| Hadiths

Bukhari Hadiths 1356
Muslim Hadiths 558

Hadith

1871

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)

Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, “I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer) other towns and is called Yathrib and that is Al-Madeenah, and it turns out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron.”.

Commentary :
Al-Madeenah is a blessed land, purified by Allah, Exalted is He, from impurities, and chosen to be the land to which the Prophet ﷺ should migrate, to be the cradle of his call, and the cornerstone of thenew Muslim state.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ told them that Allah, Exalted is He, had commanded him to migrate from Makkah to a village that would eat up all other villages, meaning to triumph over them. The Arabic wording of the hadeeth literally means “to consume or eat” other villages, meaning to overpower them. TheProphet ﷺ used the metaphor of eating here to denote conquest.
From Al-Madeenah, the Muslim armies marched to conquer the rest of the (populated) world and Allah, Exalted is He, blessed the Muslims with triumph over their enemies to support His religion and conquer other lands. It could also refer to the riches taken as spoils of war from the conquered lands. The meaning could also be that Islam set out from Al-Madeenah to conquer all other lands, and triumph over all other sovereignties.
Then he ﷺ mentioned that some people, i.e., the hypocrites, called it Yathrib, butthat he ﷺ disliked this name. He ﷺ stated that he preferred the name “Al-Madeenah.” He ﷺ also named it Taybah, as narrated by Zayd ibn Thaabit (may Allah be pleased with him), and Taabah, as narrated on the authority of Aboo Humayd(may Allah be pleased with him); both hadeeths have been cited in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim. The fact that he ﷺ disliked the name Yathrib is because linguistically, it denotes rebuke or punishment, and may also denote corruption.Furthermore, it was the name given to it during the pre-Islamic era and the Prophet ﷺ used to change bad names that had negative connotations.
He ﷺ said: “And it is Al-Madeenah,” meaning the city that is absolutely perfect and worthy of being taken as a permanent residence. The use of “Al (the)”, the Arabic definite article, here denotes further accentuation and veneration. As for giving it the name Yathrib in the Quran, it is used merely to relate the name given to it by the hypocrites.
Then he ﷺ stated that it repels the most wicked people from it, turning out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron. They do not stand residing therein as it only accommodates the righteous believers. It does not leave anyone in whose heart there iscorruption or evil, but rather sets them apart from those endowed with honest hearts, and turns them out, just as fire eliminates the impurities of iron. It has been said that it refers to the hypocrites during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. After the death of the Prophet ﷺ, many of the righteous and virtuous Muslims left Al-Madeenah and some corrupt and evil people remained therein. It could also mean the turning out of the hypocrites upon the emergence of Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal (the Antichrist), as cited in Saheeh Muslim: “The Last Hour will not come until Al-Madeenah banishes its evils just as a furnace eliminates the impurities of iron.”
This hadeeth also highlights the virtues and merits of Al-Madeenah, and is one of the signs of hisﷺ prophethood.
.

1873

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)

If I saw deers grazing in Al-Madeenah, I would not chase them, for Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "It (Al-Madeenah) is a sanctuary between its two mountains.".

Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ declared Al-Madeenah a sanctuary, and its inviolability entails that whatever lies within its boundaries is declared inviolable (as per the laws of Islam). No animal may be hunted and no tree may be cut down. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to show keenness in complying with the commands of the Prophet ﷺ and avoiding his prohibitions.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that he did not merely refrain from hunting the antelopes when he saw them graze or wander about Al-Madeenah, but rather refrained from alarming them, out of his earnest compliance with the command of the Prophet ﷺ regarding the inviolability of Al-Madeenah! His words could also mean, ‘I did not intend to chase them, but accidently alarmed them,’ used as a metaphor for his refraining from hunting them.
Afterward, Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that he did so in compliance with the Prophet’s command to declare Al-Madeenah inviolable. He ﷺ said: “Al-Madeenah is a sanctuary between its two Harrahs.” The sacredness of Al-Madeenah manifests in the fact that whatever lies within its boundaries is declared inviolable (as per the laws of Islam). No tree may be cut down, except those planted by people; it is permissible for them to cut down and eat from such trees only. It is also forbidden to hunt in Al-Madeenahh, just like in Makkah. However, there is no prescribed punishment (expiation) for hunting in Al-Madeenah, because the sanctuary of Al-Madeenah is not a place for performing Hajj or ‘Umrah rituals (whereas the sanctuary of Makkah is). The Arabic word ‘laabah’ or ‘harrah’ (used in the relevant hadeeth) means a stony tract or lava field, whose stones are black. Al-Madeenah, may Allah perpetuate its security and honor, is located between two harrahs; the harrah of Waaqim to the east, where the Qubaa’ Mosque and Waaqim fortress are situated, and the harrah of Wabarah to the west, where Masjid Al-Qiblatayn (Mosque of the Two Qiblahs) is located. A Saudi official committee has defined the limits of Al-Madeenahh sanctuary, and the Madeenah Municipality has installed architectural signs in the shape of the arcs of the Prophet's Mosque to mark the limits of the sanctuary..

1874

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) I heard Allah's Messenger ﷺ saying, "People will leave Al-Madeenah in spite of the best state it will have, and none except the wild birds and the beasts of prey will live in it, and the last persons who will die will be two shepherds from the tribe of Muzaynah, who will be driving their sheep towards Al-Madeenah, but will find nobody in it, and when they reach the valley of Thaniyyaat Al-Wadaa‘, they will fall down on their faces dead.".

Commentary :
There are certain minor and major signs of (the coming of) the Hour (i.e., Day of Resurrection). The difference between the minor and major signs is that the major signs shall occur shortly before the Day of Resurrection, and shall be few in number and consecutive; none of them has occurred yet. As for the minor signs of the Hour, they are numerous and shall occur at longer time intervals, and many of them have already taken place.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ informed us of some future events that shall take place at the end of the world. The inhabitants of Al-Madeenah shall leave and it will becomevacant and abandoned, although it would be at its best in terms of being a thriving and prosperous land producing abundant crops and fruits! Being deserted, wild animals and birds shall live therein in pursuit of prey, since all people shall be dead by that time except for two shepherds from Muzaynah, a tribe from Mudhar, who shall be the last people to die. They will go to Al-Madeenah to graze their cattle, but find it deserted and full of beasts and wild animals. As they reach the valley of Thaniyat Al-Wadaa‘ at the entrance of Al-Madeenah, they shall fall dead on their faces.
The Arabic wording of the hadeeth literally translates as, ‘the last to be resurrected’ meaning, ‘the last to die,’ because resurrection takes place only after death. It could also mean that their resurrection will be delayed because their deaths will be delayed. It is also possible that it means that they shall be the last people to be driven to Al-Madeenah. The valley of Thaniyat Al-Wadaa‘ is located near Tabook, on the route from Madeenah to Shaam (Greater Syria). It was given this name because people used to bid farewell to the pilgrims and the armies therein before they set off on their journeys, and it is situated nowadays at the heart of the urban area of Al-Madeenah..

