Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ ordered (a person) to collect Zakat, and that person returned and told him ﷺ that Ibn Jameel, Khaalid ibn al-Waleed, and al-`Abbas ibn `Abdul Muttalib had refused to give Zakat." The Prophet ﷺ said, "What is the matter with Ibn Jameel?! He was a poor man and was made wealthy by Allah and His Messenger! As for Khaalid, you are being unfair to him because he is keeping his armors and weapons to use them in fighting for Allah's Cause. As for al-`Abbas ibn `Abdul Muttalib - the uncle of Allah's Messenger ﷺ - it is incumbent upon him to pay it and an equal amount along with it.".

Commentary : Allah, Exalted be He, clarified to His Messenger ﷺ all the rulings and details pertaining to the obligation of zakat so that the wealthy is neither subjected to injustice nor the poor’s rights are overlooked. The Imaam (i.e., head of state or the ruler) is the one responsible for collecting the zakat from people, reminding people of its due time, encouraging those who are acting slack about it, and forcing those who withhold the zakat, so they pay it, and fight them if necessary.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ ordered the collection of zakat from Muslims. According to the report in Saheeh Muslim, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah e pleased with him) was the one that the Prophet ﷺ assigned to collect zakat from people. After the collectors of zakat returned, they informed the Prophet ﷺ that collection three persons refused to pay the zakat, and they were: Ibn Jameel; it has been said that his name was ‘Abdullah and that he is from al-Ansaar, Khaalid ibn al-Waleed, and al-‘Abbaas ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with all of them. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ said: “What is the matter with Ibn Jameel?” i.e., there is nothing that he dislikes except that he was a poor man but then he has become wealthy because of war bounties that Allah has made lawful for the Muslims to have after He has made it for His Messenger ﷺ. Had it not been allowed for the Prophet ﷺ, no other person would have received any share from the spoils of war. For this reason, he has no right whatsoever to withhold it because not only is it not how a person should appreciate and thank Allah for His blessings, but also it is a form of denying the favours of Allah upon him, causing him to respond to goodness with evil. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ did not give him benefit of doubt. It has been said that Ibn Jameel was one of the hypocrites but afterwards he repented. Then, the Prophet ﷺ said: “You are being unfair to him” when you accused him of withholding the zakat. This is because he allocated his armours and weapons for fighting for Allah’s sake; thus, they are not subject to zakat. The weapons here include whatever supplies used in war such as weapons, horses, etc.
The statement of the Prophet ﷺ was directed to the collectors of the zakat because they did not know that he endowed all his armours and war supplies to the Muslim army to use them in fighting for the cause of Allah before one year has elapsed, and presumed they were intended for the purpose of business; thus, they demanded him to pay zakat. It is possible that the Prophet ﷺ intended to say that if Khaalid knew he has what he is to pay zakat on, he would have paid it without hesitation, because a person who gives away all his property for the sake of Allah willingly, it is impossible that he would withhold that which is obligatory upon him.
As for the paternal uncle of the Prophet ﷺ, al-‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that he will pay the obligatory zakat and an equal amount of it out of his generosity for he will never withhold it as he is not a miser. It has been said that al-‘Abbaas asked the Prophet ﷺ to allow him to pay his zakat before its due time and he ﷺ approved it, as reported in Sunan Aboo Dawood and Sunan al-Tirmithee and Sunan Ibn Majah. As such, the meaning of his statement, “it is incumbent upon him to pay it an equal amount along with it,” should be that it is obligatory upon al-‘Abbaas, but he paid it before its due time, and he even paid it double to cover the zakat of next year in advance.
In another version of the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim, it reads: “and as for al-'Abbas, I shall be responsible for it and an equal amount along with it. He ﷺ then said to 'Umar: Do not you know that the paternal uncle of a person is like his father.”
This hadeeth reminds the heedless of the bounties and blessings of Allah upon them who made him wealthy after he was poor so he fulfills Allah’s right.
It shows that one should give valid excuses to justify a particular action.

It highlights the merit of Khaalid ibn al-Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him). .

