Blog Archives
The Last of War Booty (Ahadith 2778 – 2781)
Bismillah.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 380 :
Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu)
Umar bin Al-Khattab (radiallaahu `anhu) expelled all the Jews and Christians from the land of Hijaz. Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) after conquering Khaibar, thought of expelling the Jews from the land which, after he conquered it belonged to Allah, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and the Muslims. But the Jews requested Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) to leave them there on the condition that they would do the labor and get half of the fruits (the land would yield). Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “We shall keep you on these terms as long as we wish.” Thus they stayed till the time of ‘Umar’s Caliphate when he expelled them to Taima and Ariha.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 381 :
Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal (radiallaahu `anhu)
While we were besieging the fort of Khaibar, a person threw a leather container containing fat, and I ran to take it, but when I turned I saw the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) (standing behind), so I felt embarrassed in front of him.
Fat was illegal for Jews, hence that guy threw it away.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 382 :
Narrated by Ibn Umar (radiallaahu `anhu)
In our holy battles, we used to get honey and grapes, as war booty which we would eat and would not store.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 383 :
Narrated by Ibn Abi Aufa (radiallaahu `anhu)
We were afflicted with hunger during the besiege of Khaibar, and when it was the day of (the battle of) Khaibar, we slaughtered the donkeys and when the pots got boiling (with their meat). Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) made an announcement that all the pots should be upset and that nobody should eat anything of the meat of the donkeys. We thought that the Prophet prohibited that because the Khumus had not been taken out of the booty (i.e. donkeys); other people said, “He prohibited eating them for ever.” The sub-narrator added, “I asked Said bin Jubair who said, ‘He has made the eating of donkeys’ meat illegal for ever.”)
Kitaab-ul-Khumus ends here. We start Kitaab-ul-Jizya next inshaAllah. It’s a small chapter after which we don’t have to do fiqh-related chapters for a long time. Yay!
Patience (Ahadith 2770 – 2776)
Bismillah.
Long time, I know. Let’s get to it.
To recap, we’re currently on Book 53 of Sahih al-Bukhari: Kitaab-ul-Khumus [Book of One-fifth of Booty for the Cause of Allah]. Lots of dry fiqh involved that most of us can hardly relate to, so I’ve tried to (and intend to) keep it light and breezy, touching moral and social aspects here and there. Picking up right where I left it in the last post. Not sure why I don’t feel like writing full sentences anymore. Did I ever, though? Enough of my banter, let’s do this.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 373 :
Narrated by ‘Amr bin Taghlib (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) gave (gifts) to some people to the exclusion of some others. The latter seemed to be displeased by that. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “I give to some people, lest they should deviate from True Faith or lose patience, while I refer other people to the goodness and contentment which Allah has put in their hearts, and ‘Amr bin Taghlib is amongst them.” ‘Amr bin Taghlib (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “The statement of Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) is dearer to me than red camels.” Narrated Al-Hasan: ‘Amr bin Taghlib told us that Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) got some property or some war prisoners and he distributed them in the above way (i.e. giving to some people to the exclusion of others).
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 374 :
Narrated by Anas (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “I give to Quraish people in order to let them adhere to Islam, for they are near to their life of Ignorance (i.e. they have newly embraced Islam and it is still not strong in their hearts.”
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 375 :
Narrated by Anas bin Malik (radiallaahu `anhu)
When Allah favored His Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) with the properties of Hawazin tribe as Fai (booty), he started giving to some Quarries men even up to one-hundred camels each, whereupon some Ansari men said about Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), “May Allah forgive His Apostle! He is giving to (men of) Quraish and leaves us, in spite of the fact that our swords are still dropping blood (of the infidels)” When Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was informed of what they had said, he called the Ansar and gathered them in a leather tent and did not call anybody else along, with them. When they gathered, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) came to them and said, “What is the statement which, I have been informed, and that which you have said?” The learned ones among them replied,” O Allah’s Apostle! The wise ones amongst us did not say anything, but the youngsters amongst us said, ‘May Allah forgive His Apostle; he gives the Quarish and leaves the Ansar, in spite of the fact that our swords are still dribbling (wet) with the blood of the infidels.’ ” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) replied, I give to such people as are still close to the period of Infidelity (i.e. they have recently embraced Islam and Faith is still weak in their hearts). Won’t you be pleased to see people go with fortune, while you return with Allah’s Apostle to your houses? By Allah, what you will return with, is better than what they are returning with.” The Ansar replied, “Yes, O Allah’s Apostle, we are satisfied’ Then the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to them.” You will find after me, others being preferred to you. Then be patient till you meet Allah and meet His Apostle at Al-Kauthar (i.e. a fount in Paradise).” (Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) added:) But we did not remain patient.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 376 :
Narrated by Jubair bin Mutim (radiallaahu `anhu)
That while he was with Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) who was accompanied by the people on their way back from Hunain, the bedouins started begging things of Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) so much so that they forced him to go under a Samura tree where his loose outer garment was snatched away. On that, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) stood up and said to them, “Return my garment to me. If I had as many camels as these trees, I would have distributed them amongst you; and you will not find me a miser or a liar or a coward.”
