Anas ibn Seereen reported: “We set out to receive Anas ibn Maalik when he returned from Shaam at a place known as 'Ayn-al-Tamr. I saw him praying on the back of his donkey with his face turned in that direction. (Hammam one of the narrators) pointed towards the left of Qiblah, so I said to him: I saw you praying while you are towards the side other than that of Qiblah. Upon this he said: Had I not seen the Messenger of Allah ﷺ doing like this, I would not have done so at all..

Commentary : The Companion’s (may Allah be pleased with them) eagerness towards following the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺwas remarkable; thus, none of them would do an action or deed if the Prophet ﷺ had not done it or encouraged it; especially the prayer whose actions are fixed, and the Prophet ﷺ stipulated them by his words and actions.

In this hadeeth, the taabiʿee, Anas ibn Seereen reports that they had [set out] to receive Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him), who was returning from the region of Shaam; and they met him near ʿAyn al-Tamr - which is a town to the west in the governorate of Anbaar, [which is] the biggest of the governorates in Iraq.

When they saw him, he was praying while he atop of a donkey; and he was facing towards the left of the Qiblah, and not in the direction of the Qiblah [itself]. Upon seeing this, Anas ibn Seereen asked him in a state of awe: ‘I saw you performing the prayer facing in a direction other than the Qiblah?!’ Then, Anas ibn Maalik responded to him by saying: ‘If I had not seen the Messenger of Allah ﷺ praying on top of his mount towards [a direction] other than the Qiblah, I would not have done so. Rather, the Prophet ﷺ would do that for the supererogatory and sunnah - and not for the obligatory prayers; like what is established in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, on the authority of Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them).

Some of the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is knowing the permissibility of performing supererogatory prayers on [any] means of transportation, even if we are [facing in] a direction other than that of the Qiblah.

This narration also elucidates the ease that we have in our acts of worship, especially when it comes to the prayer.
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1101

Narrated Hafs ibn `Asim: Ibn `Umar went on a journey and said, "I accompanied the Prophet ﷺ and he did not offer optional prayers during the journey, and Allah says: {Verily! In Allah's Messenger ﷺ you have a good example to follow.'} (Quran 33.21).

Commentary : The ease and removal of difficulty are some of the characteristics of Islam. The greater the hardship [appears], the greater the alleviation is [in actuality], and the burden is removed. Therefore, Allah, The Mighty and Majestic prescribed the dispensation of shortening the prayers which contain four units while traveling; and the Prophet ﷺ left out the sunnah prayers that are tied and performed either before or after the five obligatory ones while traveling - thus confirming the alleviation [discussed above].

In this hadeeth, the taabiʿee :Hafs ibn ʿAsim ibn ʿUmar ibn al-al-Khaṭṭaab reports that ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) had travelled with his companions, and said: ‘I travelled with the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions during their journey, and I did not see him perform the sunnah prayers that are tied and performed either before or after the five obligatory ones - while traveling.’ Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) said this – as documented in Saheeh Muslim - when he saw some of his companions performing supererogatory prayers after Dhuhr while traveling.

Then, ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) said: ‘Allah, The Mighty and Majestic says: {Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example.}- and he recited [the word in the aforementioned ayah]: iswah (example) in Arabic is pronounced with a kasrah[at the beginning of the word], and this is the qiraa’ah [i.e. mode of recitation] of the ten [verified] reciters, except for ʿAsim; he recited it with a dammah : [as] uswah. The meaning here an instruction to follow the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, for it is the perfect example in everything, thus, follow his way and act in accordance with his traditions.

The Prophet ﷺdid not offer the sunnah prayers that are tied and performed either before or after the five obligatory prayersfor all of the prayers while traveling, except the two-unit prayerof Fajr. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ did not leave them on his travels, and even made them up when he had slept until the sun rose upon him and his Companions during one of his travels; as per the report mentioned in Saheeh Muslim, from a hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him). As for the Witr prayer, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would perform the Witr prayer atop [his] camel while traveling – as mentioned in Saheehal-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, from a hadeeth narrated byʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah have pleased with them).

This hadeeth shows the keen eagerness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to emulate and follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ.
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1102

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: I accompanied God's Messenger, and he prayed two units and nothing more while on a journey. I also accompanied Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Uthman, and they did the same.".

Commentary : Since Islam is a magnanimous religion that embraces tolerance, it is not isolated from alleviating and making ease for the people over matters of the religion and world. One of the many examples of its easiness and accommodation is the dispensation; [which] is a gift from Allah, The Mighty and Majestic - for the purpose of facilitating the performance of the obligatory that Allah has made incumbent upon His servants.

In this hadeeth, ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) reports that he had accompanied the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. During his time in his company, he observed that he ﷺ would offer no more than a two-units prayer on the journey. That is to say, heﷺ would shorten the prayers that consist of four units- [which are] Dhuhr, ʿAsr, and ʿIshaa’ - and perform a two-unit prayer [instead]. As for Maghrib, he would perform it like it [always] is done: three units; and did not perform the sunnah prayers that are tied and performed either before or after the five obligatory prayers. Likewise, so did: Abu Bakr, ʿUmar, and ʿUthmaan(may Allah be pleased with them) - each during the time of their caliphate - [all] following the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ while shortening the prayers during [their] travels - and did no more than that.

In a narration in Saheehal-Bukhaaree and SaheehMuslim, Ibn ʿUmar mentioned [the following] about ʿUthmaan(may Allah be pleased with them): ‘[that] he prayed two unitsat the beginning of his caliphate, then performed the full prayers of four prayer units later.’ It has been said that: perhaps Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with f them) intended in this narration [that it was] the rest of ʿUthmaan’s travels (may Allah be pleased with him), other than at Minaa, because he completed the prayers with four prayer units in their entirety at Minaa. And it has [also] been said that: he completed the prayers in their entirety if he was lodgingat a place, and if he was traveling, he would shorten them.

Excluded from this generalisation are the two-units prayer that precedes Fajr. The Messenger of Allah ﷺdid not leave them during his travels and would even make them up when they had slept until the sun rose upon them during one of his travels; like what is mentioned in Saheeh Muslim, from a hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurayrah(may Allah be pleased with him). As well as the Witr prayer, [where] The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would perform the Witr prayer atop [his] camel while traveling - like what is mentioned in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and SaheehMusim, from a hadeeth narrated byʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (May Allah have pleased with them).

From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is the eagerness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to emulate the Prophet ﷺ.
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1105

Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) related that Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to perform supererogatory prayers on the back of his mount by head nodding facing any direction." Ibn `Umar used to do the same..

Commentary : The Companions of the Prophet ﷺ were always eager to follow his guidance and way, especially with regards to the prayer, as it is fixed in its description and the manner in which it is performed.

This hadeeth elucidates on the permissibility of performing voluntary prayers on top of one’s riding animal (vehicle), excluding the obligatory prayers. Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to perform the sunnah and supererogatory prayers- on the back of his ride - which is the camel that he would ride during his travels, and in other instances [as well] - however it was facing. It was not necessary to turn towards the Qiblah. On the contrary, the Qiblah [in this situation] is wherever his riding camel is walking towards. Excluded from that ruling is if one is traveling via a means of transportation where they can turn towards the Qiblah during the journey without much difficulty, like a ship for example. So [in this instance] it would be necessary for him to turn towards the Qiblah.

Ibn ʿUmar described how the Messenger of Allah’s ﷺ bowed and prostratedwhile he was on top of the animal: that he would motion with his head [to perform the bowing and prostration], meaning: lowering it a bit for when the bowing[occurs in the prayer], and he would perform the prostrationlower [than the one done for the bowing] - and it is [done to a] lesser [extent] than the form of the complete prostration.

Then, Saalim ibn ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar reported that his father (may Allah be pleased with him) would perform voluntary prayers atop his riding animal, emulating the Prophet ﷺ.

As for the narration in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree where Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) reports: “I accompanied the Prophet ﷺ and I did not see him perform any supererogatory prayers while traveling.” It refers to the sunnah prayers that are tied and performed either before or after the five obligatory ones. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would not adhere to performing while traveling - excluding the two-units sunnah prayer performed before Fajr, and the Witr prayer.

This narration also elucidates the ease that we have in our acts of worship, especially when it comes to the prayer.
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1106

It was narrated from Ibn 'Umar that if the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was in a hurry to travel, he would combine Maghrib and 'Ishaa'..

Commentary : Combining two prayers while traveling is one of the dispensations which Allah has permitted for His believing servants - to grant ease for them and remove any difficulty that may be caused by the incumbency of performing every obligatory prayer within its time.

In this hadeeth, ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would join Maghrib and ʿIshaa’ if the trip was important, and he wanted to hasten the journey. The Prophet ﷺpermitted for the traveller to combine Dhuhr and ʿAsr, and Maghrib and ʿIshaa’ [together] at the time of either of them; and to do the accompanying prayer with it – as mentioned in [the following] hadeeth narrated by Muslim, on the authority of Muʿaadh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ joined the Dhuhr and ʿAsr prayers, as well as Maghrib and ʿIshaa’ during the expedition of Tabuk.”

There are two ways to join between two consecutive prayers, depending on what is easier [at the time and situation at hand:

First - Combining by bringing the [second] prayer forward: It is to perform the ʿAsr prayer with Dhuhr, during the time of afternoon prayer (Dhuhr); and ʿIshaa’ with Maghrib during the time for the sunset prayer (Maghrib).

Second - Combining by delaying the [first] prayer: It is to perform the Dhuhr prayer with ʿAsr, during the time of the mid-afternoon prayer (ʿAsr); and Maghrib with ʿIshaa’, during the time for the night prayer (ʿIshaa’).

This is all with shortening the prayers that consist of four units to two while traveling. So, the prayer is shortened and combined, while Maghrib is not shortened, and Fajr is performed separately, and is not joined with any of the others. Likewise, there is no joining between ʿAsr and Maghrib. Whoever combines two prayers, it is necessary for him to not have a long period of time separating the performance of the two prayers, respectively. If there is a long separation between the two, he does not join them, and must pray the [second] prayer during its own time.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is noting the easiness that the Islamic Law makes for Muslims in their acts of worship..

1108

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to combine the Maghrib and the `Ishaa' while travelling.” Alee ibn al-Mubaarak and Harb narrated it too from Yahya from Hafs from Anas..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ taught us to take the dispensations which Allah has granted us, including the combining and shortening of the prayers while traveling.

In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to join the Maghrib and ʿIshaa’ prayers while traveling; so he ﷺ would perform one of the prayers subsequently after the other, with an iqaamahseparating the two prayers.

There are two ways to join between two consecutive prayers, depending on what is easier [at the time and situation at hand:

First - Combining by bringing the [second] prayer forward: It is to perform the ʿAsr prayer with Dhuhr, during the time of afternoon prayer (Dhuhr); and ʿIshaa’ with Maghrib during the time for the sunset prayer (Maghrib).

Second - Combining by delaying the [first] prayer: It is to perform the Dhuhr prayer with ʿAsr, during the time of the mid-afternoon prayer (ʿAsr); and Maghrib with ʿIshaa’, during the time for the night prayer (ʿIshaa’).

This is all with shortening the prayers that consist of four units to two while traveling. So, the prayer is shortened and combined, while Maghrib is not shortened, and Fajr is performed separately, and is not joined with any of the others. Likewise, there is no joining between ʿAsr and Maghrib. Whoever combines two prayers, it is necessary for him to not have a long period of time separating the performance of the two prayers, respectively. If there is a long separation between the two, he does not join them, and must pray the [second] prayer during its own time.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is noting the easiness that the Islamic Law makes for Muslims in their acts of worship..

1111

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah's Messenger ﷺ would delay the Dhuhr prayer till the time of the 'Asr prayer, and then alight and combine the two prayers, if he wanted to travel before the sun reached its zenith. However, if the sun reached its zenith before he ﷺ moved off, he ﷺ would offer the Dhuhr prayer and then travel.”.