1469

Narrated Abii Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him): Some people from the Ansaar asked for (something) from Allah's Messenger ﷺ and he gave them. They again asked him for (something) and he ﷺ again gave them. And then they asked him, and he gave them again till all that was with him finished. And then he ﷺ said "If I had anything. I would not keep it away from you. (Remember) Whoever abstains from asking others, Allah will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allah will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was so generous like a freely blowing wind who would give away without fearing poverty. Despite his generosity, he ﷺ endeavored to teach people to be content and self-sufficient and to only hope from Allah for what He has is better and everlasting.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that a group from the Ansaar – whom he did not name – asked the Prophet ﷺ for some money so he ﷺ gave them the money they asked for. He kept asking until he ﷺ gave them all the money he had. Then, the Prophet ﷺ explained to them that he will not keep away from them any money he has. Then, he ﷺ advised them to abstain from taking their needs through unlawful means, because Allah will facilitate to whoever possess this quality to obtain his needs through lawful means. After, he ﷺ encouraged them to abstain from asking people for anything and to suffice and be content with the little they have, and only ask others for help when there is a necessity that forces them to do so. By doing so, Allah will make them self-sufficient and make them view the little they have as much. Then, he ﷺ encouraged them to remain patient and accustom themselves on it because when a person is patient, he will be able and empowered to refrain from asking others for anything.
His statement: “And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient.” Means that whoever endeavours to remain patient and discipline himself to endure the difficulties of life, Allah will fill his heart with patience, and whoever takes the means while being patient, Allah will facilitate for him the means to possess this quality and made it indispensable character of his personality. The Prophet ﷺ then explained that there is no better quality or blessing or a noble character that Allah has given to anyone better than patience. This is because all virtues, such like chastity, courage, determination, dignity, emerge from patience and are based upon it. When a person is patient, he will endure all that which he disliked, by the will of Allah.
This hadeeth teaches us that it is possible to possess noble qualities and good characters by practice.
It highlights the generosity of the Prophet ﷺ and that he would go beyond loving for others what he loves for himself and putting the needs of others over his own, out of kindness and compassion.
It shows that we should apologise to the one asking for help or money when there is nothing to help or provide.
The hadeeth encourages us to rely upon Allah, remain patient, and refrain from asking people for help or money, and to wait for the provision and aid from Allah. It shows us that patience is one of the best virtues that one be granted and that its reward is abundant. .

1470

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, it is better for anyone of you to take a rope and cut the wood (from the forest) and carry it over his back and sell it (as a means of earning his living) rather than to ask a person for something and that person may give him or not.".

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was always keen to enable the believers to be self-sufficient and possess the quality of chastity and take all the means to earn lawful income.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ swears by Allah, the One in Whose Hand his soul, which is a phrase the Prophet ﷺ often used when he wanted to swear by Allah. He swears that having a lawful work, regardless of its type, saves the face and is better than asking people for something. This is because even if such work is difficult and harsh, it would be better than experiencing the humiliation of begging and asking.
His statement: “it is better for anyone of you to take a rope and cut the wood (from the forest) and carry it over his back and sell it (as a means of earning his living) rather than to ask a person for something and that person may give him or not,” is to say that the hardship and suffering that a person goes through in collecting wood is better than losing face and humiliation that result from asking people for something. That is to say, finding work, even if it is hard and difficult, should be always given precedence over asking people for something whenever a person is in need.
This hadeeth encourages us to work and earn a living through lawful means that protect one’s dignity and honour.
From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning that Islam fights begging and unemployment; thus, it ordered us to work and find a living, even if it was difficult and hard work, such like collecting wood.
It shows that it is permissible to swear by Allah to emphasise the matter.
This hadeeth confirms the Hand of Allah, Most High, as it befits Him, without changing the original meaning of this attribute, without denying such attributes for Allah, without enquiring into its true nature, and without likening His attributes to those of the creation..

1472

Narrated Hakeem ibn Hizaam (may Allah be pleased with him): "(Once) I asked Allah's Messenger ﷺ (for something) and he gave it to me. Again, I asked, and he ﷺ gave (it to me). Again, I asked, and he ﷺ gave (it to me). And then he ﷺ said, "O Hakeem! This property is like a sweet fresh fruit; whoever takes it without greediness, he is blessed in it, and whoever takes it with greediness, he is not blessed in it, and he is like a person who eats but is never satisfied; and the upper (giving) hand is better than the lower (receiving) hand." Hakeem added, "I said to Allah's Messenger ﷺ, 'By Him (Allah) Who sent you with the Truth, I shall never accept anything from anybody after you, till I leave this world.'" Then Aboo Bakr (during his caliphate) called Hakeem to give him his share from the war booty (like the other Companions of the Prophet ﷺ), he refused to accept anything. Then `Umar (during his caliphate) called him to give him his share but he refused. On that `Umar said, "O Muslims! I would like you to witness that I offered Hakeem his share from this booty, and he refused to take it." So, Hakeem never took anything from anybody after the Prophet ﷺ till he died..