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 377 :
Narrated by Anas bin Malik (radiallaahu `anhu)
While I was walking with the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) who was wearing a Najrani outer garment with a thick hem, a bedouin came upon the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and pulled his garment so violently that I could recognize the impress of the hem of the garment on his shoulder, caused by the violence of his pull. Then the bedouin said, “Order for me something from Allah’s Fortune which you have.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) turned to him and smiled, and ordered that a gift be given to him.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 378 :
Narrated by ‘Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu)
On the day (of the battle) of Hunain, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) favored some people in the distribution of the booty (to the exclusion of others); he gave Al-Aqra’ bin Habis one-hundred camels and he gave ‘Uyaina the same amount, and also gave to some of the eminent Arabs, giving them preference in this regard. Then a person came and said, “By Allah, in this distribution justice has not been observed, nor has Allah’s Pleasure been aimed at.” I said (to him), “By Allah, I will inform the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) (of what you have said), “I went and informed him, and he said, “If Allah and His Apostle did not act justly, who else would act justly. May Allah be merciful to Moses, for he was harmed with more than this, yet he kept patient.”
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 379 :
Narrated by Asma bint Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhaa)
I used to carry the date stones on my head from the land of Az-Zubair (radiallaahu `anhu) which Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) had given to him, and it was at a distance of 2/3 of a Farsakh from my house. Narrated Hisham’s father: The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) (gave Az-Zubair a piece of land from the property of Bani An-Nadir (gained as war booty).
Most of these ahadith have been covered before and you’re probably familiar with them so I’ve put them all together in one post. Today’s angle is based on this statement of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) in number 378:
“If Allah and His Apostle did not act justly, who else would act justly. May Allah be merciful to Moses, for he was harmed with more than this, yet he kept patient.”
We all know the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) to be extremely patient and restrained. Imagine how hurt he must have felt to say these words out loud. It’s one thing to not have your people believe in the message you brought, but to have your fellow comrades, supporters and brothers doubt your decisions after everything you’ve been through together.. it must’ve hurt.
People still continue to throw such allegations at him, “he bribed people to accept Islam”, for example (see number 374). Would he really bribe someone and come out in public to tell everyone he bribed them for such and such reason? Really? His reasons were not personal, any monetary assistance he gave to people was to help strengthen Islam, be it on an individual level as regards one’s faith, or on a much broader level helping leaders bring their tribes towards the truth.
Patience. It’s what he urged the Ansar to when he told them others will be preferred over them. It’s what he preached and practiced all his life. It’s what we must hold on to if we wish to succeed in the trials of this life. People will say things, do things to hurt you and bring you down. Just remember, patience. No one’s had it easy.
No Questions Asked (Hadith No. 2769)
Bismillah.
Hadith no. 2768 (below) is a repeat. Read it here.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 371 :
Narrated by Urwa bin Az-Zubair
Hakim bin Hizam (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “I asked Allah’s Apostle for something, and he gave me. I asked him again, and he gave me, and said to me. ‘O Hakim! This wealth is like green sweet (i.e. fruit), and if one takes it without greed, then one is blessed in it, and if one takes it with greediness, then one is not blessed in it, and will be like the one who eats without satisfaction. And an upper (i.e. giving) hand is better than a lower (i.e. taking) hand,’ I said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! By Him Who has sent you with the Truth. I will not ask anyone for anything after you till I leave this world.” So, when Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) during his Caliphate, called Hakim to give him (some money), Hakim (radiallaahu `anhu) refused to accept anything from him. Once ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) called him (during his Caliphate) in order to give him something, but Hakim refused to accept it, whereupon ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “O Muslims! I give him (i.e. Hakim) his right which Allah has assigned to him) from this Fai ‘(booty), but he refuses to take it.” So Hakim (radiallaahu `anhu) never took anything from anybody after the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) till he died.