Commentary : Facilitation and easiness are obvious and evident in the Islamic law. Not only is Islam the final religion that Allah has sent for the good of humanity, but also considers the different abilities and natures of human beings; and one of the forms of this easiness is the permissibility of joining the prayers while traveling.

In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that whenever the Prophet ﷺ departed his place, i.e., when he began traveling, or he ﷺ intended to depart during the journey before “the sun reached its zenith” - which is when the sun begins to descend from its apogee in the sky, moving westward, meaning: before the time of Dhuhr began – he ﷺ would delay the Dhuhr prayer until the time for the ‘Asr prayer had entered. Then, he would combine the Dhuhr and ʿAsr prayers during the time for the ‘Asr prayer.

As for Anas’ statement: “[The sun] had begun its decline from its zenith” - meaning: the time for Dhuhr had entered; and he ﷺ performed Dhuhr, then he climbed atop his mount [and continued on the journey]. The apparent meaning of the narration [at this point] indicates that the Prophet ﷺ did not combine the prayer with ʿAsr. However, in a hadeeth narrated by Abu Daawood, on the authority of Muʿaadh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him), he reports: “If he departed after the sun began to decline from its zenith, he would combine Dhuhr and ʿAsr, and then resume traveling.”.

There are two ways to join between two consecutive prayers, depending on what is easier [at the time and situation at hand:

First - Combining by bringing the [second] prayer forward: It is to perform the ʿAsr prayer with Dhuhr, during the time of afternoon prayer (Dhuhr); and ʿIshaa’ with Maghrib during the time for the sunset prayer (Maghrib).

Second - Combining by delaying the [first] prayer: It is to perform the Dhuhr prayer with ʿAsr, during the time of the mid-afternoon prayer (ʿAsr); and Maghrib with ʿIshaa’, during the time for the night prayer (ʿIshaa’).

This is all with shortening the prayers that consist of four units to two while traveling. So, the prayer is shortened and combined, while Maghrib is not shortened, and Fajr is performed separately, and is not joined with any of the others. Likewise, there is no joining between ʿAsr and Maghrib. Whoever combines two prayers, it is necessary for him to not have a long period of time separating the performance of the two prayers, respectively. If there is a long separation between the two, he does not join them, and must pray the [second] prayer during its own time.
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1116

Narrated ʿImraanibn Husayn(may Allah be pleased with him): “I asked The Prophet ﷺ about the prayer of a man who performs it while sitting, [but has the ability to stand], so he answered: “The prayer of who prays standing is better; and the reward of who prays sitting is half of that of the one who stands in prayer. The reward of the one who prays while laying down is half of that of the one who prays sitting.”.

Commentary : Standing for those with the ability to do so is one of the pillars of the obligatory prayers. As for the supererogatory prayers, standing is not one of its pillars. It is permissible for the Muslim to perform the supererogatory prayer while sitting, however a person will have a reward commensurate with his hardship [one is enduring when doing so]. Whoever performs any voluntary prayers sitting [while] capable of standing, will have less reward [for doing so] than for the one who prays standing - like what is expounded on in this hadeeth, [when] ʿImraanibn Husayn(may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet ﷺ about the prayer of a man who performs the sunnahand supererogatory prayers while sitting, [but] can stand.

The Prophet ﷺ explained to him that whoever prays standing is better; because standing is more demanding - thus it is greater in reward, and that whoever prays while sitting, his reward is half of that of the one who stands in prayer.

Whoever prays while laying down - meaning being situated on their side on the ground [or other surface] - then their reward is half of that of the one who prays while sitting. This ruling is applicable to the one who is able to perform the prayer while standing, but still choose to pray sitting down or by laying on his side. In this case, he will decrease his reward by doing so. As for the one incapable of standing, it suffices him to sit or lay on their side [while praying] - and their reward is complete [with no decrease].

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is noting the easiness that the Islamic Law makes for Muslims in their acts of worship, and the preference of standing over sitting when performing any supererogatory prayers; and [likewise] the preference of sitting over laying down - if one is capable of doing so.
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1340

Narrated Ibn `Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophetﷺ offered the funeral prayer of a man one night after he was buried, he and his Companions stood up (for the prayer). He had asked them about him before standing, saying, "Who is this?" They said, "He is so and so and was buried last night." So, all of them offered the funeral prayer..

Commentary : The Prophetﷺwas always eager to convey the good to his Companions and heﷺ would follow and advise them; and continued to wish for them to have guidance and goodness.

In this hadeeth, ʿAbdullah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reports that the Prophet ﷺ offered the funeral prayer for a man after he was buried the night before because he did not know about his passing until after he was buried. He ﷺ asked about the man, and said: “Who is this?” And they responded: “He is so-and-so who was buried last night. After, he ﷺ stood up, while his Companions lined up behind him, then they prayed over him after he was buried.

It has been narrated by al-Bukhaaree, on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with both of them) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed by a grave which was buried at night. He ﷺ asked: “When was this buried?” And they said: “Last night.” To which, he ﷺ said: “And you did not inform me?!”, that is to say: And you did not let me know? And that was because he ﷺprays for the deceased as a mercy, as it is proven in the authentic hadeeth as well. They said: “We buried himin the depths of the night because we dislike waking you up. Then, he ﷺ stood up and we lined up behind him. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “I was among them.” Then he ﷺ performed the funeral prayer over him. Ibn ‘Abbaas was young at the time, and [the fact that] he prayed with them is an indication of the training the youth had in the precepts of the Sacred Law and being present with the congregations [for communal events]; so that they may become familiar with it and become a habit for them when it becomes necessary for them to implement it.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is it highlights that the Prophetﷺtook good care of his Companions even after their death.

It shows the permissibility of offering the funeral prayer over the deceased after they have been buried, as well as performing it near a grave.

And lastly, it demonstrates that it is permissible to bury the dead at night.
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1341

Narrated ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): When the Prophet ﷺ became ill, some of his wives talked about a church which they had seen in Abyssinia, and it was called Maariyah. Um Salmah and Um Habeebah (may Allah be pleased with them) had been to Abyssinia, and both of them narrated its (the Church's) beauty and the pictures it contained. The Prophet ﷺ raised his head and said, "Those are the people who, whenever a pious man dies amongst them, make a place of worship at his grave and then they make those pictures in it. Those are the worst creatures in the Sight of Allah..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ had ordered some of his Companions to migrate to Abyssinia; fleeing [from the oppression of Quraysh] due to their religion while spreading the call of truth [i.e., the Message of Islam]; because the King of Abyssinia, al-Najaashee, was a just man. Umm Salamah and Umm Habeebah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) were among those who had migrated to that region.

In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers, ʿA’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) expounds on what some of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ had witnessed there. The instruction of the Prophet ﷺ to immigrate to that land was so that the honor of Islam is protected. She reports that when the Prophet ﷺ was ill and became sick with the disease which he ﷺ would eventually die from, some of the women spoke about a a church, - which is a place of worship for the Christians - that they had seen in Abyssinia. It was called Maariyah; which is a name attributed to Lady Maryam (peace be upon her) and known name for the church.

Umm Salamah and Umm Habeebah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) spoke about what they had seen of its beauty, and the pictures it contained. Then he ﷺ rose his head and said: ‘Those are the people who, if a righteous man dies among them, will build a place of worship at his grave. Then, they will draw pictures of those who have passed away [and display them] there.’ Rather, they depicted the righteous for the purpose of becoming familiar with them. They mentioned their righteous deeds so that they can strive as they have strived, and they worshipped Allah near their graves. Then, a group of people who came after them were ignorant of what they had intended [by doing the aforementioned actions]. The Shaytan whispered [to them, stating] that their predecessors used to worship these images. So, the Prophet ﷺ warned of things like that, to block the pretext which leads to associating partners with Allah (polytheism). Then he ﷺ relates that those who do this are the worst of creation according to Allah, The Almighty due to what they have done; because it leads to the greatest sin - which is associating partners with Allah, The Almighty.

From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it highlights the prohibition against having pictures [of living creatures] in places of worship.

It shows the proscription against building mosques over the graves of the deceased.

It entails the permissibility of relating the wonders and unusual events and matters that one has witnessed.

And lastly, it condemns the one who engages in that which is forbidden.
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1343

Narrated Jaabir ibn ‘Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺcollected every two martyrs of Uhud in one piece of cloth, then he would ask, "Which of them had (knew) more of the Quran?" When one of them was pointed out for him, heﷺ would put that one first in the grave and say, "I will be a witness on these on the Day of Resurrection." And then he ﷺwould order them to be buried with their blood on their bodies and they were neither washed nor was a funeral prayer offered for them..

Commentary : The Battle of Uhud - which is one of the well-known mountains of al-Madeenah - occurred in the third year after Hijrah and during which very significant events occurred. It was a great test from Allah, The Almighty for His Prophetﷺand the believers.

This hadeeth elaborates on some of the events that happened during the battle, along with some of their legal rulings; as Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reports that when the Prophet ﷺ wanted to shroud those Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) who were martyred in the Battle of Uhud, there was not enough clothes to shroud every one of them in a garment which covered their entire body. He ﷺ would jointwo men in one garment; and this was due to the large number of casualties, and the paucity of garments [available] to shroud them in. To overcome this issue, he ﷺ cut the garments and divided it amongst them. After, they remained in their clothes which they were killed in and were not to be stripped and have their skin touched. It is also possible that what is meant here is that he ﷺ gathered the two of them in one grave.

There are several narrations in which the Prophet ﷺ said that the martyrs to be shrouded in the garments which they were killed in, as it is related by Ahmad in a report that ʿAbdullah ibn Thaʿlabah ibn Suʿayr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on the Day of Uhud: “Wrap them in their garments.” The reconciliation between the two hadeeths is that whoever is stripped off by the enemy or has been repeatedly stabbed such that his clothes have been cut off, causing some of his body be exposed, then he should be shrouded. As for the martyrs whose clothes remained intact on their bodies, they should be buried with them without being shrouded.

Heﷺwould ask about who was the greatest of them in [their knowledge of] the Quran, so when one of them was pointed out to him, he could put him first into the lahd, which is an opening that is made on the side of the grave, and it is [dug at] an incline from the middle of the grave to its side so that the dead can accommodated and placed into it. And then broken up pieces of clay [are laid down to] cover up the deceased.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordered for them to be buried in their blood, and they were not washed, nor prayed over. He ﷺ said: “I will be a witness for these [martyrs] on the Day of Resurrection.” He ﷺ will be an intercessor for these people, and a witness to testify that they fulfilled what they promised Allah due to their faith and struggle for His sake and being obedient to Him and His Messenger ﷺ till they died for it.

It has been mentioned in other hadeeths that the Prophet ﷺ offered the funeral prayer for all of the martyrs of Uhud, as what is related in Saheehal-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, where ʿUqbah ibn ʿAamir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ went out one day, and prayed over the people of Uhud, [like] he would for the dead.” The reconciliation between these two hadeeth is: that his prayer was to indicate that offering the funeral prayers over them is permissible. It has been said that this occurrence was specifically for the martyrs of Uhud, and not a general ruling that is applicable to other cases. It has been established that he ﷺ did not pray over the martyrs who were killed in the battle according to the hadeeth of Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah (may Allah be pleased with both of them). Also, the funeral prayer over the dead is an act of intercession for him, and only sinners can be interceded for. The martyrs have all their sins forgiven due to martyrdom, and thus they all come to the Honor, Mercy, and Paradise of Allah. So, their status is too high for them to be prayed over as one would pray over the rest of the deceased Muslims.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it shows the apparent virtue for the one who recites the Quran, and the people of fiqh (jurisprudence), zuhd(asceticism), and all other virtue follow him.

It highlights the merits and virtues for the martyrs of Uhud, and it shows the state of poverty that the Honorable Companions [endured], and the steadfastness they exhibited in spite of that, out of a desire to spread the call of Islam.

