| 2 Hadiths


Hadith
955
It is narrated on the authority of al-Baraa ibn ‘Azib(may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet ﷺ delivered a sermon after offering the ‘Eid prayer in which he ﷺ said, "Whoever offered the prayer like us and slaughtered his sacrificial animal like us then his sacrifice will be accepted by Allah. Whoever slaughtered his sacrifice before the `Eid prayer, then he has not done the sacrifice." Abu Burdah ibn Niyar, the maternal uncle of al-Bara' said, "O Allah's Messenger! I have slaughtered my sheep before the `Eid prayer as I thought today is [not a day to fast but rather] a day of eating and drinking, thus, I liked that my sheep be the first to be slaughtered in my house. I slaughtered my sheep and I ate before coming for the prayer." The Prophet ﷺ said, "The sheep which you have slaughtered is [deemed] a mutton [as it does not qualify as a sacrifice]." Abu Burdah said, "O Allah's Messenger! I have a young she-goat which is dearer to me than two sheep. Will that be sufficient as a sacrifice on my behalf? "The Prophet ﷺ said, "Yes, it will be sufficient for you, but it will not be sufficient as a sacrifice for anyone else after you."
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ taught us the requisites of the ‘Eid holidays, its recommended actions, and its etiquette. From amongst [all of] these are: the time of the prayer and how to perform it on the Day of the Sacrifice [i.e., ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa], and the time of slaughtering the sacrificial animal. The sacrifice is a religious ritual from amongst the [various] Islamic religious rites. It is an appointed act of worship by means of a [set] time, which is not permissible [to do] before or after its appointed time.

In this hadeeth, al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib(may Allah be pleased with them) reports that the Prophet ﷺdelivered the sermon of ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa after the conclusion of the prayer, and not before it.He ﷺelucidated for the people by highlighting that whosoever prayed the ‘Eid prayer with the Muslims, and then slaughtered their sacrificial animal after the prayer - then they have fulfilled the prescribed act of worship for which the reward of the sacrifice is prescribed. As for whoever slaughtered the sacrificial animal before the prayer, then the slaughtered animal is not deemed as a sacrifice, meaning, he is not given the reward of the sacrifice. Then, Abu Burdah ibn Niyaar - the maternal uncle of al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib(may Allah be pleased with them) - stood up and mentioned that he slaughtered his sheep before the prayer, explaining that ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa is a day of eating and drinking, that he wanted his sheep to be the first thing to be slaughtered at his home; and that he ate from it before coming to the prayer. Thereafter, the Prophet ﷺ answered him by stating that: the sheep which he slaughtered was nothing more than meat and it would not be deemed as a valid sacrifice; thus, there was no reward from doing so. But rather, it is a mere slaughtering for the purpose of eating that has nothing to do with the prescribed act of worship.

Then, Abu Burdah mentioned that he owned nothing other than an ʿanaaqah [i.e., she-goat]. In juxtaposition to the jadhʿah [which] is less than a year in age. It is said: al-Ijdhaaʿ is a duration of time [which] does not last a year from birth, nor surpasses it; thus, it is a name for the offspring of a goat when it strengthens [in maturity]. Abu Burdah explained that he owned nothing except a jadhʿah, [a type] of goat. However, according to him, it was better and more beloved to him than two sheep due to its abundance of meat and high price. For this reason, he asked the Prophetﷺ , “Will that jadhʿah suffice for the sacrifice?” To which, the Prophet ﷺpermitted for him the slaughter of his jadhʿah because he owned nothing else and answered him by stating that it suffices for him alone and does not suffice for anyone from the Muslims after him. This is an indication that the jadhʿah which is less than one year in age does not suffice as a sacrificial animal, whereas the goat which is two years or older does. The age that suffices for the goat to be worthy of sacrificing should have at least lived one year and has entered into the second.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is the virtue of Abu Burdah(may Allah be pleased with him).

It teaches us to hasten to do good deeds and compete with others in this regard. It indicates that the way of the Prophet ﷺ is one of ease and moderation..

956
Abu Saʿeed al-Khudree(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated The Prophet ﷺ used to proceed to the Musallaa on the days of ‘Eid al-Fitr and ‘Eid al-Adhaa. The first thing to begin with there was the prayer and after that he would stand in front of the people and the people would keep sitting in their rows. Then he would preach, advise, and give them orders. Afterwards, if he wished to send an army for an expedition, he would do so; or if he wanted to give an order, he would do so, and then depart. Abu Saʿeed al-Khudree added, the people followed this tradition till I went out with Marwan, the Governor of Medina, for the prayer of
Eid al-Adha or ‘Eid al-Fitr. When we reached the Musalla, there was a pulpit made by Kathir ibn As-Salt. Marwan wanted to get up on that pulpit before the prayer, but I got hold of his clothes [to stop him]. However, he pulled them and ascended the pulpit and delivered the sermon before the prayer. I said to him, "By Allah, you have changed (the Prophet's tradition)." He replied, "O Abu Saʿeed! Gone is that which you know." I said, "By Allah! What I know is better than what I do not know." Marwan said, "People do not sit to listen to our sermon after the prayer, thus, I delivered it before the prayer.".

Commentary : The Companions of the Prophet ﷺ would enjoin the good and forbid the wrongdoing and reprehensible. They were firm and upheld the truth without making any compromise, spoke the truth without fearing the blame of the blamers.

In this hadeeth, Abu Saʿeed al-Khudree(may Allah be pleased with him) clarifies the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ with regards to the prayer of the two ‘Eids, explaining the order of events. He states that on the ‘Eids of al-Fiṭr and Al-Aḍhaa, he ﷺ used to set out towards the Musallaa, which is a wide and spacious place، and a well-known locality in al-Madeenah which is about 1000 cubits (The Arabic word dhirāʿ is a unit of measurement which is pretty close to that of a cubit. The average cubit is 0.5 meters. This means the approximate distance here is close to 450 - 500 meters) from the entrance of the masjid.

The first thing that he ﷺ began with was the offering the ‘Eid prayer, then he ﷺ would stand up facing the people to deliver the sermon all the while the people would [remain] seated in their places. During the ‘Eid sermon he ﷺ would admonish, advise, and give the people orders. If he ﷺ wanted to dispatch an army or a troop to a region of the outlying areas [for a mission], he ﷺ would dispatch them accordingly.

Then, Abu Saʿeed mentioned that the people persisted in that manner until Muʿaawiyah(may Allah be pleased with him) appointed Marwaan ibn al-Hakam as a governor over al-Madeenah.

When the ‘Eid of Al-Aḍhaa or al-Fiṭr came, Abu Saʿeed(may Allah be pleased with him) set out with Marwaan to the Musallaa. Then, he saw a pulpit that was built by the famous taabiʿee, Katheer ibn al-Salt al-Kindĩ. Thereafter, Marwaan intended to ascend the pulpit so that he could deliver the ‘Eid sermon before the performance of the prayer. Abu Saʿeed did no more than pull upon the garment of Marwaan forcibly, attempting to prevent him from doing as such. However, Marwaan did not respond to him, and proceeded towards delivering the sermon before the performance of the ‘Eid prayer.

Then, Abu Saʿeed(may Allah be pleased with him) spoke harshly towards him because his actions changed the sunnah [the practice that had been established by the Prophet ﷺ and the people thereafter.] Subsequently, he (may Allah be pleased with him) swore that which he knows is good, because it is the way of the Prophet ﷺ. So, how can it be other than good, [if] it is from him ﷺ?!