1875

Narrated Sufyaan ibn Aboo Zuhayr (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard Allah's Messenger ﷺ saying, "Yemen will be conquered and some people will migrate (from Al-Madeenah) and will urge their families, and those who will obey them to migrate (to Yemen) although Al-Madeenah will be better for them; had they only known. Sham will also be conquered and some people will migrate (from Al-Madeenah) and will urge their families and those who will obey them, to migrate (to Shaam) although Al-Madeenah would have been better for them; had they only known. Iraq will be conquered and some people will migrate (from Al-Madeenah) and will urge their families and those who will obey them to migrate (to Iraq) although Al-Madeenah would have been better for them; had they only known.".

Commentary :
None knows the Unseen except Allah, Exalted is He, and He may impart some knowledge of the Unseen to some of His chosen servants. He revealed to the Prophet ﷺ the knowledge of some future events that took place exactly as he ﷺforetold, serving as proofs and signs of his prophethood.

In this hadeeth, the Companion Sufyaan ibn Aboo Zuhayr Al-Azdi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺforetold the conquest of many lands which took place in the exact order stated by him in the hadeeth.
He ﷺ said that Yemen would be conquered, and some people would be fascinated by it so much that they would take their families and migrate from Al-Madeenah to Yemen, although residing in Al-Madeenah would have been better for them.This is because the Prophet ﷺ declared it an inviolablesanctuary, it is closer to his mosque, it was the land where the divine revelation descended, and the blessings of Allah have been bestowed upon it. Had they only known the great merits and benefits of residing in Al-Madeenah with regard to their religiosity, they would have thought little of the fleeting worldly benefits and gains obtained by residing elsewhere. The hadeeth could also mean, ‘Had they only any share of knowledge,’ meaning if only they were endowed with a share of (religious) knowledge,’ denoting reproach.
This hadeeth stated that these two shepherds will be driving their cattle. The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is ‘Yabussoon,’ and it means to urge (camels in particular) to move faster.
Then he ﷺ foretold the conquest of Shaam, which is Greater Syria, that incorporates present-day Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, and the conquest of Iraq as well. He ﷺ informed us that people would flock to these newly conquered lands, seeking wealth and prosperity, like those who would migrate to Yemen, although their residence in Al-Madeenah would have been better for them.
It is noteworthy that this hadeeth applies to those who give up residence in Al-Madeenah and move out of it rather than those who leave it to fulfill a need, e.g., for Jihaad or trade purposes. The hadeeth does not apply to these latter categories.
The Prophet ﷺ described the two shepherds as driving their camelsto emphasize the intended meaningof saying, ‘Had they only known,” to dispraise their situation. The reference to shepherding the camels here is a metaphor of giving in to the alluring pursuit of fleeing and immediate worldly gains and pleasures, and giving up residence near the Prophet ﷺ. This is why he ﷺ repeated the word ‘Qawm’ and described such people as they drive their cattle to dispraise their blameworthy state.
The hadeeth underlines some merits of Al-Madeenah and residence therein.
It also serves as evidence on the superiority of some lands to others..

1876

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, “Verily, faith returns and goes back to Madeenah as a snake returns and goes back to its hole (when in danger).”.

Commentary :
Al-Madeenah is a blessed land, purified by Allah, Exalted is He, from evils and impurities, and chosen to be the land to which His Prophet ﷺ migrated, the cradle of the call of Islam, and the cornerstone of the early Muslim state.
It this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ informed us of some virtues that warranted the superiority of Al-Madeenah over other lands. He ﷺ stated that faith returns to Al-Madeenah just like a snake would return to its hole (for protection), which is a metaphor of the believers flocking towards Al-Madeenah, the land of migration. The believers continued to seek refuge in it and flock towards it whenever they feared for their religion, and it served as the fountainhead of faith, from which it spread all over the world, being the power base of Islamat its inception. Likewise, a snake gets out of its hole, and whenever it is alarmed, it crawls back to its hole. In the same vein, Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺalso said: “Verily Islam started as something strange and it will again return to being strange just as it started, and it would recede between the two mosques just as the serpent crawls back into its hole.” [Saheeh Muslim]. The two mosques are the Sacred Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Al-Madeenah. It goes without saying that Islam was first perceived as strange in the midst of ignorance,as it discarded many of the pre-Islamic customs, and therefore people perceived it as a strange call (alien to their perceptions), and it shall be perceived as such after it was once vastly widespread. This is an indication that the believers flee to Makkah and Al-Madeenah for protection from temptations and out of fear for their religiosity. It also indicates that the Muslim lands will shrink at the end of the world. It has also said that the hadeeth applies to all times. As for the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ, seeking refuge in Al-Madeenah is meant as a reference to learning from the Prophet ﷺ. As for the time of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), Taabi‘oon, and their followers, it means following their guidance. As for the subsequent times, Muslims have sought refuge inAl-Madeenah to pray in the Prophet’s Mosque.
This hadeeth also underlines a sign that provesthe prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ..

1877

Narrated Sa`d (may Allah be pleased with him):I heard the Prophet ﷺ saying, "None plots against the people of Madeenah but that he will be dissolved (destroyed) like the salt is dissolved in water."
.

1878

Narrated Usaamah (may Allah be pleased with him):Once the Prophet ﷺ stood at the top of a (looked out from upon one) castle amongst the castles (or the high buildings) of Al-Madeenah and said, "Do you see what I see? (No doubt) I see the spots where afflictions will take place among your houses (and these afflictions will be) as numerous as the spots where raindrops fall.".

Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ was an exemplary educator and mentor; he ﷺ utilized every available opportunity to call people to Allah, Exalted is He, instill goodness within Muslims, and warn them against all evils. An example of his warnings was against some future Fitnah (trails and afflictions) and evils so that Muslims would be well prepared for them.
This hadeeth serves as evidence of his prophethood and a miracle which he ﷺ was given, foretelling some future events that would happen after his death. Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ once stood at the top of one of the forts or high buildings in Al-Madeenah, looked down, and then drew the attention of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) who were with him by saying: “Do you see what I see?” Then he ﷺ told them of the very spots where some future afflictions would befall Al-Madeenah as if he ﷺ was seeing them firsthand at the time of their occurrence, as clear as he saw the spaces between the houses. He ﷺ told them that these afflictions would be numerous and befall all the people therein, just like raindrops. The Arabic term fitnah denotes the trails and afflictions that befall people with regard to their religious or worldly affairs.
The Prophet ﷺ singled out Al-Madeenah in this hadeeth, because the killing of ‘Uthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) took place in Al-Madeenah and it was followed by a series of trails and afflictions that spread all over the Muslim lands. The Battle of the Camel and the Battle of Siffeen were the result of the murder of ‘Uthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him). Moreover, the Battle of Nahrawan was caused by the arbitration at the Battle of Siffeen, and all the fighting that took place during the time of Fitnah (strife) was a result of arbitration, or caused by some of its results.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that an educator may draw the attention of the students by employing the question-answer method of teaching.
.

1879

Narrated Aboo Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺ said: "The terror caused by Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal (Antichrist) will not enter Al-Madeenah and at that time it will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate guarding them.".

Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ did not leaveany good without instructing us to adhere to it nor any evil without warning us against it. One of the grave pervasive evils against which he ﷺ warned us was the emergence of Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal (Antichrist), which is one of the major signs of the Hour.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ informed us of the divine protection shielding Al-Madeenah from the Fitnah ofAl-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal). He is given the name ‘Al-Maseeh’, because it literally means the one who is blind in one eye, and the name ‘Al-Dajjaal’ to distinguish him from Al-Maseeh (Messiah) ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Mary. Linguistically, the Arabic word ‘Dajjaal’ denotes concealment and deception,, sbecause he is a liar who covers up the truth, conceals it, and reveals falsehood. Allah, Exalted is He, will grant him some abilities that are exclusive to Him such as: the resurrection of a dead person whom he shall kill, the time of prosperity and affluence that he will usher in, his heaven and fire, and his two rivers. Moreover, the treasures of the land will follow him, and he will command the sky to rain and the plants to grow, and they will comply. All of that shall happen by the power and will of Allah, Exalted is He, as a fitnah and trial for people. He ﷺ informed us of his conquest of various lands which will strike fear, panic, and terror in the hearts of their people. However, he will not be able to enter Al-Madeenah. He will try to enter it, but it will have then seven gates, each of which will be guarded by two angels, preventing him from entering it. Another hadith has been reported indicating that Allah, Exalted is He,has guarded Makkah as well against Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal and that he will not be able to enter it. For instance, he ﷺ said: “There will be no land which would not be treaded by Al-Dajjaal but Makkah and Al-Madeenah.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
This hadeeth also highlights the virtues of Al-Madeenah, and states that the angels guard its gates..

1880

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "There are angels guarding the entrances (or roads) of Madeenah, neither plague nor Al-Dajjaal will be able to enter it.".

Commentary :
Al-Madeenah is a blessed land, purified by Allah from impurities and evils, and preserved from destructive perils.
In this hadeeth, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ informed us of the distinct honor conferred by Allah, Exalted is He, on Al-Madeenah, favoring it over other lands, namely its routes and entrances being guarded by angels. Neither the plague nor Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal can enter, it being protected by the angels who shall prevent him from entering it. It has been narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ stated that Al-Dajjaal will stop at the Sabakhah (i.e., a barren place adjacent to Madeenah), which retains pools of flood water in the northwest of Al-Madeenah. As he arrives there, Al-Madeenah will be shaken with its people, and no hypocrite, male or female, will be left therein. All hypocrites will come out to him. [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]. However, he will not be able to enter Al-Madeenah.
The emergence of Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal is one of the major signs of the Hour. Al-Dajjaal, linguistically, means concealment, because he is a liar who covers up the truth and conceals it, and reveals falsehood. Allah, Exalted is He, will grant him some abilities that are exclusive to Him such as: the resurrection of the dead person whom he shall kill, the time of prosperity and affluence that he will usher in, his heaven and fire, and his two rivers. Moreover, the treasures of the land will follow him, and he will command the sky to rain and plants to grow, and they will comply. All of that shall happen by the power and will of Allah, Exalted is He, as a fitnah and trial for people. It has been narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said: “There will be no land which would not be tread by Al-Dajjaal but Makkah and Al-Madeenah.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]. This is a distinct honor conferred upon these two great cities, Makkah and Al-Madeenah.
The plague is a fatal disease that causes wounds and ulcers on the body (and often leads to death). It has been narrated on the authority of Aboo Moosaa Al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said: “My nation shall perish due to Ta‘n (killing) and Taa‘oon (plague).” People asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah; we know the Ta‘n, but what is Taa‘oon?’ He ﷺ said: “It is the mortal strike of your enemies form the Jinn, and there is martyrdom in both.” [Musnad Ahmad].
Reality has attested the words of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, as the plague has spread in multiple lands throughout history, and has not emerged in Al-Madeenah, confirming the words of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. So, this hadeeth also highlights a sign of his prophethood and underlines the virtues of Al-Madeenah and the merits of residing therein..

1881

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺ said, "There will be no town which Al-Dajjaal will not enter except Makkah and Al-Madeenah, and there will be no entrance (paths) (of both Makkah and Al-Madeenah) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Al-Madeenah will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e., three earthquakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the disbelievers and the hypocrites from it.".

1882

Narrated Aboo Sa`eed Al-Khudree(may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger ﷺ told us a long narrative about Al-Dajjaal, and among the many things he mentioned, was his saying, "Al-Dajjaal will come and it will be forbidden for him to pass through the entrances of Madeenah. He will land in some of the salty barren areas (outside) Madeenah; on that day the best man or one of the best men will come up to him and say, 'I testify that you are the same Dajjaal whose description was given to us by Allah's Messenger ﷺ.' Al-Dajjaal will say to the people, 'If I kill this man and bring him back to life again, will you doubt my claim?' They will say, 'No.' Then Al-Dajjaal will kill that man and bring him back to life. That man will say, 'Now I know your reality better than before.' Al-Dajjaal will say, 'I want to kill him but I cannot.' ".

Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ did not leave any good without guiding us to it, nor any evil without warning us against it. An example of the pervasive evils against which he ﷺ warned us is the emergence of Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal and this is one of the major signs of the Hour.
In this hadeeth, Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree(may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) told them about Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal at length, warning them against his Fitnah, and informing them of some of his news. He is given the name ‘Al-Maseeh’ because it literally denotes the one who is blind in one eye, and ‘Al-Dajjaal’ to distinguish him from the Maseeh (Messiah) ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Mary. The Arabic word ‘Dajjaal’ linguistically means concealment, because he is a liar who covers up the truth and conceals it, and reveals falsehood. He shall be a human being by means of whom Allah, Exalted is He, shall test His servants. He will grant him some abilities that are exclusive to Him, such as: the resurrection of the dead person whom he shall kill, the time of prosperity and affluence that he will usher in, his heaven and fire, and his two rivers. Moreover, the treasures of the land will follow him, and he will command the sky to rain and the plants to grow, and they will comply. All of that shall happen by the power and will of Allah, Exalted is He, as a fitnah and trial for people.
Among the information that the Prophet ﷺ stated about Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjaal was that he shall approach Al-Madeenah and try to enter it, but will rather reach a Sabkhah, a sandy land that is barren because of high soil salinity, therein. It was reported on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said: “(Al-Dajjaal will come) and pitch his tent in the Sabkhah of Juruf,” [Saheeh Muslim]. This place is a barren area of land about 3 miles from Al-Madeenah on the route to Shaam. He will not be able to enter Al-Madeenah, because it is deemed forbidden for him to enter it; all the routes and roads to its valleys are guarded by rows of angels. As he approaches the Sabkhah (outside) Al-Madeenah, the best man or one of the best men at that time will come up to him, to unveil his evil to the people. Upon seeing him, he will know that he is Al-Dajjaal based on his description reported on the authority of the Prophet ﷺ. He will say to him, ‘I testify that you are Al-Dajjaal whose description was given to us by Allah's Messenger ﷺ.’ Al-Dajjaal will say to the disbelievers and hypocrites who will be deceived by him, ‘If I kill this man and bring him back to life again, will you doubt my claim?’ They will say, ‘No!’ Then Al-Dajjaal will kill that man and bring him back to life, by the Will and Permission of Allah, Exalted is He, as a test and trial for people, to set the true believers apart from the disbelievers. Another version of this hadeeth reads: “He will then order him to be torn (into pieces) with a saw from the parting of his hair up to his legs. Afterwards, Al-Dajjaal will walk between the two pieces. He will then say to him: ‘Stand, and he will stand erect.’ He will then say to him: ‘Do you not believe in me?’ The man will say: ‘It has only added to my insight concerning you (that you are really Al-Dajjaal).’” [Muslim]. He will say so because he will have seen firsthand another sign of which the Prophet ﷺhad informed him, namely, that he will bring back to life a killed person. Al-Dajjaal will say, ‘I want to kill him, but I cannot!’ The version narrated by Muslim reads: “Al-Dajjaal will try to catch hold of him so that he should kill him (again). The space between his neck and collar bone will be turned into copper and he will find no means to kill him. So, he will catch hold of him by his hands and feet and throw him (into the air), and people will think that he had been thrown in the Hellfire, whereas he had been thrown into Paradise. Allah's Messenger ﷺ said regarding that man: ‘He will be the most eminent amongst persons in regard to martyrdom in the sight of the Lord of the world.’” [Muslim]
This hadeeth underlines the virtues of knowledge, and highlights that it is one of the means to gain both insight into the Fitnah and steadfastness on the truth at the time of its occurrence.
The hadeeth also underscores the virtues of confronting the people of falsehood with the truth.
.

1883

Narrated Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him): A Bedouin came to the Prophet ﷺ and gave a pledge of allegiance for embracing Islam. The next day he came with fever and said (to the Prophet ﷺ), "Please cancel my pledge (of embracing Islam and of emigrating to Madeenah)." The Prophet ﷺ refused (that request) three times and said, "Al-Madeenah is like a furnace, it expels out the impurities (bad persons), selects the good ones and makes them perfect.".

Commentary :
Al-Madeenah is a blessed land, purified by Allah from impurities and evils, and chosen to be the land to which the Prophet ﷺ migrated, the cradle of His call, and a refuge for His righteous servants.
In this hadeeth, Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah(may Allah be pleased with him) told us that a Bedouin man (desert dweller) migrated to Al-Madeenah and went to the Prophet ﷺ to give him the Bay‘ah (pledge of allegiance) to adhere to Islam. The Arabic word Bay‘ah means a contract or covenant, and it is given that name because it is similar to a financial trade-off in the sense that each of the two parties offers the other something in exchange. The Prophet ﷺ offered them the promise of reward and they offered in return their commitment to his obedience.
This Bedouin man had a fever on the following day, and went back to the Prophet ﷺ to cancel his Bay‘ah! Apparently, he did not want to give up Islam, otherwise he would not have bothered to go back to theProphet ﷺ and seek his permission. Rather, he wanted to back out of his commitment to the migration, but the Prophet ﷺ refused, because backing out of the migration is a major sin. This is why the Prophet ﷺ said in another hadeeth, “O Allah, complete for my Companions their migration, and do not cause them to turn back upon their heels.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
Moreover, his act implies having ill thoughts about Allah, Exalted is He, because he assumed that he had a fever because he had given the pledge of alligance to the Prophet ﷺ (to migrate to Al-Madeenah), and thought that if he ﷺ released him from his commitment, he would be cured from the fever! Therefore, he went to the Prophet ﷺ with such a request, and this indicated his keenness, but he ﷺ refused. Despite the Prophet’s ﷺrefusal, the man left Al-Madeenah, and thereupon he ﷺ remarked that Al-Madeenah is like a furnace, in that it expels out the impurities (bad people), chooses only the good ones and refines them. In this hadeeth, he ﷺ likened Al-Madeenah to a pair of bellows made from (wood and) leather used by blacksmiths to push air into the fire to allow the furnace to reach a high temperature,so as to make the iron melt and remove its impurities. Similarly, Al-Madeenah expels the wicked people and purifies itself from their evil to manifest its perfect purity. This is a metaphor of the faith of the true and sincere believers among its inhabitants. This is a good metaphor, because thebellows is used to blow on the fire to supply air to remove the black smoke and ashes from the fire, leaving only the burning embers. This is the meaning if the hadeeth referred to the actual bellows used by the blacksmith to produce a strong blast of air to heat up the fire. However, if the intended meaning is the furnace itself, the hadeeth would mean that this place, given its high temperature, removes all impurities from iron, silver and gold to produce pure iron, silver and gold. Likewise, Al-Madeenah turns out the wicked people by means of fever, illness, poor livelihoods, and poverty to purify the ‘human self’ from the traces of indulgence in sinful desires, and thus refines the good people.
It is noteworthy that this description does not apply to Al-Madeenah at all times, but is rather specific to the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ, because none would leave Al-Madeenah to reside elsewhere except that he was a wicked person. After the Prophet’s death, some of the best people among his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) moved out of Al-Madeenah and died in their new places of residence.
This cannot be refuted by the fact that the hypocrites lived and died in Al-Madeenah and it did not expel them, because it was originally their homeland, and they did not inhabit it after embracing Islam or for religious reasons, but rather resided therein for the good livelihood opportunities there. The Prophet ﷺused this metaphor in reference to those who willingly committed themselves to Islam and then their hearts were corrupted.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that whenever someone makes a covenant with Allah, committing himself or someone else to doing something, it is impermissible for him to release himself from such a commitment, because such an act involves disobedience to Allah, Exalted is He, who Says (that which means): {O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.} [Quran 5:1].
.