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1344

Narrated ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ once came out and offered the funeral prayer for the martyrs of Uhud, and proceeded to the pulpit and said, "I will precede you, and I will bea witness for you, and I am really looking at my Lake now, and no doubt, I have been given the keys of the treasures of the world. By Allah, I am not afraid that you will worship others along with Allah, but I am afraid that you will envy and fight one another for worldly fortunes.".

Commentary : The Messenger of Allahﷺcame to the people with guidance and the religion of truth as a herald and warner, calling to whom Allah chooses, and a radiant lamp. His Lord provided himﷺ with splendid miracles and clear signs which affirm his truthfulness. He ﷺwas benevolent and merciful to the believers.

In this hadeeth, ʿUqbah ibn ʿAamir (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophetﷺwent out one day and offered the funeral prayer for the people of Uhud, like what he performed for others who have died. And what is meant by them [i.e., the people of Uhud] are the martyrs from the Battle of Uhud, which occurred during the month of Shawwaal in the third year after Hijrah. Uhud is one of the well-known mountains of al-Madeenah. According to Abu Dawood, this was after “eight years [had passed] like a man who bids farewell to the living and dead.”

Then, heﷺwent to his pulpit, ascended it, and addressed the people, saying: ‘I will precede you”: that is to say: ‘I will precede you and be the first to arrive at the Lake (al-hawḍ) on the Day of Resurrection’

“And I will be a witness for you”, what is meant by this is that he I will precede you will bear witness over our deeds, and it is not restricted to martyrdom during battles alone. The attestation of the Prophet ﷺ includes every Muslim - the first and last; so, it's as if he ﷺ remains with all Muslims and did not precede them. Rather, he ﷺ remains after them until he bears witness to the deeds of the last of the believers - for, he ﷺ isupholding their affair in the two abodes [i.e., in this world and the Hereafter] in his life and death.

Then heﷺsaid: “I have been given the keys to the earth’s treasures - or the keys to the earth” - by this, heﷺreferred to the expansion of the Islamic empire, its many conquests, and the outpouring of wealth to it; because whoever conquers a land, it is as if he obtains the keys to its treasures and acquires its riches and wealth.

Then, he ﷺtold the people that he did not fear that they would associate partners with Allah after him. However, heﷺdid fear that the competition for wealth and status would cause them to quarrel amongst themselves, which will lead them to enmity, hatred, and fighting with one another over the world and its blessings - and will a cause of their death and weakness. This is a warning of what is going to occur and what has happened as what The Messenger of Allahﷺrelated; because this world was opened up after him and granted [to its inhabitants], [but] envy, strife, and other matters are known to confirm the truthfulness of his ﷺreport.

His prayer over the dead addressed in this hadeeth could imply that praying for them is permissible. It was said: this occurrence was specifically for the martyrs of Uhud, and not in general. It has been established that he ﷺ didn’t pray over the martyr who was killed in the battle because of what is reported in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, where Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) narrates [that he ﷺ ] “ordered for them to be buried with their blood [on their bodies], and were not washed, nor prayed over.” Also, the prayer over the dead is an act of intercession for him, and only sinners can be interceded for. The martyrs have their sins forgiven, and they all come to the Honor, Mercy, and Paradise of Allah. So, their status is too high for them to be prayed over as one would pray over the rest of the deceased Muslims.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it warns against advancing in the world, along with its trials, and dangers.

It mentions an apparent sign that testifies to the truthfulness of hisProphethood.

It confirms the Lakeof the Prophetﷺ,which he will be at on the Day of Resurrection.

And lastly, it highlights that heﷺ did not fear that his nation would commit polytheism, but rather he ﷺfeared that they would quarrel among themselves, and what forms of envy and miserliness would come as a result.
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1346

Narrated Jaabir ibn ‘Abdllah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said: burry them [i.e., the martyers] as they are with their blood on – on the Day of Uhud. And he ﷺ did not wash them..

Commentary : Martyrdom for the sake of Allah has a great standing in Islam. The martyr has several merits; and martyrs who have died in battle have some special legal rulings.

In this hadeeth, some of them are explained, as Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reports that the Prophet ﷺ ordered that the martyrs be buried in their garments with their blood [on them] and did not wash them; in order to preserve the sign of martyrdom on them. The traces of the battle and the blood that occurred therein remained on them. This happened in the Battle of Uhud - which is one of the well-known mountains of al-Madeenah - and that battle happened during the month of Shawwaal in the third year after Hijrah.

It can be inferred from this hadeeth that the martyr is not washed, and that their blood is pure while it remains on them; because if it was considered impure, heﷺwould have ordered that it be removed from the body of the dead before burying them.
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1350

Narrated Jaabir ibn ‘Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ came to `Abdullah ibn Ubay (a hypocrite) after his death and he has been laid in his grave. He ﷺ ordered that he be taken out of the grave, and he was taken out. Then he ﷺ placed him on his knees and threw some of his saliva on him and clothed him in his (the Prophet's) own garment (Qamees). Allah knows better why he did so. `Abdullah bin Ubai had given his garment to al-Abbaas to wear. Abu Haroon said, "Allah's Messenger ﷺ at that time had two shirts and the son of `Abdullah bin Ubai said to him, 'O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! Clothe my father in your shirt which has been in contact with your skin.' Sufyaan added, "Thus people think that the Prophet ﷺ clothed `Abdullah bin Tubal in his shirt in lieu of what he (Abdullah) had done (for Al `Abbaas, the Prophet's uncle.)".

Commentary : ʿAbdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salool was the chief of the hypocrites in al-Madeenah, and he would harborenmity against the Prophetﷺand the Muslims. However, that did not prevent the Prophetﷺfrom rewarding him for some matters.

In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah (may Allah be pleased withboth of them) reports that the Prophet ﷺordered for ʿAbdullah ibn Ubayy, after he had been buried, to be exhumed from his grave. Then heﷺ sat him up on his two knees, dressed him in one of his ﷺgarments, and blew some of his saliva on him.

Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) then says: ‘Allah knows best as to why the Messenger of Allahﷺ had dressed him in his garment. So, either, he ﷺ did that because Ibn Salool was a hypocrite who had clothed al-Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) - who was the paternal uncle of the Prophet ﷺ -with a garment when he was taken as a prisoner on the day of Badr. So, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave him a garment in place of it; lest it remain that he ﷺ would be obliged to owe a disbeliever a favor. With this [in mind], Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyaynah - the narrator of the hadeeth - told that they thought it more likely that the Prophet ﷺ dressed ʿAbdullah in his garment, as a requital for him for when he clothed al-Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) with his own garment.

[Or] perhaps he ﷺ did that because ʿAbdullah, the son of ʿAbdullah ibn Ubayy was a good Muslim; and had requested of the Prophet ﷺ to clothe his dead father with his garment, which had touched his ﷺ skin; so that it would be a mercy for his father. The Prophet ﷺ granted his request in honor of him. And the Prophet ﷺ did this before the [following ayah] was revealed by Allah, The Almighty, [as] He says: {And do not pray [the funeral prayer, O Muḥammad], over any of them who has died - ever - or stand at his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.} [Quran 9:84]. In Saheehal-Bukhaaree and Muslim, it is reported that this ayah with this prohibition was revealed after the Prophet ﷺprayed over ʿAbdullah ibn Ubayy. It is reported in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree says: On the authority of Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) that when ʿAbdullah ibn Ubayy passed away, his son came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Please give your garment to shroud him in it, offer his funeral prayer, and ask for Allah’s forgiveness for him.’ Then, the Prophet ﷺ gave him his garment, and said: ‘Inform me when to prayer for him [i.e., the funeral prayer].’ Later, he informed him ﷺ, and when The Prophet ﷺ intended to pray for him, ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) took him by the hand and said: ‘Has Allah not forbid you to pray for the hypocrites?’ To which, he ﷺ responded: ‘I have two choices [i.e., either to ask for forgiveness or not], and Allah says: {Ask forgiveness for them, [O Muḥammad], or do not ask forgiveness for them. If you should ask forgiveness for them seventy times - never will Allah forgive them.} [Quran 9:80].Then he ﷺ performed the funeral prayer over him, and [the following ayah] was revealed afterwards: {And do not pray [the funeral prayer, O Muḥammad], over any of them who has died - ever - or stand at his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.} [Quran 9:84].

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it highlights the permissibility of exhuming the deceased [from their graves] after they have been buried, for a legitimate reason.

It also shows the permissibility of shrouding the deceased in a garment (Qamees).
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1351

Narrated Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him): When the time of the Battle of Uhud approached, my father called me at night and said, "I think that I will be the first amongst the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ to be martyred. I do not leave anyone after me dearer to me than you, except Allah's Messenger's soul and I owe some debt and you should repay it and treat your sisters favorably (nicely and politely)." So, in the morning he was the first to be martyred and was buried along with another (martyr). I did not like to leave him with the other (martyr), so I took him out of the grave after six months of his burial and he was in the same condition as he was on the day of burial, except a slight change near his ear..

Commentary : Martyrs have a lofty standing with Allah, May He be Exalted; and the ones of Uhud had a great position in the hearts of The Prophet ﷺand Muslims, and held great honors with Allah, The Almighty after their death[s].

In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reports that when the time for the Battle of Uhud drew near - which was during the month of Shawwaal in the third year after Hijrah and Uhud is one of the well-known mountains of al-Madeenah- his father, ʿAbdullah ibn ʿAmr ibn Haraam (may Allah be pleased with him) summoned him at night and said: ‘I think that I will be amongst the first of the Prophet’s Companions to be martyred.’ It was said: that the reason he thought that was because he had seen it in his dreams. ‘And I do not leave [anyone] after me more precious to me than you, except for the soul of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.’ This is a preference for the Prophet ﷺ,as his love for him was greater than for wealth or children. Then, he informed and urged him to take care of the debts he owed and ordered him to repay it for him. This is from the habit of the righteous, so it is necessary for whoever feels that their life is near an end to make known what rights people have over him and prescribe that they be made up. Then, he urged his son to take care of his sisters, [treat them well], and ensure that their needs are met. It was said: that Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) had nine sisters. It has been said that he had more sisters than that.

Jaabir said: “We woke up in the morning”, [here] he is referring to [waking up] on the day of the battle. And ʿAbdullah ibn Haraam was the first to be killed in the Battle of Uhud. He was buried with another man in a single grave [thereafter]. It was said that the other individual [buried with him] was ʿAmr ibn al-Jamooh (may Allah be pleased with him), who was a friend of his father. However, Jaabir’s soul was not content, and his heart was not settled knowing that his father was buried with others in a single grave. So, he removed him from his grave after six months [had passed]. His [father’s] exhumation from his grave was done with the Prophet’s knowledge and permission, and Jaabir didn’t find any change to the body of his father, ʿAbdullah, after six months had passed since his burial, other than a small place near his ear that had changed [a bit]. This is one of the great honors that Allah has given him.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that it highlights the strength of ʿAbdullah ibn Haraam’s faith and demonstrates the intensity of his love for the Prophetﷺ; because he did not give preference to anyone over his love for him ﷺ, even if it was his own son.

It shows the permissibility of putting two [dead] men together in a single grave.

It highlights the permissibility of exhuming the deceased from their graves after they have been buried, if there is a legitimate reason [to do so]

And lastly, it shows some of the great honorsʿAbdullah ibn Haraam (may Allah be pleased with him) had, and that Allah preserved his body even after his death.
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1471

Ibn ‘Umar reported that he divorced his wife during her menstruation in the Prophet's lifetime. So, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about that and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Order him to take her back and keep her until she attains purity, then menstruates, then attains purity. Then, if he wishes he may keep her, and if he wishes he may divorce her before having intercourse with her. This is the ‘Iddah (waiting period) that Allah Almighty has ordered for the divorce of women." [Another version reads]: That he divorced his wife during her menstruation, once. So, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded him to take her back and keep her until she attains purity, then menstruates again, while still being with him, then to give her time until she attains purity from her menstruation. After that, if he wanted to divorce her, he could do so when she becomes pure before having sexual intercourse with her, as this is the ‘iddah that Allah commanded for the divorce of women. [Another version reads]: On being asked about this, ‘Abdullah said to someone: "If you divorced your wife once or twice, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded me to do this. However, if you have divorced her thrice, she became forbidden to you until she is married to another man, and you have disobeyed Allah regarding what He commanded you in divorcing your wife.".