Afterwards, Marwaan claimed that his actions were good because the conditions had changed - and that the people did not sit to listen to his Eid sermon after the conclusion of the Eid prayer. For that reason, he delivered the sermon before the prayer so that he could obligate them to listen to it.

This gives us the impression that Marwaan did that as he believed it is a matter that is open to ijtihaad (i.e., exercising an independent judgement), and that he changed the action[s] of the Prophet ﷺ - with beginning with the performance of the prayer, and then the deliverance of the sermon - to his own on the basis of precedence. He advanced a reason for leaving the foregoing in [exchange] to what he mentioned earlier regarding the change in the people’s condition. He discerned that the adherence to the basis of the sunnah - which [when applied here refers to] listening to the sermon - is more important than the observance of a position that is not a condition [for its validity]. However, Abu Saʿeed (ay Allah be pleased with him) understood the actions of the Prophet ﷺ and their sequence as being fixed and not subject to change. Nonetheless, he neither left off the prayer nor refrained from listening to the sermon.

From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that the ‘Eid prayer should be performed outdoor, and not in a masjid, except out of necessity.

It teaches us that the Prophet delivered the sermon at the Musallaa on the two ‘Eids while standing.

It shows us that we should constantly enjoin the good and forbid the prohibited - even if the one to condemn is a person of authority or a ruler.

This hadeeth shows us that it is prescribed to use the pulpit for the purpose of delivering the sermon of ‘Eid and explains that the person delivering the sermon should stand facing the people.

Lastly, it indicates the permissibility of a person’s oath toward the truth in what they convey.

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957
‘Abdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ used to offer the prayer of `Eid al-Adhaa and `Eid al-Fitr, and then deliver the sermon after the prayer..

Commentary : The Prayer of ‘Eid has requisites, recommended actions, and etiquettes that the Prophet ﷺ always ensured to perform. His noble Companions transmitted his traditions and the way he performed them for us.

In this hadeeth, Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased the both of them) reports that the way of the Prophet ﷺ handled the prayer of the two ‘Eids was to: deliver the sermon after the prayer, as opposed to the Friday prayer, in which the sermon precedes the prayer, and that sermon of ‘Eid consists of two parts, similar to that of the [ones] delivered on Friday.

The sermon is legislated on Fridays, ‘Eids, and [other] occasions for many reasons. One of them is that the people learn about the matters of religion and worldly affairs. For this reason, whenever the Imaam ascends on to the pulpit, he should make it his goal to teach the people and instruct them - especially on religious correlations that coincide with that sermon. This is based on the report that al-Bukhaaree recorded about the description of the sermon of the Prophet ﷺaccording to Abu Saʿeed al-Khudree(may Allah be pleased with him). In this report, he explained that the first thing that he ﷺ began with was the performance of the ‘Eid prayer. Then, after he finished the prayer, he ﷺ turned towards the people, and stood up facing the congregation. The people would [remain] seated in their rows as he ﷺ delivered the sermon to them, during which he admonished, advised, and gave them orders.  .

959
ʿAṭaa’ ibn AbeeRabaah reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas sent [a message] to Ibn Zubair at the commencement of the oath of allegiance to him (for Caliphate saying): As there is no Adhan on 'Eid-ul-Fitr, so you should not pronounce it. Ibn Zubair did not pronounce Adhan on that day. He (Ibn 'Abbaas) also sent him (with this message) that the sermon (is to be delivered) after the prayer, and thus it was done. So, lbn Zubair observed the prayer before the sermon..

Commentary : The Prayer of ‘Eid has requisites, recommended actions, and etiquettes. which the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ learned from him ﷺ, and they conveyed them to [those] who came after them - like what is [reported] in this hadeeth.

The ṭaabiʿee, ʿAṭaa’ ibn AbeeRabaah, reports that ʿAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) sent a message to ʿAbdullah ibn al-Zubayr(may Allah be pleased with them) at the onset of when he was acknowledged with homage as the Caliph - which was in the year 64 A.H., after the death of Yazeed ibn Muʿaawiyah. In the message, ʿAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) informed him [about] the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ regarding the prayer of the two ‘Eids, [by stating] that the adhaan was not called for the prayer of ‘Eid al-Fiṭr in the time of the Prophet ﷺ; and that the sermon of ‘‘Eid was delivered after the prayer.

The description of this sermon is mentioned in the report that al-Bukhaaree narrates on the authority of Abu Saʿeed al-Khudree(may Allah be pleased with him), which is that the first thing that the Prophet ﷺ began with what was the performance of the ‘Eid prayer. Then, he stood up and turned towards the people, facing them. The people would remain seated in their rows as he ﷺ delivered the sermon to them, during which he would admonish and advise them, and give them orders.

The Eid prayer does not have an adhaan or iqaamah, nor are there any sunnah prayers to be performed before or after it. It is performed at a Musallaa, which is an open land that is wide and spacious.



This hadeeth shows the avidity of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) in guiding the caliphs and governors towards the way of the Prophet ﷺ and his sunnah - and explaining it to them.
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961
Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah(may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet ﷺ stood up on the day of ‘Eid al-Fitr and started by offering the ‘Eid prayer. Then, after he commenced the prayer, he delivered the ‘Eid sermon. After he ﷺ had finished (the sermon) he descended the pulpit [stairs] and made his way to the women and exhorted them (to do good deeds). He exhorted them while he was leaning on the hand of Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) who had stretched his cloth in which women were throwing alms. I (one of the narrators) asked 'Ata' (the other narrator): “Do you think it is incumbent upon the Imaam [to go] and turn his attention towards the women and exhort them [to do good deeds]?” He said: “Why not! Indeed, it is right for them (to do so).”
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Commentary : The Prayer of ‘Eid has requisites, recommended actions, and etiquettes. which the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ learned from him ﷺ, and then conveyed them to us.

In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ʿAbdullah(may Allah be pleased with them) reports that on the ‘Eid day, the Prophet ﷺ began with the prayer without an adhaan or iqaamah. Then, after the completion of the prayer, he delivered the sermon and admonished them like he ﷺ did for the sermons on Fridays - except that [in this case] the sermon was after the prayer and not before it.

Afterwards, he ﷺ turned towards the women and devoted his attention to them by preaching and admonishing them so that they may give alms. He ﷺ did this while supporting his weight upon the hand of Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) and leaning on it to hold him ﷺ up. Meanwhile, Bilal spread out his garment so that he could collect the alms from them. Thereafter, the Prophet ﷺ distributed it amongst those in need, like what his custom was with voluntary charities and zakaat.

ʿAbd al-Maalik ibn Jurayj asked his shaykh - ʿAṭaa’ ibn AbeeRabaah - a narrator of this hadeeth who reported it from Jaabir(may Allah be pleased with them): “Do you think it is incumbent upon the Imaam [to go] and turn his attention towards the women and exhort them?” ʿAṭaa’ stated that it is indeed incumbent upon the Imaams to exhort the women on the day of ‘Eid - and that there is nothing preventing the Imaams from doing so, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that women should be segregated and away from men when they attend the prayers of men and their congregations. This practise is done as a precaution, out of fear of temptation [that may rise] against them.

This hadeeth teaches us that the ‘Eid prayer is performed before the ‘Eid sermon, and that it is permissible for the scholar to teach women Islamic knowledge and exhort them in women’s only classes. .

962
ʿAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) related: “I offered the ‘Eid Prayer with Allah's Messenger ﷺ, Abu Bakr, `Umar, and `Uthmaan. All of them offered the prayer before delivering the ‘Eid sermon.”.

Commentary : The Prayer of ‘Eid has requisites, recommended actions, and etiquettes, which the Prophet ﷺ always ensured to perform. All of that was narrated to us through the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).

