forbade it..

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah’s Messenger ﷺstated when he came to Makkah, “Our encampment tomorrow, Allah-willing, will be at Khayf Banee Kinaanah where they (the pagans) took an oath between themselves on disbelief.””
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Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I can envisage him as a bowlegged black person, dismantling it [the Ka’bah] brick by brick.”
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