Commentary : The legislated divorce is that one divorces his wife one time while being pure (of her menses) without having sexual intercourse with her during this period of purity. It is called Talāq Sunni (Sunnah-compliant divorce). As for the forbidden divorce, it is to divorce one's wife more than once in one utterance, or to divorce her during her menstruation, or during a period of purity in which he had sexual intercourse with her. This is called Talāq Bid‘i (Heretic divorce).
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) narrates that he divorced his wife - her name was Āminah bint Ghifār, and it was said: Āminah bint ‘Ammār, and there are other opinions as well - during her menstruation before attaining purity, and that was in the Prophet's lifetime. His father, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb, went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and asked him about the ruling on this divorce that occurred during menstruation, whether it is permissible or not, and whether it counts or not. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded him to order his son, ‘Abdullah, to take her back in marriage and keep her with him "until she attains purity" from the menstruation in which he divorced her, "then menstruates" again, "then attains purity" from the second menstruation. After attaining purity from the second menstruation, he could keep her as his wife if he wished or he could divorce her in the second period of purity before having intercourse with her. This state, namely the state of purity, is the time for starting "the ‘Iddah that Allah Almighty has commanded for the divorce," i.e., during which, "women", as Allah Almighty says: {O Prophet, when you [believers] divorce women, divorce them with concern to their waiting period.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1] That is to say, divorce them while receiving their ‘Iddah, i.e., at the time they could start the ‘Iddah, and the period of menstruation is not counted in the ‘Iddah. So, if one divorces during this time, his divorce does not occur in the state commanded by Allah, which is starting and entering the ‘Iddah, when the divorce occurs during the period of her purity not during the period of her menstruation. This is because, during the purity period, she can keep an accurate count of her ‘Iddah, which is three Qurū’ (menstrual cycles), and "qur’" is purity, and it was said: menstruation.
In another version, Muhammad ibn Rumh - one of the Hadīth narrators - added: Whenever ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar was asked about divorcing a woman during menstruation, he would say to the questioner: If you divorced your wife once or twice then take her back, as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded me to do so. However, if you divorced her thrice then this is an irrevocable divorce and you cannot take her back and she becomes forbidden for you "until she is married to another man," and he has sexual intercourse with her and then divorces her. After her ‘Iddah is over, she becomes lawful for you again to marry.
And by doing this, you disobeyed Allah and went against Him "regarding what He commanded you in divorcing your wife" during the purity state in which you had intercourse with her, as Allah Almighty says: {O Prophet, when you [believers] divorce women, divorce them with concern to their waiting period.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1]
This clarifies that the divorce counts, whether it is Sunni or Bid‘i. The fact that the Bid‘i divorce is forbidden does not entail that it does not occur. It only means that whoever does this deliberately is considered sinful, yet the divorce still counts.
In a version of Muslim, Anas ibn Sīrīn said to Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father): "Was that divorce that you gave her when she was menstruating counted as such?" and you considered it one of the three divorces. "‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar said: Why would I not count it? (It must be counted) even if I failed and acted foolishly," i.e, failed to fulfill an obligation or acted foolishly and did not fulfill it, or failed to take her back and acted foolishly. Would that be an excuse for him, or would his foolishness make it not count, or would his failure invalidate it?! It is a question of disapproval whose answer is supposed to be: Yes, it is counted, and his failure and foolishness do not prevent it from being counted.
The Hadīth indicates the keenness of Islam to restrict the circumference of divorce as much as possible, and if it happens, it does not cause harm to any of the spouses.
It also indicates that the husband alone has the right to Raj‘ah (taking the wife back) without the guardian..

1472

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The triple divorce during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and that of Abu Bakr and two years of the caliphate of ‘Umar was counted as one. Then ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb said: "Indeed, people have hastened to a matter regarding which they used to act with deliberation. So, if we would make them count (as three divorces)," and he did that..

Commentary : Allah Almighty has made divorce a kind of respite between the spouses when life between them becomes impossible. In Islam, divorce has certain criteria and results in a number of rights.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: During the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and that of Abu Bakr and two years of ‘Umar's caliphate, whoever triply divorced his wife in one session or in one time, would count as a single divorce. An example of this is saying: "You are divorced thrice," or saying: "You are divorced. You are divorced. You are divorced." Then the husband can take his wife back during the period of ‘Iddah (waiting period) without a new contract. If the ‘Iddah is over, he can take her back with a new contract. It is not counted as three divorces that would make his wife unlawful for him until she is married to another man. It is deemed to refer to what was most likely meant, which was the intent of confirmation, not for continuing the count. During the lifetime of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), people used this form frequently while most likely intending to continue the count not by way of confirmation. Hence, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) made it count as three divorces. He said: "Indeed, people have hastened to a matter regarding which they used to act with deliberation," i.e., they were entitled to three divorces to give themselves a chance to reconsider their affairs, as it might seem better for them to take their wives back. His saying: "So if we made them count," i.e., He consulted those who were with him from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) regarding the one who gave three divorces all at once to make such a divorce an irrevocable triple divorce as he uttered, to deter them from rushing into divorce. Thus, he enforced it on people after consulting the senior Companions and their agreement with him.
This is interpreted from him (may Allah be pleased with him) as a form of Ijtihād and laying down rules that would bring benefit to his subjects within the boundaries of Shariah, without making things too difficult or too easy..

1476

‘Ā’ishah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to seek our permission on the day he had to stay with one of his wives (by turns) after the following verse was revealed: {You [O Prophet] may postpone [the turn of] whoever you wish [of your wives], and you may share your time with whoever of them you wish.} [Surat al-Ahzāb: 51] Mu‘ādhah said to her: What did you use to say to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) when he asked your permission? She said: I used to say: Were it up to me, I would not give anyone preference over myself..

Commentary : The Prophet's wives loved him dearly to the extent that they used to compete to please him and show their love to him.
In this Hadīth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to ask permission from his wife, whose turn was due, to go to another one of his wives. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had nine wives, and he used to allocate a day for each to stay with her overnight. This act of his seeking permission was after the revelation of the following verse: {You [O Prophet] may postpone [the turn of] whoever you wish [of your wives], and you may share your time with whoever of them you wish, and there is no blame on you if you call back any of those whose turn you have set aside. That is more likely that they will be content and not distressed, and that they will be satisfied with what you give them all. Allah knows what is in your hearts, and Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.} [Surat al-Ahzāb: 51] This verse means: O Messenger, you have the right to delay the turn of whoever you wish of your wives and not stay overnight with her, and you have the right to share your time with whoever you wish of them and stay overnight with her; and there is no blame on you if you call back any of those whom you have delayed. Giving you the choice and making things flexible for you are more likely to make your wives content and satisfied with what you give them all for knowing that you have not neglected duty and have not withheld a right, and Allah knows what is in your hearts - O men - of inclination to some women apart from others, as Allah is All-Knowing of His slaves' actions and nothing thereof is hidden from Him, and He is Most Forbearing and does not hasten to punish them hoping that they may return to Him in repentance.
The female Tābi‘i Mu‘ādhah al-‘Adawiyyah asked ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her): "What did you use to say to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) when he asked for your permission?" ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) replied that she used to say to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "Were it up to me," i.e., if this act of seeking permission is in my hands, "I would not give anyone preference over myself," i.e., I would not give my day to another wife. This was due to her love to be close to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to serve him, enjoy intimacy with him, and benefit from him.
Such a competition between his wives was not for mere pleasure, intimacy, personal desires, and enjoyment, as is the case with some people. Instead, it was a competition for matters related to the Hereafter and for being close to the master of the first and the last, for expecting the descent of mercy and revelation upon him while being with her and so on.
The Hadīth clarifies one of the Prophet's exclusive rights, namely choosing whomever he wished from his wives whenever he wished.
It also points out some of the etiquettes between spouses and teaches them how a man should seek his wives' permission when sharing his time with them and how the woman should show him love and affection..

1478

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah reported: Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) came and sought permission to see the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He found people sitting at his door and none amongst them had been granted permission, but it was granted to Abu Bakr and he went in. Then came ‘Umar and he sought permission and it was granted to him. He found the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sitting sad and silent with his wives around him, and said: He said: I would say something that would make the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) laugh. So, he said: "O Messenger of Allah, I wish you had seen the daughter of Khārijah when she asked me for extra money, and I got up and slapped her on the neck. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) laughed and said: "They are around me as you see, asking for extra money." So, Abu Bakr got up and slapped ‘Ā’ishah on the neck, and ‘Umar got up and slapped Hafsah on the neck. Both of them did this saying: "Are you asking the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) what he does not have?!" They said: "By Allah, we would never ask the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) for something that he does not have." Then he retreated from them for a month or for twenty-nine days. Then, the following verse was revealed to him: {O Prophet, tell your wives} until the part that reads {for those who do good among you a great reward.} [Surat al-Azāb: 28-29] He said: So, he started with ‘Ā’ishah, saying: "O ‘Ā’ishah, I want to propound something to you but I wish you not to be hasty concerning it until you consult your parents." She said: "What is that, O Messenger of Allah?" So he recited the verse to her. She said: "Is it concerning you, O Messenger of Allah, that I should consult my parents?! Nay, I choose Allah, His Messenger, and the Final Abode; but I ask you not to tell any of your wives what I have said." He said: "None of them asks me except that I will inform her. Allah did not send me to be harsh, or cause harm, but He sent me to teach and make things easy.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was generous with his wives and provided for them from what Allah granted him. However, he used to spend often on the cause of Allah and on what would benefit people, leaving only a little for himself and his family. This led to some harm felt by his wives; however, Allah Almighty gave them the choice to either endure life patiently or get a divorce and be separated from him kindly.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) narrates: Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) once came and sought permission to see the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and found people sitting at his door and none among them was granted permission to see the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) granted Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) permission and he entered. Then, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Prophet's house and sought permission to enter and he permitted him. On entering, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) found the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sitting with his wives around him and he was intensely sad, so much so that he stopped talking. So, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said to himself - and it was said: The speaker was Abu Bakr - (may Allah be pleased with him): "I should say something that would make the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) laugh." So, he said: "O Messenger of Allah, I wish you had seen," i.e., if you knew that my wife, the daughter of Khārijah, asked and requested from me an extra amount of money, more than the usual or more than needed, so I got up and "slapped her on the neck," i.e., hit her neck with my hand. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) laughed out of the resemblance between his condition and that of ‘Umar. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "They", referring to his wives, are sitting "around me as you see, asking for extra money" and requesting more money than the usual amount. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said this, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) got up and went to ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) to slap her on the neck by way of discipline. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) also got up to slap his daughter Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) on the neck by way of discipline, and each of them was saying to his daughter: "Are you asking the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) for what he does not have?!" It was an expression of rebuke and reprimand for them because of their asking for an extra amount of money while the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not have it. "They said: By Allah, we would never ask the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)," after this "something that he does not have." The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got angry because of this and he retreated from his wives for thirty or twenty-nine days without entering their houses or approaching them. Then, the following verses were revealed: {O Prophet, tell your wives, “If you seek the life of this world and its embellishments, then come, I will give you provision and release you graciously. But if you seek Allah and His Messenger and the Final Abode, then Allah has prepared for those who do good among you a great reward.”} [Surat al-Ahzāb: 28-29] The two verses mean: O Prophet, tell your wives when they ask you for an increase in sustenance and you have nothing to give them as an extra amount: If you seek the life of this world and its embellishments, then come I will give you provision that is given to the divorced women and release you in a way that involves no harm or damage. However, if you seek Allah's pleasure and the pleasure of His Messenger, and you seek Paradise in the Final Abode, then endure your conditions patiently, as Allah has prepared for those who do good among you, through patience and good treatment, a great reward.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) started with ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in giving her the choice. He called her and informed her that he had something to propound to her and that he wished she would not hasten to give him a reply without consulting her parents. Perhaps this was out of fear for her because of her young age which entailed the desire for worldly embellishments and her not choosing the Hereafter. She asked the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about that matter and he recited the verse to her, so she hastened to accept being with the Messenger of Allah, and she said: "Is it concerning you," i.e., being separated from you, or staying with you, or regarding your right, "O Messenger of Allah, that I should consult my parents?!" And she told him that she chose Allah, His Messenger, and the Final Abode. She also asked him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) not to tell any of his wives about her reply out of her jealousy and keenness to have the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) all for herself and enjoy a great deal of his company. In response, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "None of them asks me except that I will inform her," to help her make her choice. He justified this by saying that Allah did not send him to be harsh, i.e., causing someone to be in a difficult situation and "‘anat", meaning difficulty and sin as well, "or cause harm," i.e., seek others' mistakes. "But He sent me to teach" people goodness and make things easy. Facilitation here lies in the fact that if he informed them, his other wives would follow the example of ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and it would be easy for them to choose Allah Almighty, His Messenger (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and the Final Abode.
This Hadīth points out that asking permission is from the Prophet's guidance.
It also indicates that one can discipline one's child, even if he grew up.
It shows the ascetic life of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his abstention from worldly life.
It also demonstrates how the Companions used to console the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in his sadness.
It denotes the merit of Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with them)..