In this hadeeth, ʿAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) reports that he was present and performed the ‘Eid prayer with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, Abu Bakr, ʿUmar, and ʿUthmaan(may Allah be pleased with them) - and each in [their own] time while they served as Caliphs. He confirms that all of them prayed the ‘Eid prayer before the ‘Eid sermon.

The statement of Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) is a clear evidence that the Prayer of ‘Eid preceded the sermon. The Prophet ﷺ pursued this practice diligently and was observed by the Rightly Guided Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them) and [those] after him ﷺ, and they continued this practice thereafter.

The sermon of ‘Eid consists of two parts, with a break between the two of them - like the sermon delivered on Friday.

The sermon is legislated on Fridays, ‘Eids, and [other] occasions for many reasons. One of them is that the people learn about the matters of religion and worldly affairs. For this reason, whenever the Imaam ascends on to the pulpit, he should make it his goal to teach the people and instruct them - especially on religious correlations that coincide with that sermon. This is based on the report that al-Bukhaaree recorded about the description of the sermon of the Prophet ﷺ according to Abu Saʿeed al-Khudree(may Allah be pleased with him). In this report, he explained that the first thing that he ﷺ began with was the performance of the ‘Eid prayer, then after he finished the prayer, he ﷺ turned towards the people, and stood up facing the congregation. The people would [remain] seated in their rows as he ﷺ delivered the sermon to them, during which he admonished, advised, and gave them orders.

From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is the eagerness of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them) towards preserving and implementing the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ..

964
Ibn `Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ performed a two-units-prayer on the Day of ‘Eid al-Fiṭr and he did not perform any prayer before or after it. Then, he went towards the women along with Bilal and instructed them to pay alms and so they started giving their earrings and necklaces in charity..

Commentary : The Prayer of ‘Eid has requisites, recommended actions, and etiquettes, that the Prophet ﷺ always ensured to perform. His noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated all of that for us, as they saw and learned them from the Prophet ﷺ.

In this hadeeth, ʿAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) reports on the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ regarding the prayer of ‘Eid al-Fiṭr. He relates that the Prophet ﷺ performed a two-units prayer for the ‘Eid prayer without performing any sunnah prayers before or after it. After, he ﷺ delivered a general sermon to the people [present], like what is mentioned in the other reports.

Then, he ﷺ, with Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him), went towards the women and reminded and exhorted them - so that they may give alms. Thereupon, they became moved by his reminder and words and began to toss from what money and goods they had with them. So [many of] the women tossed their earrings (al-khurs) and necklaces (al-sikhaab).

[On] al-khurs: [the word is written and pronounced] with a dammah [or a] kesrah on the letter khaa’. The pendant [of the earring] is a single bead. It was said that the link [for it] is made of gold or silver.

[On] al-Sikhaab: [it is] a thread with beads strung on it that is worn by boys and girls. It was [also] said [that] it is a necklace that was made of carnation, cloves, and the like; and nothing on it is made of pearls, gems, gold, and silver. It was also said that it refers to every necklace, whether it is comprised of gems or not.

The Prophet ﷺ gathered the alms for the purpose of distributing it amongst those in need; like what his custom was with voluntary charities and zakaat.

From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that when women attend the prayers of men and their congregations, they should be separated from the men as a precaution - out of fear of temptation [that may rise] against them, [or] they be looked upon unnecessarily, or the like.

It shows us that it is permissible for the male scholar to teach women Islamic knowledge and exhort them in women’s only classes..

966
Narrated Sa`id bin Jubair: I was with Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) when a spear head pierced the sole of his foot causing his foot to be stuck to the paddle of the saddle. I got down and pulled it out of his foot. This incident happened in Mina. Al-Hajjaj learned of the incident so he visited Ibn ‘Umar to inquire about his health, and said, "Alas! If only we had known the one who wounded you," Ibn `Umar said, "You are the one who wounded me." Al-Hajjaj said, "How is that?" Ibn `Umar said, "You have allowed arms to be carried on a day on which nobody used to carry them, and you allowed arms to be carried in the Haram even though it was not allowed before.".

Commentary : There are times and places that Allah -Exalted be He, honours and sets a sanctity [over them] that no one should desecrate; except, he who is sinful at heart. Al-Hajjaaj ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafee was an oppressive, iniquitous tyrant.

In this hadeeth, the ṭaabiʿee, Saʿeed ibn Jubayr(may Allah be pleased with him) reports that he was with ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) on Hajj, when the tip of a spear pierced ibn ʿUmar on the sole of his foot, which is the area that raises while walking. This event occurred while the two of them were in Minaa, [which is] located in Makkah. [Minaa] is a valley near the Sacred Precinct of Makkah that the pilgrims descend into, in order to throw their pebbles [at the Jamaraat]. This incident narrated in the hadeeth occurred while Al-Hajjaaj ibn Yusuf was the leader of the Hijaz, one year after the killing of ʿAbdullah ibn al-Zubayr in the year 74 A.H.

When Ibn ʿUmar was wounded [by the spearhead], his foot was affixed to the stirrup - which is where a man’s foot is placed [so that they may mount] onto the saddle for helping to [maintain control while] riding their mounts. As Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) was not able to descend from his saddle; thus, when Saʿeed ibn Jubayr saw this occur, he pulled out the spearhead from the foot of Ibn ʿUmar.

When [news] of Ibn ʿUmar’s injury reached Al-Hajjaaj, he paid him a visit; and [upon seeing him] said: “If only we had known the one who wounded you!” - [i.e.] “We would have punished him.”

Then, Ibn ʿUmar replied: “You are the one who injured me,” - that is to say: “this happened because of your own actions.”

Al-Hajjaaj said: “How?” [To this], Ibn ʿUmar told him that: he was the one responsible for [allowing] the carrying of weapons on the day of ‘Eid, that the days of Minaa during the Hajj coincide with ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa for all Muslim communities, that it was a day on which weapons were not carried; and, lastly, that he allowed weapons to enter Minaa - while this was not allowed before.

It is reported in the sunnah that weapons should not be carried at events [for] which there is no need to do so. This is legislated out of fear that arms could cause harm [accidently] to others when it is crowded.

In the agreed upon hadeeth, that the Prophet ﷺ said to [a person] he saw carrying a weapon in the masjid: “Hold onto the arrows by their heads.” He ordered him to do that so it would not injure anyone. But if Muslims fear their enemy may be present, then it is permitted for them to bear arms, such as when Allah, Exalted be He, legislated the carrying of weapons during the prayer when peril [presents itself].

From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that Minaa is a part of the sacred site of Makkah.

It teaches us that carrying weapons at sacred sites is prohibited, as Allah made it a haven for the Muslims, and that carrying arms on the day of ‘Eid is prohibited.

It shows the vigour of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, and their courage on upholding and preserving the truth.

Lastly, it teaches us that whoever mandates anything, or is the cause of anything of which a harm falls upon another - then it is permissible to attribute that harm to him.


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968
Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib(may Allah be pleased with them) related that the Prophet ﷺ delivered a sermon on the day of the Sacrifice [i.e., ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa], and then said, "The first thing we should do on this day of ours is to pray and then return and slaughter (our sacrifices). Whoever does so he acted according to our Sunnah; and whoever slaughtered before the prayer then it was just meat that he offered to his family and would not be considered as a sacrifice in any way. My maternal uncle Abu Burdah ibn Niyaar got up and said, "O, Allah's Messenger! I slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, but I have a young she-goat which is better than an older sheep." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Slaughter it in lieu of the first and such a goat will not be considered as a sacrifice for anybody else after you.".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ taught us the requisites of the ‘Eid holidays, its recommended actions, and its etiquette. From amongst [all of] these are: the time of the prayer and how to perform it on the Day of the Sacrifice [i.e., ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa], and the time of slaughtering the sacrificial animal. The sacrifice is a religious ritual from amongst the [various] Islamic religious rites. It is an appointed act of worship by means of a [set] time, which is not permissible [to do] before or after its appointed time.