1884

Narrated Zayd ibn Thaabit (may Allah be pleased with him):When the Prophet ﷺ went out for (the Battle of) Uhud, some of his Companions (i.e., the hypocrites) returned (home). A party of the believers remarked that they would kill those (hypocrites) who had returned, but another party said that they would not kill them. Thereupon, Allah, Exalted is He, revealed to His Messenger ﷺ the following ayah: {What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites…} [Quran 4:88] The Prophet ﷺ said, "Al-Madeenah expels the bad persons from it, as fire expels the impurities of iron.".

Commentary :
Al-Madeenah is a blessed land, purified by Allah from impurities and evils, and chosen to be the land to which the Prophet ﷺ migrated, the cradle of His call, and the refuge for His righteous servants.
In this hadeeth, Zayd ibn Thaabit (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that when the Prophet ﷺ wanted to set off during the Battle of Uhud in 3 A.H., after he had consulted with Muslims, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), especially those who had missed out on participating in the Battle of Badr, advised him to go outside of Al-Madeenah to meet their enemies. On the other hand, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salool, the chief of the hypocrites, advised the Muslims to stay inside Al-Madeenah and fight off the offenders, but this was not sincere advice. Rather, he only wanted to have a chance to flee during the fighting. When the Prophet ﷺ followed the advice of those who suggested marching outside of Al-Madeenah to meet the enemy, Salool had a chance to flee and return to Al-Madeenah with three hundred of the hypocrites, almost one third of the Muslim army, claiming that the reason for his return was that the Prophet ﷺ did not seek his opinion on the matter!
When they did so, a group of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) suggested that they should be killed, while others disagreed, because they were still outwardly Muslims. Thereupon, Allah, Exalted is He, revealed the following ayah: {What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites, while Allah has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned. Do you wish to guide those whom Allah has sent astray? And he whom Allah sends astray - never will you find for him a way [of guidance].} [Quran 4:88]. In thisayah, Allah, Exalted is He, criticized their disagreement regarding the two groups of the hypocrites, while Allah had made them fall back into error and disbelief. The ayah means, ‘Why would you even disagree regardingthose who displayed manifest hypocrisy and have two opinions on the matter? Why did not you decisively declare their disbelief, while Allah, Exalted is He, had led them astray because of their disobedience and defiance of His Messenger ﷺ and following falsehood?!
Afterwards, Zayd ibn Thaabit (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet ﷺ said that Al-Madeenah sets the most wicked people apart from the good ones just like fire removes the impurities from iron, leaving only the pure and good people therein.
Subsequently, Allah, Exalted is He, decreed that only few hypocrites should live in the company of the Prophet ﷺ in Al-Madeenah, and as a result they were turned away from the Prophet ﷺ for their fear of getting killed. Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {Accursed wherever they are found, [being] seized and massacred completely.} [Quran 33:61]. They feared for their lives and therefore left Al-Madeenah, attesting the fact that Al-Madeenah expels the wicked people, but not all at once, until only the pure and good people remain therein.
.

1885

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):The Prophet ﷺ said, "O Allah! Bestow on Al-Madeenah twice the blessings You bestowed on Makkah.".

Commentary :
Al-Madeenah is a blessed land, purified by Allah from impurities and evils, and chosen to be the land of to which the Prophet ﷺ migrated, the cradle of His call, and the refuge for His righteous servants.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet ﷺ supplicated Allah to bless Al-Madeenah with abundance and prosperity, to bless its produce and livelihood with regard to worldly riches. The Prophet ﷺ said: “O Allah! Bless us in our fruits. Bless us in our city. Bless us in our Saa’ and bless us in our Mudd.” [Saa‘ and Mudd are both dry measures used for agricultural produce by the Arabs in the Prophet's lifetime, and the Saa‘ was the larger measure.]
On account of this supplication, Allah, Exalted is He, blessed the Saa‘ of Al-Madeenah so much that it would be sufficient for a greater number of people than what it would normally suffice elsewhere.
The Prophet ﷺ supplicated Allah, Exalted is He, to multiply the blessings conferred on Al-Madeenah compared to those bestowed on Makkah due to the supplication of Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham). This was further detailed in the hadeeth narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reading: “O Allah, Ibraaheem is Your servant, Your Close Friend [Khaleel] and Your Prophet, and I am Your servant and Your Prophet. He supplicated You for Makkah, and I supplicate You for Madeenah, (to bless it with) the like of what he supplicated You for Makkah, and the like thereof as well!” [Muslim].
.

1886

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):Whenever the Prophet ﷺ returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madeenah, he would make his Mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e., a horse), he would make it gallop because of his love for Al-Madeenah..