1479

‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb reported: When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) secluded himself from his wives, he ('Umar) said: I entered the mosque and found the people pelting the ground with pebbles and saying: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) divorced his wives, and that was before they were commanded with Hijāb. ‘Umar said: I said: I must find this out today. He said: I entered upon ‘Ā’ishah and said: O daughter of Abu Bakr, have you gone to the extent of giving trouble to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)?! She said: O Ibn al-Khattāb, stay out of my affairs and mind your receptacle. He said: So, I entered upon Hafsah bint ‘Umar and said to her: O Hafsah, have you gone to the extent of giving trouble to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)?! By Allah, you know that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) does not love you, and had it not been for me, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would have divorced you. So, she wept bitterly. I said to her: Where is the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)? She said: He is in his cabinet in the attic room. I went there and found Rabāh, the servant of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), sitting on the attic's doorstep with his legs dangling on carved wood, which is a trunk used by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to ascend and descend. I called out: O Rabāh, seek permission for me from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Rabāh looked at the room then looked at me and said nothing. Then, I said: O Rabāh, seek permission for me from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Rabāh looked at the room then looked at me and said nothing. Then, I raised my voice and said: O Rabāh, seek permission for me from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). I think the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) thought I had come for Hafsah's sake. By Allah, if the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commands me to strike her neck, I will undoubtedly strike her neck. I raised my voice, and he signaled to me to ascend. I entered upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) while he was lying on a straw mat. I sat down and he drew up his lower garment over him and he had nothing else on him, and the mat had left marks on his side. I looked around in the cabinet of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and found only a handful of barley around one Sā‘ and an equal quantity of the leaves of mimosa flava placed in one side of the room, and a semi-tanned leather bag hanging. He said: Tears started falling from my eyes. He said: O Ibn al-Khattāb, what makes you weep? I said: O Prophet of Allah, how could I not weep when this straw mat has left marks on your side and I see nothing in your cabinet except what I have seen, while Caesar and Khosrau are enjoying fruits and rivers, whereas you are the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and His chosen one and this is your cabinet?! He said: O Ibn al-Khattāb, does it not please you that the Hereafter is for us and the worldly life is for them? I said: Yes. He said: When I entered upon him, I saw signs of anger on his face, so I said: O Messenger of Allah, what trouble have the women caused you? If you had divorced them, verily, Allah is with you, His angels, Jibrīl (Gabriel), Mikā’īl (Michael), I, Abu Bakr, and the believers are with you. I rarely spoke - thanks to Allah - any words except that I hoped Allah would confirm the words I uttered, and this verse, Āyat at-Takhyīr (the Verse of Choice), was revealed: {Perhaps, if he were to divorce you all, his Lord would replace you with better wives.} [Surat at-Tahrīm: 5] {But if you insist on conspiring against him, then indeed Allah is his Protector, as well as Gabriel and the righteous believers, and moreover, the angels are his supporters.} [Surat at-Tahrīm: 4] ‘Ā’ishah bint Abi Bakr and Hafsah were cooperating against the rest of the Prophet's wives. I said: O Messenger of Allah, did you divorce them? He said: No. I said: O Messenger of Allah, when I entered the mosque, I found the Muslims pelting the ground with pebbles and saying: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) divorced his wives. Should I go down and tell them that you did not divorce them? He said: Yes, if you wish. I kept talking to him until there were no more signs of anger on his face and until he laughed and his teeth showed, and he had the most charming front teeth of all people. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) descended and I descended while catching hold of the trunk, but the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went down as if he was walking on the ground without touching it with his hand. I said: O Messenger of Allah, you remained in your room for twenty-nine days. He said: The month consists of twenty-nine days. I, thus, stood at the door of the mosque and called out at the top of my voice: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not divorce his wives, and this verse was revealed: {Whenever they hear any news of security or fear, they spread it. If they referred it to the Messenger or to those in authority among them, those with sound judgment among them could know it.} [Surat an-Nisā’: 83] And it was I who drew correct conclusions and Allah Almighty revealed the Verse of Choice..

Commentary : Perhaps the Prophet's wives caused him trouble like women usually cause their husbands trouble, resulting from jealousy, vexation, and the like.
In this Hadīth, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that when the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) secluded himself from his wives and swore not to enter upon them, for he was angry with them, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) entered the Prophet's mosque "and found the people pelting the ground with pebbles," i.e., moving them around and throwing them on the ground, which is something normally done by someone concerned and absorbed in thought. "And saying: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) divorced his wives," i.e. when they saw how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) kept himself away from his wives, they thought that he had divorced them, so they said this. "And that was before they were commanded with Hijāb," i.e., women conceal themselves from men. This remark is questionable; rather, it is a clear mistake since Hijāb was enjoined at the time of the Prophet's marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her) in the fourth or fifth year, and Zaynab (may Allah be pleased with her) was among his wives who were given the choice; and the story of his seclusion from his wives and giving them the choice took place in the ninth year of Hijrah. The best thing said with this regard to: "that it was before they were commanded with Hijāb" is from the words of the narrator who, when seeing that 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said he had entered upon 'Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), thought that this was before Hijāb, so he affirmed it. This could be responded by saying: Entering does not entail removing Hijāb (screen), for he could enter from the door, and she could still talk to him from behind the screen.
Then, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he said to himself: "I must find this out today," i.e., I must find out the truth about this, did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) divorce them or not? So, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) entered upon ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet's wife and Abu Bakr's daughter, and said to her: "O daughter of Abu Bakr, have you gone to the extent of giving trouble to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)?!" blaming her for daring to infuriate the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "O Ibn al-Khattāb, stay out of my affairs," i.e., you are not entitled to admonish me "and mind your receptacle," i.e., rather, you should admonish the one who matters to you, referring to Hafsah bint ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with her). "‘Aybah" (receptacle): the container used for keeping clothes and precious belongings. A man's "‘aybah": his family and those close to him. Then, ‘Umar entered upon his daughter Hafsah and said to her what he had said to ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with them) and added reprovingly: "By Allah, you know that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) does not love you, and had it not been for me, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would have divorced you," deterring and frightening her with divorce and the fact that if it had not been for ‘Umar's special status with the Prophet, this would have occurred. Thereupon, Hafsah cried bitterly because of her sadness about being separated from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and expecting her father to be severely mad at her. Then, ‘Umar asked his daughter (may Allah be pleased with both of them) where the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was. Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "He is in his cabinet in the attic room." "Mashrubah" (attic room): is an elevated room for storing food and drink. On entering, 'Umar found Rabāh (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet's servant, "sitting on the attic's doorstep," i.e., on the doorsill "with his legs dangling," i.e., stretching and hanging them "on carved wood", which is a trunk that had stairs used by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to ascend to the room and descend from that place using it as a stair. ‘Umar, then, called out to Rabāh (may Allah be pleased with both of them) to seek permission for him to enter upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). So, Rabāh looked inside the room, then, looked at ‘Umar and said nothing. This indirectly indicates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had heard ‘Umar's voice; however, he expressed no approval or disapproval of permitting him. So, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) again sought permission from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and Rabāh again looked at the room then looked at ‘Umar and said nothing. On the third time, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) raised his voice so the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would hear him and he called out: "O Rabāh, seek permission for me from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). I think that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) thought I had come for Hafsah's sake," i.e., to apologize for what she did and defend her. "By Allah, if the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commands me to strike her neck, I will certainly strike her neck." This clarified why he sought permission, namely to console the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and bring him out of his sadness and not for anything related to his daughter Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her). Rabāh, thus, signaled with his head to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) after the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had permitted him to ascend to him in his attic.
On entering upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), ‘Umar saw him "lying on a straw mat," i.e., lying on his side on the straw mat. Another version in the two "Sahīh Collections" reads: "And he was on a straw mat with nothing between him and the mat," i.e., he was lying thereon without any bedding. "Hasīr" (straw mat): a mat made of palm leaf stalks or others things. 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) sat down, so the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) drew up his lower garment over his body to cover it more. "Izār" (lower garment): it is the garment used to cover the lower part of the body. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was not wearing anything except this lower garment. "and the mat had left marks on his side," i.e., it left marks on his side as a result of sleeping on it. 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) looked around, exploring the room where the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was staying and found nothing but a handful - i.e., a pile - of barley equal to one Sā '. Sā‘: it is four Mudds, and one Mudd is equal to an amount that could fill both hands. He found an equal amount of "the leaves of mimosa flava placed in one side of the room," i.e., in one of its sides and at a distance from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). It is said that "Qarazh" (mimosa flava) means: a kind of tree used in tanning leather. "And a semi-tanned leather bag hanging," which is leather that is not yet tanned. All this indirectly indicates the threadbareness of the place where the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was staying and the straitened circumstances he was living in.
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Tears started falling from my eyes," i.e., tears started flowing by way of sympathy for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked him about the reason for his weeping, so ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: "O Prophet of Allah, how could I not weep when this straw mat has left marks on your side and I see nothing in your cabinet except what I see, while Caesar and Khosrau are enjoying fruits and rivers, whereas you are the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and His chosen one and this is your cabinet?!" All this serves as an indirect reference to the bliss that the disbelievers enjoy compared to the conditions of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). What ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) meant is that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the Muslims are more entitled to this bliss than the disbelievers. Khosrau: it is the title of the Persians' king. Caesar: it is the title of the Romans' king. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Ibn al-Khattāb, does it not please you that the Hereafter is for us and the worldly life is for them?" In this way, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) explained to him the logic of the worldly pleasures and that of the Hereafter, as part of Allah's immutable rule regarding His slaves is to make the disbelievers enjoy the worldly pleasures. In contrast, His believing slaves will enjoy the enjoyments of the Hereafter, taking into consideration the contradiction between these two types of pleasures and the believers' eternal abidance in the bliss of Paradise and, on the contrary, the disbelievers' eternal abidance in Hellfire. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Yes" it pleases me, O Messenger of Allah. There were signs of anger on the Prophet's face that ‘Umar noticed the moment he entered, so, ‘Umar said to him: "O Messenger of Allah, what trouble have the women caused you?" He was trying to alleviate the Prophet's sadness and anger. In other words, no trouble will befall you, and you should not care about any of their affairs. "If you had divorced them, verily, Allah is with you, His angels, Jibrīl (Gabriel):" the angel entrusted with the revelation, "Mikā’īl (Michael):" the angel entrusted with the rain and plants, "I, Abu Bakr, and the believers are with you" also with our support and assistance in Da‘wah (call to Allah) and the divine message. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he rarely spoke - thanks be to Allah for this - words except that he hoped Allah would confirm the words he uttered, i.e., he was secretly asking Allah to confirm the soundness of his advice to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) with Qur’an. 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was then informed that the Verse of Choice was revealed to confirm his speech with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). It is the verse where the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave his wives the choice either to remain as his wives or to be divorced and released, as Allah Almighty says: {But if you insist on conspiring against him, then indeed Allah is his Protector, as well as Gabriel and the righteous believers, and moreover, the angels are his supporters. Perhaps, if he were to divorce you all, his Lord would replace you with better wives.} [Surat at-Tahrīm: 4-5] It is said: There is no choice in these verses and mentioning it here is a delusion. In Al-Bukhāri's version, it was reported that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "The Prophet's wives backed each other against him out of jealousy, so, I said to them: Perhaps, if he were to divorce you all, his Lord would replace you with better wives; and so this verse was revealed." The sound opinion here is what was proven in the two Sahīh Collections and others, namely that the Verse of Choice is the verse where Allah Almighty says: {O Prophet, tell your wives, “If you seek the life of this world and its embellishments, then come, I will give you provision and release you graciously. But if you seek Allah and His Messenger and the Final Abode, then Allah has prepared for those who do good among you a great reward.”} [Surat al-Ahzāb: 28-29] It is said: There is a missing "and" probably in his saying: "The Verse of Choice", and the correct view is: "This verse and the Verse of Choice were revealed".
He reported that 'Ā’ishah and Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) used to cooperate against the rest of the Prophet's wives, forming a team together. The cause behind their excessive jealousy was divulging his secret, which made him upset and angry. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), then, asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) if he had divorced his wives, trying to find out the truth about what people were saying in the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) negated divorcing his wives, and 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) informed him of how the people felt sad for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) because of what was circulated about him divorcing his wives. 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), then asked for the Prophet's permission to go down to the people, inform them of the correct news, and clarify the truth for them to rejoice. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) agreed and said to him: "If you wish," i.e. if you like and want to do so.
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he kept talking to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) until there were no more signs of anger on his face and his teeth showed from laughing. "And he had the most charming front teeth of all people." "Thaghr" (front teeth): the mouth and front teeth. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) descended from the attic where he had been staying in seclusion, and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) descended while catching hold of the trunk and resting on it. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went down "as if he was walking on the ground without touching it with his hand," i.e., he did not need to rest on the trunk when coming down due to his strength. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "O Messenger of Allah, you remained in your room for twenty-nine," i.e., there is one day left to complete a month, as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) swore not to have intercourse with his wives for a month. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The month consists of twenty-nine," i.e., this month was twenty-nine days. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) stood at the door of the mosque and called out at the top of his voice: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not divorce his wives", telling and informing the Prophet's Companions that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not divorce his wives contrary to what they had been saying, and this verse was revealed: {Whenever they hear any news of security or fear, they spread it. If they referred it to the Messenger or those in authority among them, those with sound judgment could know it.} [Surat an-Nisā’: 83] When the people said that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had divorced his wives based on no information from anyone and without verifying or checking this out, Allah Almighty blamed them because if they had referred this to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), he would have informed them of the truth about it, or they could have referred it to someone who could ask and find out the truth about it from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "And it was I who drew correct conclusions," i.e., verified this matter and checked it out.
"And Allah Almighty revealed the Verse of Choice," as previously mentioned. In the two Sahīh Collections, it was mentioned that ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: He started with me as the first woman. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I will mention something, but you should only hasten if you consult your parents. She said: Indeed, I know my parents would not order me to leave you." Al-Bukhāri's version reads: "Then, he gave all of his wives the choice, and they said the same as what ‘Ā’ishah had said."
In some narrations in the two Sahīh Collections, the following was reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) kept himself secluded from his wives because of the honey he used to drink in the house of Zaynab bint Jahsh. 'Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "I agreed with Hafsah that the one upon whom the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would enter should say: I can detect the smell of Maghāfīr in you, did you eat Maghāfīr - Maghāfīr: sweet gum that has a foul odor. When he entered upon one of them, she said that to him, and he said: No, but I drank honey in the house of Zaynab bint Jahsh, and I will not drink it again. Thereupon, this verse was revealed: {O Prophet, why do you prohibit [yourself from] what Allah has made lawful to you} to: {You both had better turn to Allah in repentance.} [Surat at-Tahrīm: 1-4] to ‘Ā’ishah and Hafsah, {And [remember] when the Prophet told one of his wives something in secret} [Surat at-Tahrīm: 3], as he said: No, but I drank honey." It is said: The reason is that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had sexual intercourse with his bondmaid Māriyah in the house of Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) and Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) learned about it. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered her not to inform ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). However, Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) revealed the Prophet's secret to ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). It is also said: The reason is the things they did as a whole that enraged the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and not a specific incident.
The Hadīth shows the Prophet's good morals and how he would honor whoever smiled at him by smiling back at him.
It also indicates the manifest merit of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
It points out how a man should advise his daughter and fix her manners towards her husband.
It also signifies that putting a lot of pressure on women is something dispraised.
It encourages favoring the Hereafter by performing acts of obedience, avoiding sins, and refraining from being preoccupied with the pursuit of worldly pleasures..