In this hadeeth, al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib(may Allah be pleased with them) reports that he heard the Prophet ﷺ while he was delivering a sermon on the day of ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa. During the sermon, the Prophet ﷺ elucidated on his traditions and habitual actions during ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa: [and] that is, he would first begin with the ‘Eid prayer. Afterwards, he ﷺ would slaughter his sacrificial animal. By doing so, then, truly, the person has acted according to his Sunnah and upon his guidance ﷺ, and thus, he has obtained the prescribed reward. The ‘Eid prayer is to be performed without an adhaan or iqaamah. The slaughtering of the sacrificial animal is requested from the one who is capable and possesses the wealth and ability to purchase a sacrificial animal. It is said: the intended [meaning] by wealth [here] is that the individual should rightfully own the nisaab of zakat [i.e., the minimum amount necessary for one to pay the zakat]. [All of this is done] so that one may draw closer to Allah - the Mighty and Majestic - by it.

Then, the Prophet ﷺ clarified that whoever did not do this [in the described manner above], such as slaughtering the sacrificial animal before the prayer; then, the slaughtered animal is not deemed as a sacrifice, and no reward [of the sacrifice becomes] his - that is to say, their deed would not be considered valid as an act of worship [or] legitimate sacrifice. But rather, [his sacrifice] would be treated as meat that he offered to his family.

Then, Abu Burdah ibn Niyaar - the maternal uncle of al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib(may Allah be pleased with them) - stood up and mentioned that he slaughtered his sheep before the prayer, explaining that - like what is [mentioned] in another report [narrated] by al-Bukhaaree - that ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa is a day of eating and drinking, that he wanted his sheep to be the first thing to be slaughtered at his home, and that he ate from it before coming to the prayer. Thereafter, the Prophet ﷺ answered him by stating that: the sheep which he slaughtered was nothing more than meat and it would not be deemed as a valid sacrifice; thus, the prescribed reward of this act of worship is not attained.

In this hadeeth, [there is] an emphasis on the sequence regarding the actions of ‘Eid, and that the performance of the prayer is first, then the deliverance of the sermon, and lastly the slaughter.

Afterwards, Abu Burdah mentioned that he owned nothing other than a jadhʿah [i.e., she-goat.] The [word] jadhʿah conveys the meaning of something that is less than one year old. It is said [that] al-Ijdhaaʿ is a duration of time [which] does not last a year from birth, nor surpasses it; thus, Jadhaʿh is a name for the offspring of a goat when it strengthens [in maturity].

He explained that he owned nothing except a jadhʿah, [a she-goat]. However, according to him, it was better and more beloved to him than a sheep which has aged - due to its abundance of meat and high price. The Prophet ﷺ allowed him to slaughter his she-goat [despite its age not meeting the requirements of sacrificial animals] since it was all he had. Then, he ﷺ explained to him that [this ruling] suffices for him alone and does not suffice for anyone from the Muslims after him. This is an indication that the jadhʿah which is less than one year in age does not suffice as a sacrificial animal, whereas the goat which is over one year does i.e., the age that suffices for the goat to be worthy of sacrificing should have at least lived one year and has entered into the second.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is the virtue of Abu Burdah(may Allah be pleased with him), and that the way of the Prophet ﷺ is one of ease and moderation.
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969
Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) related that the Prophet ﷺ said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these." The companions inquired, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things.".

Commentary : From the mercy of Allah, Exalted be He, towards His servants, is that He bestows His favours upon them by granting them [certain] blessed days. During of which, He multiplies rewards and provides abundant bounties for them - both mercifully and generously. Some of these blessed days include [but are not limited to] the first ten days in the month of DhulHijjah.

In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ is directing us towards the virtue of good deeds in the first ten days of DhulHijjah. He ﷺ explained that the rewards [for] virtuous acts during [this time] are multiplied [in a way that they] do not multiply during the rest of the year. It is therefore incumbent upon the Muslim to seize the opportunity and increase [in] pious deeds during these days. Among the greatest of pious deeds [to engage oneself in] during this time is the remembrance of Allah, Exalted be He. And the greatest [forms] of Allah’s remembrance [include] the recitation of the Quran, and the utterances of: “Allaahu Akbar” [i.e., Allah is the Greatest - al takbeer], “Laailaahaillaallaah [i.e., There is no god worthy of worship except Allah - al tahleel, and saying “Alhamdulillaah” repeatedly [i.e., All praise is due to Allah - al tahmeed].

In the Musnad of Imaam Ahmad and other [hadeeth collections, it is narrated] that the Prophet ﷺ said: “There are no more virtuous days in the sight of Allah and there are no days in which good deeds are more pleasing to Him than these ten days. On these days, fill your time with engaging more in tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed.”

The good deeds include the obligatory religious duties, obligations, all of the known pious actions, and voluntary acts of worship - [ranging] from prayer, alms, [charity], and fasting – particularly on the day of ʿArafah.

All that was done from amongst the religious duties during these ten days is better than the religious duties that were performed at any other time. Likewise, the supererogatory actions during these ten days are more excellent than if they were done at any other time.

The good deeds also include refraining from that which is prohibited or objectionable. Whoever leaves [actions] of disobedience during these days, then there is no doubt that his reward is greater than if he were to leave the sins on other days.

Upon hearing this, [some] of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked the Prophet ﷺ about jihaad [occurring] on other than these ten days, whether virtuous deeds are superior to it also. Their question about jihad in particular [was asked so they might] be able to distinguish it from what had been determined for them [by the Prophet ﷺ] about it being one of the most virtuous deeds; and for that [reason] the days of DhulHijjah were weighed up against it.

The Prophet ﷺ responded: Yes, the good deeds performed during these days are better than jihaad occurring on [any] others, except [if] a man set out, risking himself and his property, for the sake of Allah - and then lost his wealth and his soul departed for the sake of Allah. This [form] of jihaad which is depicted [here] is better than any good deeds [that are] performed during these ten blessed days. This [serves as] a demonstration to the excellence of this form of jihaad; and a commemoration [to the fact] that he reached a level that hardly varies with the honour of the days and times [which Allah has appointed as such], [along with those that] lack honour.

The apparent meaning of this hadeeth is that these ten days are more virtuous than the last ten of Ramadan. It has been said that the ten days of DhulHijjah are the best of all days, while the [last] ten of Ramadan are the best of all nights - due to the presence of Laylat al-Qadr therein.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that we learn the magnitude of the virtues of the first ten days of DhulHijjah over the other days of the year.

It also shows the significance of the matter of martyrdom for the sake of Allah, giving oneself and wealth together [for His sake], and that this is the highest degree of jihaad.

Lastly, it teaches us that the good deeds of less merit – as opposed to other good deeds - done during the distinguished time becomes similar to the good deeds of high merit at other times.

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970
Narrated Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr al-Thaqafee: I was with ‘Anas ibn Maalik as we were going from Mina to `Arafat, I asked him about the Talbiyah, "How did you use to say Talbiyah while you were in the company of the Prophet ﷺ?" Anas replied: "People used to say Talbiyah and their saying was not objected to and they used to say Takbir and that was not objected to either."