Commentary : Money and wealth are from the temptations of this worldly life that the believer should not be keen on collecting and ensure to avoid earning it from unlawful sources, earning it via unlawful means, or spending it in matters that displease Allah.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ instructs Hakeem ibn Hizaam ibn Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with him) to the optimal and best way to earn money. This advice was given to Hakeem after he asked the Prophet ﷺ for money three times. In his advice, the Prophet ﷺ likened the money and property of this life with the fruit that is fresh in look and good in taste, which therefore are desired, and people are keen and inclined to have because it is pleasant to the eyes and tastes delicious too. After, he ﷺexplained that whoever receives money without him persisting in asking for it, without being concerned and keen to have it, and without putting the giver in a position that he dislikes or makes him embarrassed to give it, then this money will be blessed and increased, and the recipient will taste its sweetness. As for who takes it after persisting in asking for it due to his desire to have that which other people have and his greediness and takes it even though the giver dislikes to give him what he asked for, but he was too embarrassed to decline his persisting requests, the money he received will be devoid of Allah’s blessings. Knowing that he did not refrain from asking people for money, which is a condemned practice in religion, his punishment was to take away Allah’s blessings from the money he received and thus become like a person who eats without ever feeling satisfied i.e., he does not feel content with whatever he has and the more he collects money [via this way], the hungrier and stingier he becomes. The Prophet ﷺ then mentioned that the upper hand is better the lower hand, meaning that the giver is better than the receiver.
Once Hakeem (may Allah be pleased with him) heard this valuable advice from the Prophet ﷺ, he said: “'By Him (Allah) Who sent you with the Truth, I shall never accept anything from anybody after you, till I leave this world” i.e., I swear that I will not ask anyone for money from now and on. From that day, he would not accept taking his share from the war spoils that the Muslims seized from the disbelievers without fighting. He remained firm on his position during the reigns of Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) to the extent ‘Umar asked the people to be witness that he offered Hakeem his share, but he declined it only so that no one would think that ‘Umar refused to give him his share or deprive him of his right in the war spoils that are seized without fighting, and because he feared people may misunderstand the situation, so he (may Allah be pleased with him) wanted to leave no room for gossips and misunderstanding. Hakeem remained firm on his position until he departed this life 10 years after Mu’aawiyyah (may Allah be pleased with him) assumed his position as the new Caliph. All this because he (may Allah be pleased with him) was keen on acting upon the advice of the Prophet ﷺ. Indeed, the innate nature of humans is keen on having more wealth and collecting more money for the self is disposed to take as much as it can, and whoever approaches the sanctuary is bound to transgress upon it.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is that there is no shame if a person asks the ruler for money, and that it is fine to advise the person to refrain from asking others for money and decline his requests if he is found to be persistent in his request for money while he is no need of it.
This hadeeth shows that one should not ask for help or money except when there is a real need or necessity, and that the reward of zuhd (i.e., detachment from worldly pleasures) and the blessings of Allah in wealth will be realised if a person accepts money without being attached to it or keen on having it.
It highlights an evident merit of Hakeem ibn Hizaam (may Allah be pleased with him), condemns greediness and keenness on having more wealth, encourages refraining from asking for money and to be content with the little one had, and shows that the upper hand that gives in charity is better than the lower hand that receives the charity..

1473

Narrated ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) say: Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to give me something but I would say to him, "would you give it to a poorer and more needy one than l?" The Prophet ﷺ said to me, "Take it. If you are given something from this property, without asking for it or having greed for it take it; and if not given, do not run for it.".

Commentary : Money and property are from the temptations of this life that the believer should not be attached to or keen on collecting them, avoid collecting or wealth from unlawful sources, and avoid spending it on that which Allah dislikes or forbids.
The Prophet ﷺ used to give ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab money from the zakat money. However, the money was not given as a charity but rather as remuneration for his work in collecting the zakat. For this reason, ‘Umar thought that the Prophet ﷺ was giving him the money as a charity due to his poverty thus he (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet ﷺ to give the money to those who are poorer and more needy. The Prophet ﷺ, however, ordered him to take the money, and then said to him, as reported in the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim, “keep it or give it away in charity”. He ﷺ gave him the option either to keep it or donate it after he takes it from him ﷺ. After, the Prophet ﷺ explained to him that if he is offered money or property without him being avaricious or begging for it, then he should accept it. However, if he was not offered that money or property, then he should not let his desire go after it or ask for it.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is that we learn that the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ were not after worldly pleasures, and that their deeds were only intended for the sake of Allah, Most High.
This hadeeth shows that it is permissible to accept gifts and offerings if one does not let his desire go after it or ask for it.
It highlights one of the merits of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him), and his altruism and lack of interest in worldly benefits and pleasures. .