1480

Abu Is-hāq reported: I was with Al-Aswad ibn Yazīd sitting in the grand mosque, and Ash-Sha‘bi was with us, and he narrated the Hadīth of Fātimah bint Qays: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entitled her to no housing or financial maintenance. Then, Al-Aswad took a handful of pebbles and threw it at him and said: Woe to you! How could you narrate this?! ‘Umar said: We must not abandon the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of our Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on account of a woman's statement. We do not know whether she memorized or forgot. She is entitled to housing and financial maintenance. Allah Almighty says: {Do not force them out of their houses, nor should they leave unless they commit a clear shameful act.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1].

Commentary : Allah has prescribed divorce after sparing no effort in reconciliation between the spouses. He has clarified its rulings and consequences, and He has made it three incidents of divorce so that each of the spouses would reconsider his stance; otherwise, they should be separated after the third incident of divorce, and the woman becomes unlawful for him after that until she is married to another man.
This Hadīth is related to a story mentioned in the two Sahīh Collections and others about the female Companion Fātimah bint Qays (may Allah be pleased with her) who was triply divorced by her husband. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded her to move to the house of Ibn' Umm Maktūm - who was her cousin and was blind - and spend her 'Iddah (waiting period) there. He made her not entitled to financial maintenance for her particular case, as she used to offend her husband's family verbally or because she was in a desolate area and it was feared that someone might assault her; hence, he moved her to the house of Ibn' Umm Maktūm, as he was blind and would not see her. Fātimah bint Qays kept on narrating this Hadīth of hers after the Prophet's death; however, a group of the Companions disapproved of it. The Tābi‘i Abu Is-hāq as-Sabī‘i narrates that he was with Al-Aswad ibn Yazīd an-Nakha‘i - one of the Tābi‘is - in the great mosque, i.e., the grand mosque, which refers to the mosque of Kūfah, while Ash-Sha‘bi - ‘Āmir ibn Sharāhīl one of the Tābi‘is - was narrating the Hadīth of Fātimah bint Qays in this mosque, i.e., giving a legal fatwa based on this Hadīth. In this Hadīth, it is stated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not make Fātimah entitled to housing or financial maintenance after being triply divorced. So, Al-Aswad took a handful of pebbles and threw them at him and said: "Woe to you!", i.e., may Allah afflict you with ruin and destruction. It was a common saying among the Arabs that was not intended as a supplication. "How could you narrate this?!" All this was meant to express Al-Aswad's disapproval of Ash-Sha‘bi's narration of this Hadīth. Then, he informed him that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We must not abandon the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of our Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on account of a woman's statement," i.e., we do not rely on issuing a Fatwa (legal opinion) like this on the Hadīth of Fātimah, given the importance of such a Fatwa, because she might have memorized it in the wrong way or she might have forgotten. Perhaps what ‘Umar meant by the Prophet's Sunnah was what his rulings indicated of adhering to the Book of Allah not a specific Sunnah in this regard. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), then, supported his saying that the triply divorced woman is entitled to housing and financial maintenance in her ‘Iddah by the verse in which Allah Almighty says: {O Prophet, when you [believers] divorce women, divorce them with consideration to their waiting period and keep a precise count of the waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not force them out of their houses, nor should they leave unless they commit a clear shameful act.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1] In other words: O people, fear Allah your Lord and beware of disobeying Him by transgressing His limit; do not force your divorced wives out of their houses, where you made them live before divorce, until their ‘Iddah is over. "Shameful act" here refers to recalcitrance and bad morals. It is said: It means indecency towards her husband's family. It is also said that it means: Unless they commit adultery.
The Hadīth of Fātimah bint Qays was refuted by a group of the Companions, including ‘Umar, ‘Ā’ishah, and others who knew the Sunnah better than Fātimah bint Qays. Some considered the apparent meaning of the Hadīth and, thus, made the triply divorced woman entitled to spend her 'Iddah wherever she chooses without being obliged to spend the night at her ex-husband's house.
The Hadīth shows how a scholar should be corrected, even in his gatherings of knowledge, if he is mistaken.
It also highlights the Companions' keenness on adhering to the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah..

1480

‘Ubaydullah ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Utbah reported: Abu ‘Amr ibn Hafs ibn al-Mughīrah set out along with ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib to Yemen. He sent to his wife, Fātimah bint Qays, one pronouncement of divorce that was still left from her divorce. He commanded Al-Hārith ibn Hishām and ‘Ayyāsh ibn Abi Rabī‘ah to give her alimony. They said to her: By Allah, there is no alimony for you unless you are pregnant. Thereupon, she went to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and informed him of what they had said. He said: There is no alimony for you. She, then, asked his permission to move, and he permitted her. She said: O Messenger of Allah, where? He said: To the house of Ibn ’Umm Maktūm, as he was blind and she could take off her clothes in his presence and he would not see her. When her ‘Iddah (waiting period) was over, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave her in marriage to Usāmah ibn Zayd. Marwān sent Qabīsah ibn Dhu’ayb to ask her about the Hadīth, and she narrated it to him, whereupon Marwān said: We have not heard this Hadīth except from a woman. We shall adopt a safe path that we have found people upon. On hearing what Marwān said, Fātimah said: The Qur’an is between me and you. Allah Almighty says: {Do not force them out of their houses.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1] She said: This is regarding revocable divorce. What happens after the three? Why do you say there is no alimony for her if she is not pregnant? Then, on what grounds do you restrain her?.