Commentary :
Al-Madeenah was one of the most beloved lands to the Prophet ﷺ. It was the land to which he migrated and where he ﷺ received support. He ﷺ established therein the early state of Islam, and it served as the power base of Islamat its inception, from which Islam spread to all the lands of Arabs and non-Arabs.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ highlighted some manifestations of his love for Al-Madeenah. Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) related that whenever the Prophet ﷺ came from his travels and saw the houses of Al-Madeenah, he ﷺ would urge his riding animal (she-camel, mule, or horse) to move quickly to arrive faster, out of his deep love and longing for Al-Madeenah, being the land to which he migrated and where his family, offspring, and believing supporters, whom he loved the most, lived. Allah, Exalted is He,has infused in people an innate love and longing for their homelands. This was manifest in the action of the Prophet ﷺ, related in this hadeeth, serving as a great example for Muslims to follow. He ﷺ commanded Muslims to hasten to return to their families after their travels.
The hadeeth also touches upon the merits of Al-Madeenah and the Prophet’s love and longing for it.
It is also deduced from this hadeeth that it is permissible for a Muslim to display love and nostalgia for his homeland..

265

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said, "When anyone amongst you squats for answering the call of nature, he should neither turn his face nor back towards the qibla (prayer direction).".

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) taught his companions all the Islamic manners to the extent that he taught them the manners of entering the toilet. In this hadith, he forbade us to turn our faces or backs toward the prayer direction. This is out of glorifying and preserving the Kaaba, the Sacred House of Allah in Mecca. Instead, a Muslim has to avoid these two directions. In the two Sahihs, Abu Ayyoub Al-Ansary narrated that the Prophet said, “Turn toward the East or the West.” Finally, this hadith is one of the hadiths that clarifies the etiquette of relieving oneself..

269

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Be careful about the two things that necessitate cursing." They (the companions) asked, "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, what are those two things that necessitate cursing?" He answered, "Relieving oneself in the people's way or under their shades.".

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) was keen to keep public places clean and warned Muslims against falling into bad habits that harm people in those places. In this hadith, he warned against: (1) Two things that necessitate cursing their doers, or (2) Two things that people curse. Cursing is expulsion from Allah's mercy. When the Prophet's companions asked him about these two acts, he replied, "Answering the call of nature in the people's way or under their shades." He forbade these acts, for they spread filths and impurities of nasty smell in people's way and under their shadows. This hadith contains the following benefits: (1) Islamic law’s keenness to keep individuals and societies away from what hurt them, which may lead to curse and insult each other, and (2) It urges Muslims to stick to reasons for bringing love, happiness, and hope goodness for each other and removing harms and difficulties..

270

Anas ibn Malek narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered a garden while a little servant was following him with a jar of water and he was the youngest amongst us. He (the servant) placed it next to a lote-tree. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ relieved himself then came out after cleaning himself with water.".

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) was modest so he used to conceal himself when answering the call of nature. In this hadith, the noble companion Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) entered an orchard or garden full of palm trees with a little boy who was the youngest companion present in this situation. The boy was carrying a jar of enough water for ablution and placed it next to a lote-tree for the Prophet (ﷺ). After answering the call of nature, the Prophet (ﷺ) used this water to purify himself from traces of urine and feces then came out of the garden. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) One has to conceal himself and be away from people while answering the call of nature, and (2) The legality of cleaning oneself with water..

273

Huthaifa ibn Al-Yaman narrated, "I was with the Prophet ﷺ and when he came to some people's garbage, he urinated while standing. I went aside but he said to me, 'Come closer.' I came closer till I stood behind his heels. Then he performed ablution and wiped over his leather socks.".

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) used to take much care of teaching Muslims the matters of purification and the etiquette of relieving oneself. In this hadith, Huthaifa ibn Al-Yaman, the noble Companion, narrated that he was with the Prophet (ﷺ) when he urinated in a garbage while standing, unlike his well-known habit of urinating while sitting. The Prophet (ﷺ) may have done it for one of the following reasons: (1) He did not find something to sit on, (2) He had something that prevented him from sitting such as a wound, or (3) To protect his private parts in this garbage. Huthaifa went aside until the Prophet (ﷺ) finished relieving himself. Afterward, the Prophet (ﷺ) asked him to come closer to take water for ablution. In the end, the Prophet (ﷺ) wiped over his leather socks instead of taking off and washing his feet. To wipe over them, a Muslim should wear leather socks after performing a complete ablution. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It is permissible to urinate while standing, and (2) The legitimacy of wiping over the socks..

274

Al-Mughira ibn Shu’ba narrated, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ lagged (during traveling) and I also lagged with him. After relieving himself, he asked me, ‘Do you have any water?’ I brought to him a jar of water. He washed his palms and face. When he tried to get his forearms out, the gown’s sleeve was tight. Therefore, he brought them out from under the gown and threw it over his shoulders. He washed his forearm and wiped his forelock, turban, and socks. Then he mounted and I mounted. When we reached the people, they were already praying and led by Abdurrahman ibn Awf who completed a rak'a. When he (Abdurrahman) perceived (the presence of) the Prophet ﷺ, he began to step back, but the Prophet ﷺ signed to him (to continue) so he (Abdurrahman) continued the prayer with them. When he completed it, the Prophet ﷺ and I got up to offer the rak'a we missed.”.

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ did not stop teaching his companions whether he was home or traveling. He was particularly keen to teach them the matters of purity and the etiquette of answering the call of nature. In this hadith, Al-Mughirah ibn Shu’bah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ and he lagged behind his companions during their traveling to fight in Tabouk battle, Battle of Hardship, in 8th AH as in another narration in the Two Sahihs. After relieving himself, the Prophet ﷺ asked Al-Mughirah for water to perform ablution. Al-Mughirah provided him with a leather jar of water. The Prophet ﷺ washed his palms and face. His gown’s sleeve was too tight to wash his arms to elbows. Therefore, he brought them out from under the gown and threw it over his shoulders to wash his arms and keep his gown dry. Although the basic principle is to wipe the entire head once during ablution, the Prophet ﷺ wiped his forelock and turban. He wiped the visible front part of his head and wiped his turban instead of the entire head. Then, he did not wash his feet but wiped over his socks. To wipe over one’s socks, it is a prerequisite to wear them after an initial ablution, as Al-Mughirah narrated in the Two Sahihs, “When I was with the Prophet ﷺ on a journey, I dashed to take off his socks (so he could wash his feet) but he said, ‘Leave them, for I wore them after performing ablution.’ So he wiped over them.” Then, the Prophet ﷺ and Al-Mughirah rode their animals. When they reached the people, they were already praying and led by Abdurrahman ibn Awf who completed a rak'a. The companions began praying, for the Prophet ﷺ was late. When Abdurrahman realized the Prophet’s presence, he wanted to step back and let the Prophet ﷺ lead them in prayer but the Prophet ﷺ signed to him to keep leading them in prayer. Once Abdurrahman completed the prayer, both the Prophet ﷺ and Al-Mughirah got up to offer the rak'a they missed. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It is legitimate that the virtuous one can be led in prayer by a person of lower rank, (2) A Muslim should be keen to perform prayer at their specific times, (3) It clarifies the virtue of Abderrahman ibn Awf, and (4) It is legitimate to wipe over the turban and socks..