1474

Narrated ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "A man keeps on asking others for something till he comes on the Day of Resurrection without any piece of flesh on his face." The Prophet ﷺ added, "On the Day of Resurrection, the Sun will come near (to, the people) to such an extent that the sweat will reach up to the middle of the ears, so, when all the people are in that state, they will ask Adam for help, and then Moses, and then Muhammad ﷺ." The sub-narrator added "Muhammad will intercede with Allah to judge amongst the people. He will proceed on till he will hold the ring of the door (of Paradise) and then Allah will exalt him to highly-praised status (the privilege of intercession, etc.). Thereafter, all the people of the gathering will praise him.” Mu’alla said: Wuhayb narrated from al-Nu’maan ibn Raashid from ‘Abdillah ibn Muslim, the brother of al-Zuhree that Hamzah heard ‘Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from the Prophet the same issue.

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Commentary : Money and property are from the temptations of this worldly life that believers should detach themselves from them, and refrain from desiring the wealth and possessions of others or even asking them for help or money without being in a real need so they be saved from humiliation in this life and the Hereafter.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ clarifies that if a person is not poor or in need and yet asks people for money only to increase his wealth and possessions without caring about humiliating himself, although Allah orders him to preserve his dignity, Allah will be angry at him and humiliate him in the Day of Judgment just like how he accepted to humiliate himself in life for the sake of money. On the Day of Judgment, this person will be exposed in the presence of all people and the flesh of his face will fall off due to his embarrassment and shame. All this because he did not save his face in this life and accepting to experience humiliation for the sake of money.
The Prophet ﷺ then explained that the Sun will draw so close to the people, on the Day of Judgment, such that their sweat will reach up to the middle of their airs due to the extreme heat. It is reported on the authority of al-Miqdaad ibn al-Aswad (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The people would be submerged in perspiration according to their deeds, some up to their knees, some up to the waist and some would have the bridle of perspiration.” Amid this difficult situation, the people went to Adam and then Moses ((peace be upon them) asking for their help to intercede for them with Allah but they declined their request. According to the hadeeth of intercession that is reported on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, they first asked Adam before asking Ibraheem, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them) respectively. However, all of them declined and explained their excuse. Thereupon, they ask intercession from Allah’s Messenger ﷺ and Allah, Exalted be He, approves his intercession for them. He ﷺ then proceeds on till he holds the ring of the door of Paradise. Thereupon, all the people of the gathering praise him for his intercession, which is an exclusive privilege that Allah has granted to him ﷺ to relieve the people from the torments of the Day and judge the creation and settle all the disputes between them. That is the highly praised status that Allah has promised to the Prophet ﷺ.
The scholars differed on the reason that made the other prophets (peace be upon them) not to intercede for the people with Allah. One view said that it was out of humility and due to the seriousness of the request. It has been said that they believed that this intercession and lofty status do not belong to them; thus, they directed people to another prophet until they reached the Prophet ﷺ. It is also possible that they knew that only the Prophet ﷺ is entitled to this status and privilege and they directed them to lead people gradually to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
This hadeeth teaches us that punishment fits the crime thus Allah promised those who beg and ask for money and things only to increase their wealth and not because they are in need that He will skin off their faces on the Day of the Judgment just like how they did not save their faces in this life. This is because begging and asking people is humiliation and shame, and Allah does not wish for the believer to put himself in such shame and humiliation unless there is a necessity.
We learn from this hadeeth that begging and asking people for something is commended and ugly, and that we should endeavour to give our charity to those who are in need, but their dignity prevents them from asking people for help.
It confirms the intercession of the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgment..

1476

Narrated Aboo Hurayah (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet ﷺ said, "The needy person is not the one who asks a morsel or two (of meals) from the others, but the needy is the one who has nothing and is ashamed to beg from others.".