Commentary : Allah has prescribed divorce and clarified its rulings and consequences after sparing no effort in reconciliation between the spouses. He has made it three incidents of divorce so that each of the spouses would reconsider their stance; otherwise, they should be separated after the third incident of divorce, and the woman becomes unlawful for him after that until she is married to another man.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i ‘Ubaydullah ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Utbah reports that the Companion Abu ‘Amr ibn Hafs ibn al-Mughīrah (may Allah be pleased with him) set out on a journey along with ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him) to Yemen when the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent him there. Abu ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) sent to his wife Fātimah bint Qays a pronouncement of divorce while traveling. He had previously divorced her twice and had taken her back, and this was the third incident that made the divorce irrevocable. Abu ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) commanded Al-Hārith ibn Hishām and ‘Ayyāsh ibn Abi Rabī‘ah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) to give her alimony. Another version narrated by Muslim reads: "He sent his deputy to her with barley, " but Fātimah declined it because she found it inadequate and did not accept it. They said to her: "By Allah, there is no alimony for you" because you are irrevocably divorced, and alimony is not for someone in your case "unless you are pregnant". In the version of An-Nasā’i: "So, she sent to Al-Hārith and 'Ayyāsh asking them for the alimony that was appointed for her by her husband, and they said: By Allah, no alimony is due on us for her unless she is pregnant, and she is not entitled to live in our house except with our permission." Thereupon, Fātimah went to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and informed him of what they had said, namely that she was not entitled to alimony unless she was pregnant. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) approved of what they had said and said to her: "There is no alimony for you." She then sought the Prophet's permission to move from her house, where she was divorced, as she was afraid for herself. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) permitted her to move to the house of her cousin Ibn' Umm Maktūm as he was blind and would not see her when taking off her clothes. His permission for her to go out is justified by the fact that he permitted her to move for an excuse, namely her indecency towards her husband's relatives or her fear that she might be assaulted, as mentioned in the narrations. However, if there is no need, then it is impermissible for her to go out or move, and it is forbidden to move her. Allah Almighty says: {Do not force them out of their houses, nor should they leave unless they commit a clear shameful act.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1] "Shameful act" here refers to recalcitrance and bad morals. It is said: It means indecency towards her husband's family. It is also said that it means: Unless they commit adultery.
When her 'Iddah was over, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave her in marriage to Usāmah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) for knowing that he was religious, virtuous, had good morals and noble traits.
At that time, Marwān ibn al-Hakam was the ruler of Madīnah. He sent Qabīsah ibn Dhu’ayb to Fātimah (may Allah be pleased with her) to ask about this Hadīth, and she narrated it to him. The reason why Marwān asked her was mentioned in the version of An-Nasā’i: "'Abdullah ibn' Amr ibn' Uthmān, being a young man in the emirate of Marwān, divorced the daughter of Sa‘īd ibn Zayd and her mother was Bint Qays al-Battah. So, her maternal aunt, Fātimah bint Qays, sent to her commanding her to move from the house of 'Abdullah ibn' Amr. When Marwān heard about that, he sent to the daughter of Sa‘īd, commanding her to return to her house and asking her why she moved from her house before completing her 'Iddah." She informed him of the Hadīth of Fātimah, thereupon, Marwān was sent to Fātimah to verify this Hadīth. After hearing her Hadīth, Marwān said: "We have not heard this Hadīth except from a woman," by way of disapproval, and before Marwān, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb and ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) expressed their disapproval of Fātimah's Hadīth. Marwān said: "We shall adopt a safe path that we found people upon," i.e., what is reliable, strong, and authentic and what people held fast upon and adhered to and acted upon. In other words, we shall adopt the opinion that a woman must not leave her house except after her ‘Iddah is over and that there is no alimony for her. On hearing what Marwān said and how he prevented the irrevocably divorced woman from leaving her house under all circumstances, Fātimah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Qur’an is between me and you, Allah Almighty says: {Do not force them out of their houses.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1] Taking this as supporting evidence, she said: This prohibition, which is understood from the first part of the verse, addresses the husband who can take back his wife, i.e., the housing is for the divorced woman whose divorce is revocable, which accords with what Allah Almighty says: {Then when they have approached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honorably or part with them honorably.} [Surat at-Talāq: 2] She said: So, what happens after the three incidents of divorce? How do you prevent her from going out, then, you say: There is no alimony for her unless she is pregnant? Then, on what grounds do you restrain her? She said this as an objection to Marwān, who made the irrevocably divorced woman entitled to housing and prevented her from going out without giving her financial maintenance. To sum up, her objection was: If you do not make the alimony obligatory, how could you prevent her from going out if the alimony is the recompense of being restrained?!.

1481

‘Ā’ishah reported: It is no good for Fātimah to mention this. He said: She was referring to her statement: No housing or financial maintenance..

Commentary : Allah has prescribed divorce for spouses who choose separation after exerting their utmost in reconciliation between them. He has made it three incidents of divorce so that each of the two spouses would reconsider their stance. Otherwise, they would be separated after the third incident of divorce, and she becomes unlawful for him after this until she gets married to another man. Islam has also regulated the rights and duties between spouses after divorce.
In this Hadīth, Muhammad ibn al-Qāsim narrates that when the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was informed of what Fātimah bint Qays had said, namely that her husband had divorced her thrice and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not make her entitled to housing or financial maintenance during her ‘Iddah (waiting period), she said disapprovingly: "It is no good for Fātimah" bint Qays "to mention" and narrate "this" Hadīth to people because it contradicts the explicit texts of the Book of Allah Almighty and the Sunnah of His Messenger (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
A group of the Companions, including ‘Umar, ‘Ā’ishah and others, rejected the Hadīth of Fātimah bint Qays because it contradicts, in their opinion, the verse in which Allah Almighty says: {O Prophet, when you [believers] divorce women, divorce them with concern to their waiting period and keep an accurate count of the waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not force them out of their houses, nor should they leave unless they commit a clear shameful act. Such are the limits ordained by Allah.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1] It is said: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded her to leave her house and spend her 'Iddah in the house of Ibn' Umm Maktūm and did not make her entitled to financial maintenance only because of her special case, as she used to verbally offend her husband's family, or because she was in a desolate place and it was feared that her husband or anyone else might assault her. 'Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) censured her narration..

1482

Fātimah bint Qays reported that she said: "O Messenger of Allah, my husband divorced me thrice, and I am afraid that my house will be broken into." So, he commanded her, and she moved (to another house)..

Commentary : Allah has prescribed divorce for spouses who choose separation after exerting their utmost in attempting reconciliation between them. He has made it three divorces; so that each of the two spouses would reconsider their stance. Otherwise, they would be separated after the third divorce, and she becomes unlawful for him after this until she gets married to another man. Islam has also regulated the rights and duties between spouses after divorce. Allah Almighty has commanded the divorced woman - whether the divorce is revocable or irrevocable - to spend the ‘Iddah (waiting period) in her house. Allah Almighty says: {O Prophet, when you [believers] divorce women, divorce them with concern to their waiting period and keep an accurate count of the waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not force them out of their houses, nor should they leave unless they commit a clear shameful act. Such are the limits ordained by Allah.} [Surat at-Talāq: 1]
In this Hadīth, Fātimah bint Qays (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that she came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and said: "O Messenger of Allah, my husband divorced me thrice," so the divorce was irrevocable and final. "And I am afraid that my house will be broken into" during her stay in his house for her ‘Iddah. "Iqtihām" (breaking into): entering quickly. This means: She was afraid that someone would enter upon her and harm her because she was in a desolate place. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded her to leave that place and she went to the house of her paternal cousin, Ibn ’Umm Maktūm, because he was blind, and she could take off her clothes without him seeing her. Since she did not spend her ‘Iddah in her husband's house, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not make her entitled to habitation or financial sustenance during her ‘Iddah..

1483

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah reported: My maternal aunt was divorced, and she wanted to harvest her date palm trees. A man rebuked her for going out, so she went to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) who said: "Yes, go out and harvest your date palm trees, for you may give (some of it) in charity or do a good deed.".

Commentary : The Islamic Shariah has brought facilitation and goodness to people. It takes into consideration their conditions when carrying out the Shariah rulings to prevent them from falling into difficulty or distress.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) narrates that his maternal aunt - it was said: her name is Asmā’ - was irrevocably divorced, as mentioned in the version of Abu Dāwūd: "My maternal aunt was divorced thrice." She wanted to go out, during her ‘Iddah (waiting period), to collect the fruits from her date palm trees; however, a man rebuked her and forbade her from going out until her ‘Iddah was over. She went to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to ask him. She informed him of what had happened and of her condition and her need for harvesting her date palm trees and asked him if it was permissible for her to go out of her house during her ‘Iddah due to this necessity. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessing be upon him) replied saying: "Yes," and the version of Abu Dāwūd reads: "Go out," and collect your fruits, for perhaps after collecting the fruit of your date palm trees you may give part of it in charity to the poor and the needy "or do a good deed." "Ma‘rūf" (good deed): a comprehensive name including every known act of obeying Allah and doing good to people. This is an explanation of permitting the act of going out, even though it came in the form of notifying and urging her to do good. Moreover, he permitted her to go out due to her need to look after her interests, her date palm trees, and her properties as understood from the apparent indication of the beginning of the Hadīth.
Perhaps the difference between charity and a good deed is that the former refers to obligatory charity, while the latter refers to voluntary charity. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said this to her only because he knew that she was a charitable person, who used to do good deeds frequently, or he answered her with what would guide her to charity and voluntary charity, and this denotes obvious kindness and wisdom.
The Hadīth implies guiding the questioner to what is good for him in his religion and worldly matters and adding to the response what the questioner needs.
It also indicates the permissibility of going out for the divorced woman during her ‘Iddah for a necessity and for fulfilling her interests that she cannot dispense with.
It denotes the permissibility of being keen on preserving wealth and acquiring it to do good and use it in consoling others.
It also indicates that charity in dates is to be given at the time of their harvest, and gifting others therefrom.
It also includes giving an indirect reference to the dates' owner to give charity and reminding him of good deeds and beneficence..

1493

Sa‘īd ibn Jubayr reported: I was asked about the two who swore the oath of condemnation during the governance of Mus‘ab; should they be separated? I did not know what to say, so I went to Ibn ‘Umar's house in Makkah. I said to the servant: Seek permission for me. He said: He is taking a nap; but he heard my voice and said: Is this Ibn Jubayr? I said: Yes. He said: Come in. By Allah, you have not come at this time except for a need. I entered and found him lying on a saddlecloth and resting his head on a fibre-filled pillow. I said: O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmān, should the two involved in a case of Li‘ān (oath of condemnation) be separated? He said: Glory be to Allah! Yes. The first one who asked about this was so-and-so, the son of so-and-so. He said: O Messenger of Allah, what if any of us found his wife committing adultery? What should he do? If he were to say anything, his statement would be a horrible matter, and if he were to remain silent, his silence about the matter would also be terrible. He said: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) kept silent and did not answer him. Later on, he came to him and said: I have been afflicted with what I asked you about. Thereupon, Allah Almighty revealed these verses of Surat an-Nūr: {As for those who accuse their wives [of adultery]} [Surat an-Nūr: 6] So, he recited them to him, admonished and reminded him, and informed him that the worldly punishment is less severe than the punishment of the Hereafter. He said: No, by the One Who sent you with the truth I did not lie about her. Then, he called her, admonished and reminded her and informed her that the worldly punishment is less severe than the punishment of the Hereafter. She said: No, by the One Who sent you with the truth, he is a liar. So, he started with the man who testified four times by Allah that he was truthful and the fifth time that the curse of Allah would be upon him if he were a liar. Then, the woman came next, and she testified four times by Allah that he was a liar and the fifth time that Allah's wrath would be upon her if he were truthful. Then, he separated the two of them..

Commentary : The noble Shariah has clarified the rulings of marriage between the man and the woman and has explained the rulings of the husband's accusation of his wife for committing adultery without evidence and the consequent practice of Li‘ān, besides other rulings of separation, to protect lineages, repel shame from the spouses, and ward off the legally prescribed punishment of Qadhf (false accusation of adultery).
In this Hadīth, the great Tābi‘i Sa‘īd ibn Jubayr tells us that he was asked about the ruling of the two involved in Li‘ān - when a husband accuses his wife of adultery and denies the attribution of her child to himself and the woman negates this, they are required to practice Li‘ān (oath of condemnation) - should they be separated? He did not know what to say and was not aware of the ruling in this regard, and this was during the governance of Mus‘ab ibn az-Zubayr, who was the ruler of Iraq. Mus‘ab did not separate the spouses who practiced Li‘ān, as clarified in another version of Muslim.
Sa‘īd said: "So, I went to the house of Ibn ‘Umar in Makkah" showing that it was a different house than that in Madīnah. It seems that it was the house of Ibn ‘Umar where he stayed when going to Makkah for Hajj or ‘Umrah, and it seems also that Sa‘īd traveled from Kūfah to Makkah. On reaching the house of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), he asked the boy, Ibn ‘Umar's servant, to seek permission for him to enter. The servant informed him that Ibn ‘Umar was taking a nap, it was noontime and midday. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) heard the voice of Ibn Jubayr and recognized him and asked: Is this Ibn Jubayr who is asking for permission? Ibn Jubayr replied: Yes, I am Sa‘īd ibn Jubayr. So, he permitted him to enter and said: "By Allah, you have not come at this time except for a need." This signifies the understanding and modesty of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) and how he did not make things difficult for whoever needed him during his rest, knowing that the one who would come to him during his rest had only come for a necessity; hence, he should not be upset with him; rather, he should receive him with a cheerful face. Ibn Jubayr entered upon Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) and found him lying on a "saddlecloth," a cloth laid on an animal's back under the saddle, and he was resting his head on a pillow, which is a cushion, and it was filled with fiber, i.e., tree or palm cortex.
Then, Sa‘īd ibn Jubayr said: "O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmān," which is the nickname of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar, and he asked him: Should the two involved in a case of Li‘ān be separated? Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) said: "Glory be to Allah! Yes." Ibn ‘Umar glorified Allah to express his surprise that Sa‘īd ibn Jubayr was unaware of this famous ruling. Ibn ‘Umar then said: "The first one who asked about this," i.e., the first one who asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about what you asked me about "was so-and-so the son of so-and-so," who was ‘Uwaymir al-‘Ajlāni as mentioned in another version in Sahīh Muslim Collection: "The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) separated between the two members of Banu al-‘Ajlān." He asked: O Messenger of Allah, tell me about the ruling of one who found his wife committing adultery; what should he do in such a situation? If he spoke about what he had seen, "his statement would be a horrible matter" that people would find disgusting. It would be Qadhf (false accusation of adultery) that entails flogging as a legally prescribed punishment in case he brought no evidence. "And if he were to remain silent" and did not speak about what he had seen, his silence about the matter would also be horrible and an unbearable feeling of anger. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) remained silent and did not answer the man's question, waiting for the revelation and considering this a serious issue. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would hate questions about things that did not occur. This man who asked the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came back after some time and said: O Messenger of Allah, "I have been afflicted by" the matter I had asked you about, i.e., I have been afflicted and tested in this regard, as I saw my wife committing adultery. Thereupon, Allah Almighty revealed verses of Surat an-Nūr: {As for those who accuse their wives [of adultery] but have no witnesses except themselves, then the evidence of one of them is to testify four times by Allah that he is telling the truth, and the fifth [oath] is that may Allah curse him if he is telling a lie. But she will be spared the punishment if she testifies four times by Allah that he is telling a lie, and the fifth [oath] is that may Allah’s wrath be upon her if he is telling the truth.} [Surat an-Nūr: 6-9] This means: That Men who accuse their wives without having witnesses besides their own selves to testify to the truthfulness of their accusation, each of them should testify four times by Allah: that he is telling the truth about accusing his wife of adultery, then, in the fifth testimony, he should add the supplication against himself of being worthy of curse if he was lying about his accusation, which makes her subject to the legal prescribed punishment of adultery. What spares her this punishment is to testify four times by Allah that he is lying about accusing her, then, in her fifth testimony, she should add the supplication against herself of being liable to Allah's wrath if he was telling the truth about what he accuses her of.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) recited these verses to the man and admonished him in the hope that he might take back his accusation "and reminded him" to repent, telling him that the worldly punishment - which is the legally prescribed punishment of Qadhf - is less severe and much easier than the punishment of the Hereafter. However, the man said: "No" I shall not take back what I said because it is true, and he swore, saying: By the One Who sent you with the truth, I did not lie about her by accusing her of adultery and immorality. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) called the woman and admonished her to repent in case she had sinned. He reminded and informed her that the worldly punishment - which is the prescribed punishment of adultery, i.e., being stoned - is less severe and much easier than the punishment of the Hereafter. However, the woman swore that her husband was lying in his claim against her. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded both of them to swear the oath of condemnation. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) started with the man since Allah Almighty started with him in the verse. The man swore four times by Allah that he was telling the truth about what he accused her of, and in the fifth testimony, he invoked the curse upon himself if he was a liar. Then, it was the woman's turn. So, she swore four times by Allah that her husband was lying about his claim against her by accusing her of adultery and immorality, and in the fifth, she supplicated against herself invoking Allah's wrath upon her if her husband was truthful in what he said. So, none of them admitted the truthfulness of the other. Hence, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) separated between them. One of the rulings of Li‘ān is that if each of the spouses insists on what he said, then, they should not be united after Li‘ān and their marriage is invalidated.
The Hadīth clarifies the ruling of Li‘ān and its manner.
It points out how the sinner should be admonished and reminded of repentance..

1495

‘Abdullah reported: It was Friday night, and we were in the mosque when a man from the Ansār (supporters) came and said: If a man found another man with his wife and he speaks about it, you will flog him; or if he kills, you will kill him; and if he remains silent, he will remain silent in anger. By Allah, I will surely ask the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about it. On the next day, he came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and asked him saying: If a man found another man with his wife and he speaks about it, you will flog him; or if he kills, you will kill him; or if he remains silent, he will remain silent in anger. He said: O Allah, judge; and he kept supplicating, so the verse of Li‘ān (oath of condemnation) was revealed: {As for those who accuse their wives [of adultery] but have no witnesses except themselves} [Surat an-Nūr: 6], these verses. This man, of all people, was afflicted with this. So, he came with his wife to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and swore the oath of condemnation. The man testified four times by Allah that he was from the truthful, then, the fifth time he invoked a curse that Allah's curse be upon him if he was from the liars. She went to invoke a curse, but the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to her: Stop. However, she refused and invoked a curse. After they had both left, he said: Perhaps she will give birth to a curly-haired black child, and she gave birth to a curly-haired black child..

Commentary : The Shariah has clarified the rulings of marriage between the man and the woman and has explained the rulings of the husband's accusation of his wife for committing adultery without evidence and the consequent practice of Li‘ān, besides other rulings of separation, to protect lineages, repel shame from the spouses, and ward off the legally prescribed punishment of Qadhf (false accusation of adultery).
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that they were in the Prophet's mosque on Friday night when a man from the Ansār - the people of Madīnah - came. It was Hilāl ibn ’Umayyah, and it is said: ‘Uwaymir al-‘Ajlāni. He said: "If a man found another man with his wife," i.e., he saw her committing adultery with him. If "he speaks" about it, "you will flog him" inflicting on him the legally prescribed punishment of Qadhf for having no witnesses, and if "he kills" the adulterer, "you will kill him" by way of legal retribution. "And if he remains silent" and does nothing, "he will remain silent in anger," i.e., anger and hatred for her. It seems that the man's speech was before the revelation of the verses of Li‘ān and it also seems that it was a mere question posed by that man at that time, not a real incident that had already occurred. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to hate such questions as mentioned in the Hadīth of Sahl ibn Sa‘d in the two Sahīh Collections.
Then, this man swore to ask the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about this matter. On the next day - the next morning - the man went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asking about what was previously mentioned. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) supplicated: "O Allah, judge," i.e., clarify to us the ruling in this regard, and he continued supplicating Allah Almighty to clarify this incident, so, the verses of Li‘ān were revealed. These are the verses in which Allah Almighty says: {As for those who accuse their wives [of adultery] but have no witnesses except themselves, then the evidence of one of them is to testify four times by Allah that he is telling the truth, and the fifth [oath] is that may Allah curse him if he is telling a lie. But she will be spared the punishment if she testifies four times by Allah that he is telling a lie, and the fifth [oath] is that may Allah’s wrath be upon her if he is telling the truth.} [Surat an-Nūr: 6-9] This means: Men who accuse their wives without having witnesses besides their own selves to testify to the truthfulness of their accusation, each of them should swear four times by Allah that he is telling the truth about accusing his wife of adultery. Then, in the fifth testimony, he should add the supplication against himself of being worthy of condemnation if he is lying about his accusation, which makes her subject to the legally prescribed punishment of adultery. What spares her of this punishment is to testify four times by Allah that he is lying about accusing her. Then, in her fifth testimony, she should add the supplication against herself of being liable for Allah's wrath if he is telling the truth about what he accuses her of.
Among all people, this man was afflicted by the occurrence of what he asked about to his wife. So, he accompanied his wife to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). They both swore the oath of condemnation, i.e., the man testified four times by Allah that he was telling the truth, and then, the fifth time, he invoked the curse of Allah upon himself if he was lying. This is because testimony in an adultery case is not complete except with four witnesses, but this case was witnessed by none except the husband; hence, he was assigned four testimonies so that each oath would replace a witness, as an oath could sometimes replace a witness like when someone is entitled to some right but has one witness only. In this case, the Shariah considers his oath in place of the witness. After completing the four testimonies that replace the four witnesses, nothing is left after the testimony of the four witnesses in adultery against the married person, as in this case, except stoning, which is death. There is nothing left after taking the oath of condemnation four times except the curse of Allah Almighty or His wrath, which also indicates death (ruin). The woman, then, went to swear the oath of condemnation, but the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to her: "Stop," a word meant here to deter her, i.e., refrain and take your time. However, she refused to stop or be dissuaded from completing Li‘ān. Hence, she took her part in Li‘ān. When the two parties swore the oath of condemnation and went away after finishing their testimonies, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Perhaps she will give birth to" the baby in her womb, and he will be "a curly-haired black child," i.e., not straight-haired, which was the description of the one she was accused of committing adultery with. It is as if the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) most likely believed that she was lying, and the child she gave birth to was just as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had described.
The Hadīth clarifies that the ruling of Li‘ān, in principle, is to take place between the man and his wife if he accuses her of adultery and has no witness but himself.
It also points out that things must be judged according to what is apparent, whereas Allah Almighty is the One Who judges the intentions.
It explains how Li‘an must take place in the presence of the Imam or the judge and in the presence of an assembly of people.
It shows the condition that makes Li‘ān obligatory, which is the woman's denial of committing adultery because if she admits it, Li‘ān becomes impermissible and she becomes subject to the legally prescribed punishment.
It also signifies that it is Sunnah for the ruler to admonish the two persons involved in Li‘ān when intending to swear the oath of condemnation, which becomes confirmed after the fifth time..

1496

Muhammad ibn Sīrīn reported: I asked Anas ibn Mālik, knowing that he had knowledge of that, and he said: Hilāl ibn ’Umayyah accused his wife of committing adultery with Sharīk ibn Sahmā’, the brother of Al-Barā’ ibn Mālik from his mother's side. He was the first man who practiced Li‘ān (oath of condemnation) in Islam. He swore oaths of Li‘ān against his wife, so the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Watch her, if she gives birth to a white-complexioned child having straight hair and sore eyes, he is the son of Hilāl ibn ’Umayyah, but if she gives birth to a child with dark eyelids, curly hair, and thin shanks, then he is the son of Sharīk ibn Sahmā’." He (the narrator) said: I was informed that she gave birth to a child with dark eyelids, curly hair, and thin shanks..

1498

Abu Hurayrah reported: Sa‘d ibn ‘Ubādah al-Ansāri said: O Messenger of Allah, what if a man finds his wife with another man? Should he kill him? The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: No. Sa‘d said: Yes, by the One Who honored you with the truth. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: Listen to what your master is saying!.

1502

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said about the slave whose ownership is shared between two men and one of them emancipates him, he said: He should guarantee..

Commentary : The Shariah has protected all rights including the partners' rights. It has forbidden any kind of offense practiced by one partner against the other. This Hadīth clarifies that when two people own a slave jointly and one of them emancipates his share of that slave, this entails emancipating the rest of the slave. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "He should guarantee," it meant that the emancipator should guarantee his partner's share of the slave whom he emancipated, i.e., he is financially responsible for securing the complete freedom of that slave. In the Two Sahīh Collections: "But if he has no money, the slave will be required to work to pay for his freedom, but must not be overburdened." So, it made it clear that if the emancipator is poor and has no money to free the rest of the slave, he remains in slavery and is required to work for his freedom and to pay for the share of the partner who did not emancipate him. However, he should not be assigned tasks that are hard for him or beyond his ability..

Book of Hadith

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