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Commentary : The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is a significant act of worship which encompasses many types of religious observances. The one who performs Hajj sincerely for Allah, in accordance with the guidance of the Messenger ﷺ, he will receive a great reward from Allah, Most Exalted. For that [reason], observing the etiquettes of the Hajj is necessary, just as Prophet ﷺ taught us.

In this hadeeth, the taabiʿee Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr al-Thaqafee reports that he asked ‘Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) about the permissible forms of Allah’s remembrance the pilgrims can say while departing from Minaa towards ʿArafaat, which occurs on the morning of the Day of ʿArafah, the ninth day [in the month of] DhulHijjah.

Minaa is a valley surrounded by mountains and is located east of Makkah, and is on the path between Makkah and Mount ʿArafaat, close to 6 kilometres away from the Masjid Al-Haram. Some of the rituals of Hajj are performed in Minaa, such as throwing the pebbles at the Jamaraat.

ʿArafaat is a mountain on the path between Makkah and Ṭaa’if, and is approximately: 22 kilometres away from Makkah, 10 kilometres from Minaa, and 6 kilometres from Muzdalifah. The most important ritual of Hajj is performed nearby, which is the stay at [the plains] of ʿArafah on the ninth day of DhulHijjah.

‘Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) then informed Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr al-Thaqafee that when they performed the Hajj with the Prophet ﷺ, on his ﷺ Farewell Pilgrimage, in the 10th year A.H - some of pilgrims recited the talbiyah, so he then said: “LabbaykAllaahummaLabbayk!” - [i.e., “Here I am, O Lord, Here I am!], and raised their voices while doing it.

Some of the others recited the takbeer: “Allaahu Akbar!” - [i.e., “Allah is the Greatest!”] and raised their voices while doing so. Either way, the Prophet ﷺ did not reproach them [while they did this].

This is a confirmation from the Prophet ﷺ about the permissibility of Allah’s remembrance, whether it is the takbeer or the talbiyah. It has been said that the intended meaning behind this is that one can insert anything that pertains to Allah’s remembrance during one’s utterance of the talbiyah; [but] he should not leave the talbiyah in its entirety - because it is narrated on the authority of the Prophet ﷺ that heﷺ did not stop reciting the talbiyah until the throwing of the pebbles at Jamarat al-ʿAqabah.

The talbiyah, rather, is prescribed for the pilgrim. As for those who are not performing the Hajj, the takbeer[aat] is prescribed for them to recite from the morning on the Day of ʿArafah following the performance of their obligatory prayers until the mid-afternoon prayer (ʿAsr) on the last of the days of Tashreeq [i.e., the 13th of DhulHijjah].

From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that the initiation of the takbeer on the day of ʿArafah is permissible - even if the person who is uttering it was in the state of ihram [i.e., the state of ritual sanctity that one enters into for the Hajj] and intending to stay in ʿArafah, although the prescribed words to utter for the one in a state of ihram is the talbiyah.

This shows that the range of the matter with reference to the performance of dhikr on the Day of ʿArafah is open.
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971
Narrated Umm ʿAtiyyah(may Allah be pleased with her): “We used to be ordered to come out on the Day of `Eid and even bring out the virgin girls from their houses and menstruating women so that they might stand behind the men and say Takbir along with them and invoke Allah along with them and hope for the blessings of that day and for purification from sins.”.

Commentary : Demonstrating the rites of Islam is a significant aim [in trying to fulfil] the objectives of this religion. The ‘Eid prayer is one of the important rites which, through its performance, is a blessing for the Muslims and serves as a call to Islam [for all in the vicinity]. For that [reason], every Muslim is commanded to set out to the place where the ‘Eid prayer is being performed, even the young and old women, and those who are menstruating - for whom which prayer is not incumbent upon! This is so that they can witness the blessings of this event and the calling of Muslims.

In this hadeeth, Umm ʿAtiyyah(may Allah be pleased with her) reports that the Prophet ﷺ ordered all of the women to set out towards the site where the ‘Eid prayer was held.

Whether it was the ‘Eid al-Fiṭr or Al-Aḍhaa; even the young virgin girls departed from their homes and chambers [which they often remained in] for the sake of remaining concealed from the unnecessary viewing of others; and likewise - [for] the woman during her menses, all of them were ordered to go out towards the place where the ‘Eid prayer was performed in the time of the Prophet ﷺ. However, those women who were on their menses used to sit at the very back behind the people, following the lead of the people, thus, said with them the takbeer[aat], called upon Allah in supplication. All this as they hoped for the obtainment of blessings, rewards, and purification from [their] sins on this day.

This shows the merit of this glorious day, and the mercy and forgiveness that Allah pours forth onto His servants, and that kind of Allah’s remembrance and pious acts [of all be observed].

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is to notice the strong encouragement of performing lots of Allah’s remembrance on this day..

972
ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) related that on the day of ‘Eid al-Fiṭr or Al-Aḍhaa a spear used to be thrusted into the ground in front of the Prophet ﷺ, and then he would pray..

Commentary : In this hadeeth, a practical demonstration of some of the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ [can be observed] with regards to the prayer in general, and the two ‘Eid prayers specifically; ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) reports that a spear would be thrusted into the ground in front of the Prophet ﷺ before starting the two ‘Eid prayers so that it could serve as a barrier (sutrah) for him ﷺ. This was done for the purpose of demarcating his ﷺ place of prayer so that no one could pass in front of him.

The spear [that is mentioned here] is a short pole with a broad spearhead, and it has a shorter length than the rumh [i.e., which was a longer type of spear often used by horsemen in combat].

The Prophet ﷺ used to do this for the two ‘Eid prayers, because he would perform these two prayers outdoor at the Musallaa, where the land is wide and spacious, and there are no structures or barriers.

This was also the habit of the Prophet ﷺ during his travels; because: in most instances, the traveller cannot find a wall [so that he may] be shielded by it when he wants to pray; and most of what he prays [is done so] outdoor in lands that are expansive [and lack structure, etc].

It is therefore incumbent upon whoever is praying by themselves to place an object to serve as a barrier between himself and the direction of the Qiblah - so that no one may pass and interrupt [his] performance of the prayer - specifically in open places. As for the congregational prayer, it is sufficient that the Imaam places a barrier in front of himself, as this will serve as a barrier for the ones praying behind him.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that the Prophet ﷺ was so keen to place a barrier in front of him whenever he wanted to pray..

973
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) related that the Prophet ﷺ would go out in the morning* to the place of prayer with a short spear in front of him which was carried and set up in front of him in the place of prayer, and he would pray towards its direction..

Commentary : Out of earnest concern, the Prophet ﷺ would utilise an object to serve as a barrier in prayer. This hadeeth is a practical demonstration of one of the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ regarding the placing a barrier in front of him in prayer. Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) reports that the Prophet ﷺ used to arrive at the place where the prayer of ‘Eid would be performed and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would bring along a short spear for him.

In another version of the same hadeeth in al-Bukhaaree, it’s narrated as: “A short spear was thrusted into the ground in front of him”. The short spear here refers to a strong rod that is similar to the spear but shorter. The short spear was brought by the Companions so that it would be set up in front of him ﷺ and serve as a barrier. This was done for the purpose of demarcating his ﷺ place of prayer, so that no one could pass in front of him ﷺ.

This was also the habit of the Prophet ﷺ during his travels; because: in most instances, the traveller cannot find a wall so that he may be shielded by it when he wants to pray; and most of what he prays [is done so] outdoor in lands that are expansive [and lack structure, etc].