Today’s Hadith:
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 372 :
Narrated by Nafi
‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “O Allah’s Apostle! I vowed to observe Itikaf for one day during the Pre-lslamic period.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) ordered him to fulfill his vow. ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) gained two lady captives from the war prisoners of Hunain and he left them in some of the houses at Mecca. When Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) freed the captives of Hunain without ransom, they came out walking in the streets. ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) said (to his son), “O Abdullah! See what is the matter.” ‘Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) replied, “Allah’s Apostle has freed the captives without ransom.” He said (to him), “Go and set free those two slave girls.”
(Nafi added:) Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) did not perform the ‘Umra from Al-Jarana, and if he had performed the ‘Umra, it would not have been hidden from ‘Abdullah.
Killer Takes All (Hadith No. 2767)
Bismillah.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 370 :
Narrated by Abu Qatada (radiallaahu `anhu)
We set out in the company of Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on the day (of the battle) of Hunain. When we faced the enemy, the Muslims retreated and I saw a pagan throwing himself over a Muslim. I turned around and came upon him from behind and hit him on the shoulder with the sword. He (i.e. the pagan) came towards me and seized me so violently that I felt as if it were death itself, but death overtook him and he released me. I followed ‘Umar bin Al Khattab (radiallaahu `anhu) and asked (him), “What is wrong with the people (fleeing)?” He replied, “This is the Will of Allah,” After the people returned, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) sat and said, “Anyone who has killed an enemy and has a proof of that, will posses his spoils.” I got up and said, “Who will be a witness for me?” and then sat down. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) again said, “Anyone who has killed an enemy and has proof of that, will possess his spoils.” I (again) got up and said, “Who will be a witness for me?” and sat down. Then the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said the same for the third time. I again got up, and Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “O Abu Qatada! What is your story?” Then I narrated the whole story to him. A man (got up and) said, “O Allah’s Apostle! He is speaking the truth, and the spoils of the killed man are with me. So please compensate him on my behalf.” On that Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “No, by Allah, he (i.e. Allah’s Apostle ) will not agree to give you the spoils gained by one of Allah’s Lions who fights on the behalf of Allah and His Apostle.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Abu Bakr has spoken the truth.” So, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) gave the spoils to me. I sold that armor (i.e. the spoils) and with its price I bought a garden at Bani Salima, and this was my first property which I gained after my conversion to Islam.
[Source: Google Images]
- Killer gets the spoils of the killed (not compensation.. actual belongings).
- Killer needs proof to obtain spoils. In Abu Qatada’s (radiallaahu `anhu) case, it was another man’s testimony.
Further reading: www.muslimtents.com/shaufi/b17/b176.htm
The Boys who Killed Abu Jahl (Hadith No. 2766)
Bismillah.
Volume 4, Book 53, Number 369 :
Narrated by ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf (radiallaahu `anhu)
While I was standing in the row on the day (of the battle) of Badr, I looked to my right and my left and saw two young Ansari boys, and I wished I had been stronger than they. One of them called my attention saying, “O Uncle! Do you know Abu Jahl?” I said, “Yes, What do you want from him, O my nephew?” He said, “I have been informed that he abuses Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). By Him in Whose Hands my life is, if I should see him, then my body will not leave his body till either of us meet his fate.” I was astonished at that talk. Then the other boy called my attention saying the same as the other had said. After a while I saw Abu Jahl walking amongst the people. I said (to the boys), “Look! This is the man you asked me about.” So, both of them attacked him with their swords and struck him to death and returned to Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) to inform him of that. Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) asked, “Which of you has killed him?” Each of them said, “I have killed him.” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) asked, “Have you cleaned your swords?” They said, “No.” He then looked at their swords and said, “No doubt, you both have killed him and the spoils of the deceased will be given to Muadh bin Amr bin Al-Jamuh.” The two boys were Muadh bin ‘Afra and Muadh bin Amr bin Al-Jamuh (radiallaahu `anhumaa).
Why did the Prophet give spoils to only one of the boys when he said, “no doubt, you both have killed him”? Commentators say that the one who got the spoils was the actual killer as his sword proved it (more blood) while the other was appreciated for his efforts and help.
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