Commentary : Property and wealth are from the pleasures and temptations of this worldly life that believers should not be keen on collecting them and avoid desiring what others have, and refrain from asking others for money or things, as much as possible.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains that the needy (Arabic: miskeen) who deserve receiving charity and zakat is not the one who begs people and would accept as little as one morsal or two. Rather, it is the one who works but what he earns is insufficient. Allah, Most High, described the ones who owned the ship in the story of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) as needy although the ownership of the ship was theirs. He said: {As for the ship, it belonged to some needy (masakeen) people, working at sea. So, I intended to damage it, for there was a ˹tyrant˺ king ahead of them who seizes every ˹good˺ ship by force.} [Quran 18:79].
The statement of the Prophet ﷺ “The needy person is not…” does not negate the vulnerability and neediness of the one who begs people. It is rather intended to mean that the vulnerability and neediness of the one who cannot cover all his basic needs are the most overwhelming. He could be a person who has money, but it is not enough to cover all his basic needs and yet is ashamed of asking people for money, and his shyness and embarrassment prevents him from informing people of his need and do not persist in his request for help. The Statement of Allah {They do not beg people persistently.} [Quran 2:273] means they do not beg people at all i.e., they do not go around begging people for money, and nobody is aware of their need. It is possible that it means that if they beg people for money and help, they would not be persistent.
This hadeeth encourages us to refrain from begging people and asking for their money, and directs us to whom we better give our charity, and that we should give priority to those who are ashamed of begging people and if they beg, they do not do it persistently. .

1477

The clerk of Al-Mugeerah ibn Shu`bah related that "Mu’aawiyyah wrote to al-Mugheera ibn Shu`bah asking him to write for him something which he has heard from the Prophet ﷺ." So, al-Mugheerah wrote “I heard the Prophet ﷺ saying, "Allah has hated for you three things: -1. Vain talks. -2. Wasting of wealth -3. And asking too many questions (in disputed religious matters).

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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ would order people to observe good manners and warn them from bad manners.
In this hadeeth, Mu’aawiyyah ibn Abee Sufyaan (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote to al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah (may Allah be pleased with him) asking him to write to him something he heard directly from the Prophet ﷺ. In response, al-Mugheerah wrote to him this hadeeth in which the Prophet ﷺ mentions that Allah disliked for His servants engaging in three things:
1. “vain talks” i.e., talking too much without a real needthat necessitates it, or about others, or reporting something that one is not certain of its truthfulness, or useless talking that neither benefits nor harms.
2. “waste of wealth” i.e., by extravagance and spending it on inappropriate things, or spending it on unlawful things and sins.
3. “Asking too many questions” i.e., asking others for their money without being in need, or asking too many questions about the matters of this life and the Hereafter like asking about acts of worship that we are ordered to perform without disclosing to us the wisdom behind them, or asking about matters that do not concern the questioner, or asking people so many questions about their life affairs such that they become embarrassed.
This hadeeth shows that it is fine to ask for knowledge be written and fulfilling such requests, and that the Companions used to take knowledge from each other.
It highlights the superiority of living with the minimum where needs are covered over poverty and wealthiness, because wasting money will lead to poverty and begging people for money, and wealthiness could lead to inflictions and trials. .

1479

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "The needy person is not the one who goes round the people and ask them for a mouthful or two (of meals) or a date or two but the needy is that who has not enough (money) to satisfy his needs and whose condition is not known to others that others may give him something in charity, and who does not beg of people.".

Commentary : Allah has praised those who do not beg people despite their need (i.e., money, food, clothes, etc.) Allah, Most High, said: {Those unfamiliar with their situation will think they are not in need ˹of charity˺ because they do not beg.} [Quran 2:273] and the Prophet ﷺ disliked for his nation to frequently ask people for help.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains that the neediest person is not the one who goes around asking people for charity and all they want is a mouthful or two of meals or a date or two, and that is because he is capable of earning his living. Allah, Exalted be He, described the people of the ship as Miskeen despite the fact they owned the ship that Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) mounted. Allah, Most High, said: {As for the ship, it belonged to some needy (masakeen) people, working at sea.} [Quran 18:79].
The statement of the Prophet ﷺ “The needy person is not…” does not negate the vulnerability and neediness of the one who begs people. Rather, it means that his vulnerability and neediness are not the most overwhelming. The true needy person is the one who does not have enough money to cover all his basic needs and make him self-sufficient, yet he is ashamed of begging and does not disclose to others his neediness thus no one knows about his condition thus they do not give charity to him. As Allah, Most High, said: {They do not beg people persistently.} [Quran 2:273]
This hadeeth teaches us that we should refrain from begging and asking people for charity and directs us to be diligent about where to put our charity and ensure that our charity is given to the needy who does not beg people for charity..