It is therefore incumbent upon whoever is praying by themselves to place an object to serve as a barrier between himself and the direction of the Qiblah - so that no one may pass and interrupt [his] performance of the prayer - specifically in open places. As for the congregational prayer, it is sufficient that the Imaam places a barrier in front of himself, as this will serve as a barrier for the ones praying behind him.
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975
Narrated ʿAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them): I went out with the Prophet ﷺ on the day of ‘Eid al-Fiṭr or Al-Aḍhaa. The Prophet ﷺ prayed and then delivered the sermon and then went towards the women, preached, and advised them and ordered them to give alms..

Commentary : The Prayer of ‘Eid has requisites, recommended actions, and etiquettes. which the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ learned directly from him, and then conveyed them to us.

This hadeeth elaborates on some of the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ with regards to the ‘Eid prayer. ʿAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allah be pleased with them) reports that he went with the Prophet ﷺ on the day of ‘Eid al-Fiṭr or ‘Eid Al-Aḍhaa to offer the prayer of ‘Eid.

The Prophet ﷺ used to pray it at al-Musallaa, which is a wide and spacious area. Then, he began with the performance of the prayer - [which], for the ‘Eid prayer[s] do not have an adhaan or iqaamah; nor are there any sunnah prayers which are performed before or after it. Then, he ﷺ delivered a sermon to the people, [and it] is like the sermon delivered on Fridays - [which] is comprised of two parts and a pause [in between both of them]; except that it is delivered after the prayer and not before it.

Afterwards, he ﷺ went towards the women near the place where they prayed; so that he could preach and remind them and urge them to give alms.

The Prophetﷺ gathered the alms for the purpose of distributing it among those in need; like what his ﷺ custom was with voluntary charities and zakaat.

From the other benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is that when women attend the prayers of men and their congregations, they should be separated from the men as a precaution, out of fear that temptation [may rise] against them.

The hadeeth teaches us to set out towards the site where the ‘Eid prayer is held to attend the ‘Eid prayer, and that it is performed before the sermon is delivered.

We understand from this hadeeth the importance of preaching and reminding women, and exhort them to give alms, and that it is permissible for the male scholar to teach women Islamic knowledge and exhort them in women’s only classes..

241
Abdullah ibn Amr narrated, "We returned from Mecca to Medina with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. When we came to some water on the way, some of us were in a hurry at the time of Asr prayer and performed ablution hurriedly. When we reached them, their heels were dry and not touched by water. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, 'Woe to the heels because of Hell! Complete the ablution.'".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ used to preach and teach his companions the rules of Islam so he rebuked those not completing ablution. In this hadith, Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that while returning from Mecca to Medina with the Prophet ﷺ, they came to some water and some of them wanted to get Asr prayer before its time ended, as the narration of Bukhari showed. As a result, they hurriedly performed ablution. The Prophet's habit was to walk behind people to urge those being late, accompany the weak, and then lead them all in prayer. In this case, the above-mentioned people wanted to delay the prayer till its last time, hoping to pray with him. When he reached them, he noticed their dry heels that were not touched by the water of ablution. As a result, he rebuked them saying, "Woe to heels because of Hell," for they did not complete their ablution. Then, he commanded them to thoroughly complete their ablution. This hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It urges us to completely perform ablution and thoroughly wash all its members, (2) It warns against leaving to wash the back of the foot, and (3) It confirms that the unwashed members will be a reason for punishment..

243
Omar ibn Al-Khattab narrated that a man performed ablutions but missed to wash a spot equal to a toenail. When the Prophet ﷺ saw him, he said to him, "Go back and perform ablutions properly." He went back then prayed..

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) used to check his companions' worship just like a teacher who used to check his students' progress. It was his habit to teach them his teachings and rectify their mistakes. In this hadith, Omar ibn Al-Khattab narrated that when a man performed ablution but missed washing a spot equal to a toenail (a metaphor for a small size), the Prophet (ﷺ) referred to this mistake and said, "Go back and perform ablution properly." The man completed his ablution (or repeated it as said) and prayed after the Prophet (ﷺ) accepted his ablution. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It illustrated how the Companions rapidly responded to implement the Prophet's commands, (2) It urges us to complete ablution and warns against neglecting to wash even a small spot of ablution parts, and (3) It clarifies how imams and scholars should teach common people the matters of Islam and rectify their mistakes..

244
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "When a Muslim servant, or a believer, performs ablution and washes his face, every sin he looked at with his eyes leaves with the water (or with the last drop of water). When he washes his hands, every sin he committed with his hands leaves with the water (or with the last drop of water). When he washes his feet, every sin his feet walked to leaves with the water (or with the last drop of water) until he finally emerges cleansed of all his sins.".

Commentary : Allah blessed His servants by making the performance of acts of worship according to their conditions a reason for forgiveness. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to encourage people to perform acts of worship by mentioning their reward. His saying, "servant" was to confirm to worship Allah alone. The sentence, "or a believer" was a doubt from one of the hadith narrators. The Prophet (ﷺ) confirmed that a Muslim's previous sins, like prohibited looks, touches, and walking, committed by his eyes, hands, and feet would come out of them with water or the last drop of water during ablution. As a result, a Muslim will emerge cleansed of all his minor sins, for the major sins are only forgiven after repentance, according to the abundant proofs in the Quran and Sunnah. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) The virtue of ablution and that it is a reason for forgiving sins, and (2) It encourages Muslims to frequently perform ablution..

245
Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be please with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said, “If anyone performs the ablutions well, his sins will come out from his body, even coming out from under his nails.”.

Commentary : Allah blessed His servants by making the performance of acts of worship according to their conditions a reason for forgiveness. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to encourage people to perform acts of worship by mentioning the rewards for them. In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) told us that if a Muslim performs ablutions well with caring about its recommended acts and manners, his sins will come out from his body to the extent that they will come out from under his hands' and feet's nails. This is specific to minor sins, for the major sins require repentance. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It shows the virtue of ablutions, for it expiates sins, and (2) It urges us to observe the etiquette and recommended acts of ablutions..

247
Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "My cistern is bigger than the distance between Aila and Aden. Its water is whiter than ice and sweeter than honey mixed with milk. Its cups are more than stars. Verily, I will prevent people from it just as a man prevents people's camels from his cistern." They said, "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, will you recognize us on that day?" He said "Yes, you will have distinctive marks that nobody of other nations has. You will come to me with blazing foreheads and bright limbs due to traces of ablution.".

Commentary : Al-Kawthar river and Prophetic cistern are grants from Allah to his Prophet (ﷺ) on the Day of Resurrection out of His generosity and kindness to him and his nation. In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) told us that the distance between his cistern’s two ends is bigger than that between Aila and Aden. Aila is now called Aqaba, a coastal city in Jordan, but Aden is a city in Yemen by the Indian Ocean, which confirms its vast space. Additionally, he told us that he would prevent hypocrites and apostates from it just as a man prevents people's camels from his cistern. As a result, one of his companions asked him how he would recognize them on that day. He answered that they would have distinguished marks that nobody from the previous nations had. They would have blazing foreheads and bright limbs just like horses due to traces of ablution. Finally, this hadith proves the Prophetic vast cistern and confirms the virtue of ablution..

249
Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ came to the graveyard and said, “Peace be upon you, an abode of the believing people. We, if Allah wills, will join you. I wish I saw our brothers.” The companions said, “Are not we your brothers, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ?” He said, “You are my companions. Our brothers have not come yet (to this world).” They said, “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, how do you recognize those who have not come from your nation yet?” He said, “Suppose a man has horses with white blazes on foreheads and legs beside among black horses. Does he not recognize his horses?” They said, “He will, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ.” He said, “They would come with white faces and legs owing to ablution. I would arrive at the cistern before them. Verily, some people would be driven away from my Cistern as the stray camel is driven away. I would call out, ‘Come on, come on.’ Then, it would be said (to me), ‘They changed (your guidance) after you.’ I would say, ‘Be off, be off.’”.