275

Bilal narrated that the Prophet ﷺ wiped over his leather socks and head cover. In another narration, he said, "I saw the Prophet ﷺ ...".

Commentary : Islamic law aims to ease people's different acts of worship such as wiping over the socks, turban, and veil instead of washing one’s feet or wiping one’s head. In this hadith, the noble companion Bilal ibn Rabah explained that the Prophet (ﷺ) sometimes wiped over his socks during ablution instead of washing his feet on the condition that he had worn them after a complete previous ablution as proved in the hadith narrated by Al-Mughirah ibn Shu’ba in the two Sahihs that he said, "When I was with the Prophet (ﷺ) on a journey, I dashed to take off his socks (so he could wash his feet) but he said, 'Leave them, for I wore them after performing ablution.' So he wiped over them." Khuff is a thin leather sock. Likewise, Bilal saw the Prophet wiping over his turban out of ease of his nation's acts of worship..

276

Shureih ibn Hane' said, "I came to 'A'isha to ask her about wiping over the leather socks. She said, 'Go to Ibn Abi Taleb, for he used to travel with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.' We asked him and he answered, 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ appointed three days for a traveler and one day for a resident.".

Commentary : Islam is a religion of ease that takes people’s conditions during worship into consideration. As a result, it allows the traveler and resident to wipe over (with water) their leather slippers (khuff) instead of washing their feet. In this hadith, Shureih ibn Hane' asked 'A'isha, Mother of the Believers about the duration and conditions of wiping over (with water) the leather slippers instead of washing one's feet. She guided him to ask Ali ibn Abi Taleb, for he used to travel with the Prophet (ﷺ). Ali told him that the Prophet (ﷺ) appointed three days for a traveler and one day for a resident to wipe over their leather slippers. After the appointed duration ends, they both should take off the leather slippers to wash their feet. Afterward, they wear them and resume wiping over them. To wipe over the leather slippers, a Muslim should wear them after performing a complete ablution, as stated in the hadith narrated by Al-Mughirah ibn Shu’bah in the Two Sahihs in which he said, "When I was with the Prophet (ﷺ) on a journey, I dashed to take off his socks (so he could wash his feet) but he said, 'Leave them, for I wore them after performing ablution.' So he wiped over them." Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) It clarifies the Companions' supreme etiquette, and (2) People's questions about Islam should be forwarded to the more knowledgeable scholars..

277

Buraida ibn Al-Haseeb narrated that the Prophet ﷺ offered all prayers on the day of the Conquest with one ablution and wiped over his leather shoes. Omar said to the Prophet ﷺ, “You have done something today that you have not been accustomed to.” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “I have done it on purpose, O Omar.”.

Commentary : Islam is a tolerant religion that is based on ease, not hardship. Allah has just legislated acts of worship that his servants can bear and perform. In this hadith, Buraida ibn Al-Haseeb narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) offered all prayers on the day of Conquering Mecca with one ablution and wiped over his leather shoes (khuff) in the eighth year of the Hijra. It was his habit to perform ablution for each prayer, as in Sunan Abu Dawud. As a result, Omar asked him, "You have done something today that you have not been accustomed to." The Prophet (ﷺ) confirmed that he did that on purpose to teach people that it is permissible to offer all daily prayers with one ablution, out of easiness, for ablution is not required if it is still valid. Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) The Prophet's Companions used to observe him to follow his actions and teachings, (2) The permissibility of a student's asking his teacher about his deeds that may contradict his habits, out of learning, (3) The permissibility of wiping over the socks..

279

Abu Hurairah narrated, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, 'The purification of a utensil of any one of you, after licked by a dog, is to wash it seven times, using earth for the first time.'".

Commentary : The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade the unnecessary purchasing of a dog because it contained impurity and the angel never entered houses containing dogs or statues. The Prophet (ﷺ) guided us on how to purify a utensil if a dog would lick it with saliva, tongue, or mouth. In this hadith, he guided us to wash the utensil seven isolated times, using earth for the first time. This number of washing is either done out of devotion as the Prophet commanded, or because of the dog's impure saliva. In An-Nasa’i’s narration, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "One of them is with earth,” so he confirmed that using earth was one time without stipulating to make it the first one. On the other hand, he commanded to use earth, for it could kill diseases emanating and transmitting from dogs to utensils, but using only water could not remove them completely. He commanded to repeat using water to make sure of their cleanliness. On the other hand, there is no difference between types of dogs in this regard, whether it is permissible to own it, such as a hunting dog, or not. Finally, this hadith confirms the importance of following the ways to prevent diseases..

280

Abdullah ibn Mughaffal narrated, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded killing dogs. Then, he said, 'What is their trouble with dogs?' Then, he granted permission to keep dogs for hunting and guarding sheep and added, 'When the dog licks the utensil, wash it seven times and rub it with earth the eighth time.'" In another narration, the narrator said, "He granted permission to keep dogs for hunting, guarding sheep, and protecting cultivated land.".

Commentary : Dogs are animals with many different characteristics. Some are beneficial while others are harmful. The Prophet (ﷺ) showed how to deal with these various types. In this hadith, Abdullah ibn Mughaffal narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ), for a while, ordered killing dogs. Later, he abrogated the former rule and said, "'What is their trouble with dogs?" Moreover, he granted permission to keep dogs for hunting, guarding sheep, and protecting cultivated land. Also, he guided people on how to wash utensils that dogs licked. They should be washed seven times with water and rubbed with earth the eighth time. It proves that both dogs' saliva and leftovers are impure. In Sahih Muslim, Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered to wash that type of vessels with water seven times, and the first washing should be with the earth. Washing it seven times is out of devotion or due to the impure saliva. In Nasa'i's narration, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “One of them is with the earth," So, it is not a prerequisite to make the first washing with the earth. Using the earth is due to its ability to kill diseases of dogs' saliva stuck to vessels, which water only is not able to remove. Repeated washing with water is to make sure that a vessel becomes pure. There is no difference between types of dogs in this regard, whether or not, it is permissible to own it. Finally, this hadith confirms how Islam prevents anything that may cause harm to Muslims..