1481

Narrated Aboo Humayd al-Saa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him): We joined Allah's Messenger ﷺ in the Battle of Tabuk and we came to the valley of al-Quraa where there was a garden belonging to a woman. Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, “Make an assessment.” And Allah's Messenger ﷺ also made an assessment, and it was ten awsaaq. He asked that woman to calculate the amount. Then, we proceeded on until we came to Tabuk and Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: A violent storm will overtake you during the night, so none amongst you should stand up and he who has a camel with him should hobble it firmly. A violent storm blew and a person who had stood up was carried away by the storm and thrown between the mountains of Tayy. The King of ‘Aylah, gifted Allah's Messenger ﷺ a white mule. Allah's Messenger ﷺ wrote him (the reply) and gifted him garments. We came back until we halted in the valley of al-Quraa. Allah's Messenger ﷺ asked that woman about the total weight of the date fruits she had. She said: Ten awsaaq. Then, Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: I am going to depart, and he who amongst you wishes may depart with me, but he who wants to stay may stay. We resumed the journey until we came to the outskirts of al-Madeenah. (It was at this time) that Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: This is Taaba, this is Uhud, that is a mountain which loves us, and we love it, and then said: Should I tell you the best houses of al-Ansaar? The best amongst the houses of the Ansaar is the house of Banee al-Najjaar. Then the house of Banee ‘Abd al-Ashhal, then the house of Banee Saa’idah - or Banee ‘Abd al-Haarith ibn al-Khazraj - and there is goodness in all the houses of the Ansaar.
Sulaimaan ibn Bilaal said: ‘Amr narrated to me: then the house of Banee al-Haarith then the house of Banee Saa’idah.
Sulaymaan related from Sa’d ibn Sa’eed from ‘Umaarah ibn Ghaziyyah from ‘Abbaas from his father that the Prophet ﷺ said: Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love him..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ loved al-Madeenah, its people, and everything about it. He ﷺdeclared it a safe sacred place and supplicated Allah for His blessings to be showered in its food twice as did Ibraheem (peace be upon him) for the inhabitants of Makkah.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Humayd al-Saa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were with the Prophet ﷺ in the Battle of Tabuk, which was the last military expedition in which he ﷺ took part. It occurred in the month of Rajab in the 9th year of Hijrah against the Romans. Tabuk is in the northernmost of the Arabian Peninsula, halfway to Damascus and is situated 1252 kilometers away from the region of Hijaaz.
He (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Muslim army arrived at the Valley of al-Quraa, which is located near al-Madeenah, between Taymaa’ and Khaybar (i.e., between al-Madeenah and al-Shaam). While scholars differed on its exact location, but most signs indicate that it refers to what is known today as the Valley of al-Jazl. After their arrival to that place, he ﷺ found a garden that belonged to a woman. The Prophet ﷺ asked his Companions to estimate the weight of the date fruits that are still on the palm trees. He ﷺ estimated that they would make when they are dry about 10 awsaaq (plural of wasaq) i.e., 1300 kg since one wasaq equals 60 Saa’, and then asked the woman to measure the weight of date fruits when they are dry to get an accurate measurement.
After they arrived at Tabuk, the Prophet ﷺ informed them that there would be a stormy wind coming in the night; thus, no one should stand up so they would not be harmed by the wind, and that those with camels should hobble them firmly so they do not get loose and carried away with the wind and be harmed. On that night, a violent windstorm swept the place, and one man stood up and was carried away by the wind until threw him near the mountain of Tayy, which is located in Haa’il, in the northern part of al-Hijaaz.
The king of ‘Aylah, which is an ancient coastal town, known today as Aqaba in Jordan, gifted the Prophet ﷺ a white mule called Duldul, and in return the Prophet ﷺ gifted him fancy garments and wrote him a letter to him inviting him and his people to Islam or pay the Jizayh. They opted for the jizyah and he ﷺ accepted that they remain upon their faith and pay the jizyah.
On their way back to al-Madeenah, they arrived at the valley of al-Quraa, where they visited the owner of the garden, and the Prophet ﷺ asked her about the total weight of her date fruits to which she confirmed that it was 10 awsaaq, which was exactly as the Prophet ﷺ estimated.
Afterwards, the Prophet ﷺ informed his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) that he wishes to return to al-Madeeanh as soon as possible. It has been said that he ﷺ meant that he ﷺ wished to take the shortest route; thus, he ﷺ gave them the option to accompany him in the journey back to al-Madeenah or stay behind with the Muslim army. When he ﷺ arrived at the outskirts of al-Madeenah and saw the houses of its inhabitants from far, he ﷺ said this is Taabah (English: good) i.e., the good city that Allah has named Taabah due to its goodness. And when he ﷺ saw the mountain of Uhud, he ﷺ said that this mountain loves us and we love him. The mountain of Uhud is in the northwest of al-Madeenah and 4 km away from the Prophet Mosque. There is nothing to prevent that a non-animated object to love as Allah can create this emotion into it just like how it happens that non-animated objects extol Allah [as reported in the Quran and Sunnah]. The meaning of his statement is that he ﷺ loved the inhabitants of al-Madeenah and his love to the mountain of Uhud necessitates that it be a blessed place and encourage residing near it.
Then, the Prophet ﷺ asked his Companions if they would like to know which houses are the best amongst the Ansaar, and the word “houses” here is used in reference to their tribes. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) expressed their interest in knowing the answer so he ﷺ said: The best tribe is Banee al-Najjaar, which is the tribe of his mother and thus they are considered his maternal uncles who hosted him when he emigrated from Makkah to al-Madeenah. The next tribe he ﷺ mentioned was Banee ‘Abd al-Ashhal and that was because they were from the early tribes that entered Islam from the Ansaar at the hand of Mu’sab ibn ‘Umayr (may Allah be pleased with him) after their leader Sa’d ibn Mu’aadth entered Islam. There are a few of highly esteemed Companions from this tribe like Sa’d ibn Mu’aath, Usayd ibn al-Khudayr, and ‘Abbaad ibn Bishr. Then, he ﷺ mentioned Banee Saa’idah – or Banee al-Haarith ibn al-Khazraj and added that there is goodness in all of the tribes of al-Ansaar i.e., all the tribes of Ansaar are renowned and highly esteemed in Islam and even before Islam. However, he ﷺ ranked them based on who embraced Islam earlier and their contributions to Islam.
From the benefits of this hadeeth is learning the permissibility of estimating the total weight of dates that palm trees are expected to produce from the Rutab (i.e., dates before the maturity), so its zakat can be calculated.
This hadeeth provides one of the evidences on the truthfulness of the Prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ as he foretold the Companions about the windstorm.
It shows us that it is permissible to accept gifts from non-Muslims and that opposing the instructions of the Prophet ﷺ leads to loss and hardship.
It shows the merit of the mountain of Uhud and confirms the virtue of the Ansaar and that while they are meritorious, they differ in rank among each other..