Commentary : Allah confirms that the believers will have characteristics that distinguish them from others in the Hereafter, by which the Prophet ﷺ will recognize them on that day. They will have blazing limbs due to the effect of ablution. In this hadith, Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet ﷺ came to Al-Baqi cemetery, greeted his dead companions, and said, “Peace be upon you, an abode of the believing people. We, Allah willing, will join you.” They preceded the alive ones who would join them, Allah willing, when their life ended. Then, the Prophet ﷺ wished that he had seen his brothers, so his companions wondered and asked him, “Are not we your brothers?” He answered that they were his companions but his brothers had not come yet to this world. He clarified that whoever saw and believed him was one of his companions, but whoever believed him without seeing him among his nation were his brothers. They asked him how he would recognize his brothers on the Day of Resurrection among his nation although he did not see them. He answered, “Suppose a man has horses with white blazes on their foreheads and legs among black horses. Does he not recognize his horses?” This will be the Muslims’ case on that day. They will be distinguished by their white foreheads, hands, and legs owing to the ablution. The Prophet ﷺ will arrive at his cistern before them, from which he will water those coming to him from his nation. On the other hand, he mentioned that the angels would expel some Muslims from his cistern just as a camel herder expelled a camel that was not his own because it competed with his camels for food and drink. Before knowing the reason for expelling, the Prophet ﷺ will call them to come, but the angels will confirm that these people changed his guidance after his death, so he will say to them, “Be off, be off.” It is a supplication against them to be expelled from Allah’s mercy or the Prophet’s cistern. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It shows the legitimacy of visiting Muslims’ cemetery and clarifies the supplications that a Muslim should say in this event, (2) The Prophet’s love and longing for his followers, (3) It shows the virtue of ablution in Islam, (4) It indicates the punishment of deviation from Islam, which is a reason for being expelled from the Prophet’s cistern on the Day of Resurrection, (5) The virtue of having blazing foreheads and bright limbs due to traces of ablution on that day, (6) The legitimacy of wishing goodness for others and meeting virtuous people, and (6) The Prophet ﷺ does not know the unseen world except what Allah reveals to him..

250
Abu Hazem narrated, "I was (standing) behind Abu Huraira while he was performing ablution for prayer. He extended his hand until it went up to his armpit. I said to him, 'O Abu Huraira, what is this ablution?' He said, 'O sons of Faroukh, are you here? if I had known that you had been here, I would have never performed ablution like this. I heard my beloved one (ﷺ) say, 'The believer's adornment reaches the places where ablution reaches.'".

Commentary : Ablution and purity are among the believers' rites. Their effects will appear as lights on Muslims on the Day of Resurrection, through which the Prophet will recognize them at his basin. In this hadith, Abu Hazim Al-Ashja’i narrated that he was standing behind Abu Hurairah during his performing ablution for prayer. Abu Hurairah washed his hands and arms until he reached his armpits, hoping to wash the longest part of his arms. Abu Hazim asked him about the reason for this ablution that he had never seen anyone perform. Abu Hurairah was surprised that Abu Hazem was there and confirmed that if he had known he was seeing him, he would not have performed it this way. As for his saying "Sons of Faroukh," it meant the non-Arab. Abu Hurairah meant that a leader should take much care about his public acts, so he has to refrain from doing some acts of allowable lenience or strictness if he thinks that people may imitate him. They may follow his lenience without necessity or his strictness thinking it is an obligation. Then, Abu Hurairah clarified the reason for his way of ablution. He heard the Prophet confirm that the believer's whiteness, in Paradise, would reach the places where the ablution reached. As a result, Abu Hurairah wanted his ablution to reach the longest part of his arms. This hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It shows the believers' honor, as they will be singled out for the whiteness of faces and feet, (2) A scholar has to avoid doing some acts before the public if he fears that they do not realize what he does, (3) It shows the virtue of exaggeratedly washing the forehead and feet through washing beyond the obligatory place..

251
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Will I tell you about something for which Allah obliterates sins and elevates ranks?” They said, “Of course O Allah's Messenger!” He said, “Properly performing ablution in spite of difficulties, taking many steps to mosques, and waiting for the next prayer after observing the current one. That is the defense of the frontier.”.

Commentary : Prayer is of great prestige in Islam, for it is one of its pillars and bases. The Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that Allah boasted about His worshiping servants and those waiting for prayer's appointed times before His angels. In this sense, the Prophet (ﷺ) told his companions about three reasons for which Allah obliterated sins and elevated ranks. First: Properly washing each member during ablution despite difficulties like coldness or pain. Second: Frequently going to mosques to attend congregational prayers. Third: Waiting for the next obligatory prayer after performing the current obligatory one. Then, he explained that those sticking to these three acts were just like those defending the frontier, which was one of the greatest acts of worship in the sight of Allah. This Prophetic similarity confirmed that these acts were means to fight and block devilish whispers and one's prohibited whims. In another narration, the Prophet (ﷺ) repeated it thrice, "That is the defense of the frontier,” to confirm their great reward..

253
Shuraih said, "I asked Aisha, 'What was the first thing the Prophet ﷺ used to do when entering home?'" She replied, "He used to use siwak (tooth-stick.".

Commentary : The siwak is a means to get Allah's pleasing and purify our mouths, as the trustworthy Prophet (ﷺ) confirmed. He regularly observed this habit and verbally and practically urged his nation to keep it. In this hadith, Shuraih ibn Hane' narrated that he asked Aisha, Mother of the Believers, about the first thing that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to do at any time he entered home after greeting as known from his sunnah. She told him that the first thing was to use siwak to cleanse and purify his mouth. This was a part of his manners and caring about his wife. As a result, he was a role model that we should follow. Finally, this hadith confirmed the keenness of the companions' students to ask about the Prophet's tradition so they could follow him..

254
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ary narrated, "I came to the Prophet ﷺ while the siwak's end was on his tongue.".

Commentary : The siwak is a means to get Allah's pleasing and purify our mouths, as the trustworthy Prophet (ﷺ) confirmed. He regularly observed this habit and verbally and practically urged his nation to keep it. In this hadith, the noble companion Abu Musa Al-Ash'ary narrated that he once came to the Prophet (ﷺ) while the siwak's end on his tongue. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to use siwak in order to clean the teeth of anything stuck to them and get a nice smell. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It confirms how the Companions were keen to transmit and follow the Prophet's tradition, and (2) It shows the legitimacy of using the siwak in the presence of people..

256
Ibn 'Abbas narrated that he spent a night at the Prophet's house. The Prophet ﷺ got up in the last part of the night. He went out, looked towards the sky, and then recited a verse from Surat Aal-Imran, “Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day” until he reached, “Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.” Then, he returned to his house, used the tooth-stick, performed the ablution, prayed, and then lay down. Then, he got up again, went out, looked towards the sky, and recited this verse (mentioned above). Then, he returned, used the tooth-stick, performed the ablution, and prayed..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was keen to perform the night prayer and encouraged his companions to perform it to the extent that he never missed it while being a resident or traveling. In this hadith, the great companion Abdullah ibn Abbas mentioned that he spent a night in his aunt Maimouna’s house, a wife of the Prophet ﷺ. He found that the Prophet ﷺ got up in the last part of the night, went out, looked at the sky, and recited Allah’s sayings, “Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying), ‘Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.” (Aal Imran: 190, 191) In Muslim’s narration, he said, “He recited these verses until he finished the sura.” These verses mean: Verily, the perfect creation of the heavens and the earth from nothing and the alternation of night and day have clear signs guiding those having sound minds to the Creator and His attributes. They are those remembering Allah in all of their cases whether they are standing, sitting, or lying down. They are always pondering over the creation of heavens and earth then supplicate Allah, “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.” Then, the Prophet ﷺ went home and used the siwak, which was a stick made of the roots of the arak tree, to clean his mouth and always smell good. Afterward, he performed ablution and night prayer then slept for a while. Later, he got up and exactly repeated what he did the first time. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It encourages Muslims to use siwak when waking up at night, (2) It confirms the possibility of a little kid’s (who does not reach puberty) spending the night with his female relative that he is forbidden to marry, even if her husband is present, (3) It clarifies the legitimacy of performing the night prayer, reciting the above-mentioned verses when waking up at night, and pondering over its great signs, (4) It recommends that a person looks at the sky to contemplate Allah’s wonderful creation, (5) It contains the permissibility that a person sleeps between his night prayers and repeats the Prophet’s above-mentioned deeds of using the siwak, reciting those two verses, and performing ablution..

258
Anas ibn Malek narrated, "We were given a time limit with regard to trimming the mustache, clipping the nails, plucking the armpit hairs, and shaving the pubic hairs. We were not allowed to leave that for more than forty days.".

Commentary : Islamic law collects the best of everything, so its rules are in harmony with pure human nature, including rules caring about internal and external human cleanliness. In this hadith, Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (as in Abu Dawud's and Al-Nasa’i's narration) talked about four issues that a Muslim was not allowed to leave for more than forty days. (1) Trimming the mustache: A Muslim should trim the hair growing on the upper lip. In the Two Sahihs, Ibn Omar narrated that the Prophet said, "Do the opposite of what the polytheists do. Let the beard grow long and clip the mustache." (2) Trimming the nails: This is because they contain dirties that prevent water during purification and ablution. (3) Plucking armpit hair: This is because its smell stinks due to sweat if it is uncut for a long time. Plucking is better if one bears it but removing it by any means is allowable. (4) Shaving the pubic hair: It is the hair growing around one's private parts. Finally, a Muslim is not allowed to leave them for more than forty days. However, it is better to cut them before. Adhering to these acts of cleanliness leads to protect one's body from filth and beautify its outer appearance. Thus, a Muslim combines internal and external cleanliness and purity..

261
Aisha said, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'There are ten matters of pure nature: (1) Trimming the mustache, letting the beard grow, Siwak (tooth-stick), rinsing the nose (in ablution), clipping the nails, washing the knuckles, plucking the armpit hairs, shaving the pubic hairs, and washing one's private parts (after relieving oneself)." Zakareyya said that Mus'ab (hadith narrator) said, "I forgot the tenth which may have been rinsing the mouth.".

Commentary : Islamic law collects the best of everything, so its rules are in harmony with pure human nature, including rules caring about internal and external human cleanliness. In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned ten matters of pure original nature with which all people were given birth. They are: (1) Trimming the mustache: A Muslim should trim the hair growing on the upper lip, as Ibn Omar narrated in the Two Sahihs that the Prophet said, "Do the opposite of what the polytheists do. Let the beard grow long and clip the mustache," (2) Letting the beard grow: It is to let the hair of chin and cheeks grow without trimming it, (3) Using siwak (tooth-stick): It is a stick cut from arak tree which is used to clean and freshen the mouth and teeth, and remove unpleasant odors, (4) Rinsing the nose: It is to sniff water into the nose then blow it out to remove any dirt or filth, (5) Trimming fingers’ and toes’ nails: It is to trim them before exceeding forty days, for they contain dirties that may harm a person, as Anas narrated in Sahih Muslim, (6) Washing the knuckles: It is to wash any dirties that they may collect, (7) Plucking the armpit hairs: Plucking is better if one bears it but if a person removes it by any means, he follows the Prophetic tradition as well, (8) Shaving the pubic hair: It is to remove the hair growing around male’s or female’s private parts, (9) Washing one's private parts after relieving himself, and (10) Rinsing the mouth: It is to cleanse one’s mouth then spit out the water, especially after eating or eating something with unpleasant smell. Moreover, Abu Hurairah narrated in the Two Sahihs that the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned circumcision as a matter of pure human nature. It is to cut the foreskin from a baby's penis or the top of the piece of skin that looks like a rooster’s comb from a female baby’s gentile. Finally, there is no doubt that these matters are related to religious and worldly benefits, such as improving one’s appearance, cleansing the body generally and in detail, having keenness on purification, kindly keeping people away from any unpleasant smells that may harm them, and avoiding the practices of the disbelievers like Magus, Jews, and Christians..

262
Salman, the Persian, said, "The polytheists said to us, 'We see that your friend taught you how to go to the toilet.' I said, 'Yes, he forbade us from cleaning ourselves with our right hand, facing the prayer direction (during relieving ourselves), and using dung or bones for cleaning (ourselves from impurities). He also said, 'None of you should clean with less than three pebbles.'".

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) was keen to teach his nation all aspects of Islam and correct the mistakes and habits they followed during the period before Islam. Thus, he taught them the etiquette of relieving oneself. The polytheists used to mock his companions and wondered, as Salman narrated, that the Prophet (ﷺ) taught his companions all Islamic matters even if how they should purify themselves after answering the call of nature. As a result, Salman proudly answered them, "Yes" and added that the Prophet (ﷺ) taught them to avoid the right hand in purifying oneself from urine or feces, due to respecting and dedicating it to honorable and noble things while dedicating the left one to remove filths and impurities. Purification is to use water or something similar to remove what comes out from one's penis, vagina, or anus. Salman added that the Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited them from facing the prayer direction while answering the call of nature. This is applied to doing so in deserts not in houses or similar close places. Abu Daoud reported that Marwan ibn Al-Asfar narrated, "I saw Ibn Omar when he making his camel kneel and facing the prayer direction. He sat down to urinate, so I asked him, "O Abu Abdurrahman, was it not forbidden?" He replied, "It is only forbidden if you do it in deserts, but there is no problem if there is something between you and the prayer direction." Salman added that the Prophet (ﷺ) and prohibited them from using dung or bones in purification. The former material is impure and the latter is the food of jinn. In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (ﷺ) answered the Jinn when they asked him for food, "Every bone on which the name of Allah is recited is your provision. When it falls in your hand, it will be completely covered with flesh, and every dung is fodder for your animals." Salman added that the Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited them from purifying themselves (after answering the call of nature) with less than three pure and dry pebbles. A Muslim can use more than three pebbles until he makes sure he is completely purified. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It clarifies the Prophet's keenness to guide his nation to all useful points, even the most minute details, (2) It contains some of the etiquette that a Muslim has to follow while relieving himself, and (3) A Muslim has to be proud of Islamic teachings, especially in front of those mocking and ridiculing him..

263
Jaber ibn Abdullah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ forbade the use of bone or camels' droppings for wiping (after excretion).".

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) taught his companions all the Islamic manners to the extent that he taught them the manners of entering the toilet. He detailed how they should clean themselves and the manners they should follow before and after relieving themselves. In this hadith, Jaber ibn Abdullah clarified that the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade them to cleanse themselves with animals' bones and dry droppings. In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do not cleanse yourself with them, for they are the food of your brothers (Jinn)." Cleansing is done with what is pure such as water, stones, and what is similar to them like napkins..