281

Jaber narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade urinating in stagnant water..

Commentary : Islam urges us to preserve water sources to keep them pure and away from all types of pollution that may change any of its descriptions. In this hadith, Jaber ibn Abdullah narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade urinating in stagnant water for this act will lead to pollute and make the water dirty when people use it. It also makes it unsuitable for bathing. In another hadith, he also forbade bathing in it. In the Two Sahihs, Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "None of you is allowable to urinate in stagnant water, which is not flowing, then wash in it." A Muslim is commanded to preserve all types of water, flowing or stagnant, especially the latter, for it is unrenewable and subject to be corrupted if a person throws impurities into it such as urine and the like..

283

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said, "None of you could wash in stagnant water if he engaged in intercourse." Abu Huraira was asked, "O Abu Hurairah, how does one do it?" Abu Hurairah answered, "It was to be taken out in handfuls.".

Commentary : Islam urges us to preserve water sources to keep them pure and away from all types of pollution that may change any of its descriptions. In this hadith, Abu As-Sa'eb, the servant of Hesham ibn Zuhra, narrated that Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade washing oneself due to intercourse or ejaculation in unrenewable stagnant water, for this act will lead to pollute and make the water dirty when people use it. It also makes it unsuitable for bathing as long as its characteristics (color, taste, or smell) change. The word "janabah" is applied to anyone who ejaculates or has intercourse. It is called that because a Muslim "yatajannab" (avoids) prayer and some acts of worship until he purifies himself. Abu As-Sa'eb asked Abu Hurairah about how to use the stagnant water for performing ablution. Abu Hurairah told him to scoop from it and perform ablution outside. This is for keeping the water pure and suitable for usage. A Muslim is commanded to preserve all types of water, flowing or stagnant, especially the latter, for it is unrenewable and subject to be corrupted if a person throws impurities into it..

290

Abdullah ibn Shehab Al-Khawlany narrated, "I stayed in the house of 'A'isha and had a wet dream, so I dipped and left both of my clothes in water. A maid-servant of A'isha saw me and informed her. 'A'isha called and asked me, 'Why did you do that with your clothes?' I answered, 'I saw in a dream what a sleeper saw.' She said, 'Did you find anything on your clothes?' I said, 'No.' She said, 'If you have found anything, you should have washed it. I remember when I scraped it (semen) off the garment of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) with my nails when it was dry.'".

Commentary : Islam is keen on purifying and cleaning Muslim’s body and clothes and removing any hardships that may unintentionally happen. In this hadith, Abdullah ibn Shehab Al-Khawlany mentioned that he visited Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, and stayed at place that she prepared for her students of knowledge and guests out of honor, with a veil and curtain between her and them. Abdullah said that he once slept, had a wet dream, and thought it stuck to his clothes. The wet dream is to dream of having intercourse with the other gender, which is often accompanied by ejaculation. When Abdullah woke up, he dipped his clothes in water to purify them. A maid-servant of Aisha saw him and then informed her about what he did. The narration of At-Tirmidhy mentions, “She ordered (someone) to give him a yellow blanket to sleep in. He had a wet dream and was too shy to send it back to her while having traces of semen. He dipped it in water and sent it to her." This is evidence that he was in a place other than the one in which she stayed. She asked him about the reason for his dipping his clothes in the water. He answered her about the reason. Aisha asked him if he saw anything (traces of semen) on his clothes. He answered that he did not, which indicated that he may not have ejaculated on them. She clarified that they should be washed if they had traces of semen. Then, she told him that she used to scrape it (semen) off the garment of the Prophet (ﷺ) with her nails when it (semen) was dry, which was an approval from the Prophet (ﷺ). Finally, this hadith contains the following benefits: (1) Aisha was keen on teaching her students, especially when she saw something urgent such as this incident, (2) It is a part of etiquette to refrain from using explicit words to preserve the modesty of whom we are addressing, (3) It clarifies the Prophet’s simple style in clothing, and (4) It illustrates how a woman serves her husband like washing his clothes and the like..

295

Maimouna, the Prophet's wife, said, “The Prophet ﷺ used to lie with me when I was menstruated, and there was a cloth between me and him.".

Commentary : Allah said, "And they ask you about menstruation. Say, 'It is an annoyance. So keep away from women during menstruation, and do not approach them until they are purified.'" (Al-Baqarah: 222) Thus, Allah forbade sexual intercourse during menstruation, but it is permissible to do anything other than penetration during this period as Maimouna, Mother of the Believers, narrated in this hadith that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to lie down with her (a metaphor for intercourse) while she was menstruating but there was a garment in between. This is explained by Abu Daoud's narration that one of the Prophet's wives said, "When the Prophet wanted to do something (i.e. kissing, embracing) with (his) menstruating wife, he would put a garment on her private part.”.

299

Abu Hurairah narrated, "While the Prophet ﷺ was in his mosque, he asked Aisha, 'Get me the garment.' She replied, 'I was menstruating.' He remarked, “Indeed, your menstruation is not in your hand.”.

Commentary : Menstrual blood is impure, unlike any place that it does not touch it. In this hadith, Abu Hurairah narrated that when the Prophet (ﷺ) was in his mosque and asked his wife Aisha, who was in her room, to get him the garment or the mat (as in Muslim's narration which is called khumra). It is a small mat that is large enough to be prostrated on and is called khumra, for it covers and isolates one’s face from the ground. Aisha answered that she was menstruating, thinking that all menstruating woman's body was impure so she could neither touch the garment nor enter the mosque. Thus, the Prophet clarified that only the menstrual spot, which is the vulva, was impure, unlike her remaining body. As a result, her hands were pure because they did not menstruate, so she gave him the garment with her hand. Allah had lifted from this Muslim nation the burdens that the Children of Israel had shouldered. They used to get a woman out of her home during menstruation. Additionally, they neither ate nor drank with her. All praise is due to Allah who made us from the nation of the best Prophet..

Book of Hadith