1483

Narrated Saalim ibn ‘Abdullah from his father (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ said, "On a land irrigated by rain water or by natural water channels or if the land is wet due to a nearby water channel one-tenth is compulsory (as Zakat); and on the land irrigated by the well, half of a one-tenth is compulsory (as Zakat on the yield of the land).".

Commentary : Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam that Allah has dictated upon those whose savings exceed the specified threshold. It is taken from the wealthy and given to the poor (i.e., all those who are eligible to receive it according to the Quran). Allah and His Messenger ﷺ explained all the rulings and details pertaining to this obligatory act of worship to protect the wealthy ones from injustice and protect the rights of those who are in need.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ explains that the yield of rainfed agriculture and lands irrigated by natural water channels or irrigated by rivers and nearby water sources without the help of tools is subject to one-twentieth as zakat, and the yield of lands irrigated by water taken out from the well by whatever means is subject to one-fifth as zakat. The difference of zakat rate between the two types of lands is due to the additional cost incurred by lands owners.
This hadeeth explains the zakat on agricultural products and that the hardship and expenses incurred to produce the yield affect the rate of zakat..

1485

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Dates used to be brought to Allah's Messenger ﷺ immediately after being plucked. Different persons would bring their dates till a big heap collected (in front of the Prophet ﷺ). Once Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn were playing with these dates. One of them took a date and put it in his mouth. Allah's Messenger ﷺ looked at him and took it out from his mouth and said, "Don't you know that the family of Muhammad do not eat what is given in charity?".

Commentary : Allah, Exalted be He, has honored His Prophet Muhmmad ﷺ, purified him, elevated his rank above all His creation, and endowed him with exclusive qualities that befit the state of his prophethood that makes him different to the people in certain issues that entail desire for worldly pleasures.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the people during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ would harvest the palm trees after the date fruits ripen and fully dry, and then bring the zakat of their dates to the Prophet ﷺ making a big heap. One day, al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the two sons of Alee ibn Abee Taalib and Faatimah, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ (may Allah be pleased with all of them), played with the dates, and al-Hasan picked one date from the dates of zakat and put it into his mouth. Thereupon, the Prophet ﷺ looked at him in a way that showed his disapproval so he ﷺ took it out from his mouth and said to him: “Don't you know that the family of Muhammad do not eat what is given in charity?” i.e., the family of Muhammad ﷺ are not allowed to accept and receive charity or zakat from people as Allah honored them because charity and zakat are the dirt of the people, as reported in the authentic hadeeths.
The family of the Prophet ﷺ who are not allowed to take or receive zakat and charity are his offspring, wives, and the descendants of ‘Abdul-Muttalib: the descendants of ‘Alee ibn Abee Taalib, the descendants of al-‘Abbaas, the descendants of Ja’far, the descendants of ‘Aqeel, and the descendants of al-Haarith.
This hadeeth shows that zakat on dates should be given upon its plucking when the dates ripen and dry.
It teaches us that we should raise and teach our children to obey the rules of religion and avoid that which is made forbidden.
It shows that we should explain to children the reason they are not allowed to do a particular act, as much as possible.
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1486

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ forbade selling fruits till they appear ripe. When he ﷺ was asked about (the words): 'appear to be ripe'?" He ﷺ replied, "Till they were safe from damage or disease.".

Commentary : Islam introduces legislations that govern the transactions and dealings between people to protect their rights and end any possibility of dispute.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ forbids people from selling fruits that are not picked yet from the tree before they appear are ripe and good to eat i.e., the taste, texture, and color appear good. This is because when fruits and dates are soft and taste good, and their color changes to yellowish or reddish can be signs of their ripeness.
When the Prophet ﷺ was asked about the signs that can indicate the fruit is ripe, his answer was that it is when the defect is no longer present i.e., the signs of ripeness are evident as that indicates its suitability for consumption. The legal reasoning for prohibiting the selling of fruits before their condition is known i.e., they appear ripe is that such transaction would entail vagueness and harm. This is because when the condition of the fruit is unknown, there would be a possibility that it may become defective or damaged; thus, the buyer will lose his money and entail taking his money without any lawful right.
This hadeeth forbids us from selling fruits before they are ripe and good to consume..

1488

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ forbade the selling of fruits until they were ripe. The Prophet ﷺ added, "It means that they become red.".

Commentary : Islam introduces legislations that govern the transactions and dealings between people to protect their rights and end any possibility of dispute.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ forbade the selling of fruits on trees and dates on palm trees before their condition is known i.e., they are ripe and suitable for eating, and their color changes to red or yellow as that would indicate it is ripe. The Prophet ﷺ explained the red color is the sign that indicates the maturity of fruit and that is free of defects.
The legal reasoning for prohibiting the selling of fruits before their condition is known i.e., they appear ripe is that such transaction would entail vagueness and harm. This is because when the condition of the fruit is unknown, there would be a possibility that it may become defective or damaged; thus. the buyer will lose his money and entail taking his money without any lawful right.
One of the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning the ruling of impermissibility to sell dates before they are ripe, and their condition is known..

1489

Narrated Saalim from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): `Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) gave a horse in charity in Allah's Cause and later he saw it being sold in the market and intended to purchase it. However, he went to the Prophet ﷺ and asked his permission. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Do not take back what you have given in charity." For this reason, Ibn `Umar never purchased the things which he had given in charity except that he would give it in charity again.”.

Commentary : Giving in charity for the sake of Allah, Exalted be He, is considered one of the best and most rewarding good deeds. It necessitates that when a person gives something in charity hoping for its reward and blessings from Allah alone that he does not wish to have it back again or request that it goes back to his possession.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that his father ’Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) gave in charity a horse to a man so he can mount it in fighting for Allah’s cause. Afterwards, he (may Allah be pleased with him) found that this horse in the market is offered for sale. The reason the man wanted to sell the horse was because it became fatigued and no longer suitable to participate in battles like other horses. According to another report in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim, the ownership of the horse was transferred to the man, which explains the reason he wanted to sell it afterwards. When ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) found the man selling his horse in the market, he presumed that the man may sell it for less than its actual value and that he was no longer able to afford looking after it. For this reason, he wanted to buy it but before doing so he consulted the Prophet ﷺ about his plan. The Prophet ﷺ said to him: “Do not take back what you have given in charity” because it was given for the cause of Allah and no person may buy his charity because a person no longer owns anything that he has given away for the cause of Allah. ‘Umar complied and refrained from proceeding with his plan.
For this reason, whenever ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would buy something that he gave in charity before, he would only do it so he can give it away in charity one more time. It is as if he understood the order of the Prophet ﷺ to only apply to whose intent is to bring back his charity into his possessions and not whose intent is to give it away in charity again.
This hadeeth highlights the virtue of donating to the Muslim army to help and support them in their fighting for the cause of Allah.
It shows that it is impermissible to buy that which a person has given in charity because it will be considered as if one reconsidered his charity..

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..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths