Of Peace Treaties, Asylums and Betrayals (2792 – 2810)

Bismillah.

This post contains a lot of ahadith related to peace treaties between Muslims and non-Muslims, asylum/protection given by a Muslim to non-Muslims, and betrayals or treachery concerning these treaties, so take your time going through it. I have explained where necessary, otherwise you’ll find the hyperlinked text and the related posts helpful inshaAllah.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 394 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
When Khaibar was conquered, a roasted poisoned sheep was presented to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) as a gift (by the Jews). The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) ordered, “Let all the Jews who have been here, be assembled before me.” The Jews were collected and the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said (to them), “I am going to ask you a question. Will you tell the truth?” They said, “Yes.’ The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) asked, “Who is your father?” They replied, “So-and-so.” He said, “You have told a lie; your father is so-and-so.” They said, “You are right.” He said, “Will you now tell me the truth, if I ask you about something?” They replied, “Yes, O AbuAl-Qasim; and if we should tell a lie, you can realize our lie as you have done regarding our father.” On that he asked, “Who are the people of the (Hell) Fire?” They said, “We shall remain in the (Hell) Fire for a short period, and after that you will replace us.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “You may be cursed and humiliated in it! By Allah, we shall never replace you in it.” Then he asked, “Will you now tell me the truth if I ask you a question?” They said, “Yes, O Abu-AI-Qasim.” He asked, “Have you poisoned this sheep?” They said, “Yes.” He asked, “What made you do so?” They said, “We wanted to know if you were a liar in which case we would get rid of you, and if you are a prophet then the poison would not harm you.”

As you will find discussed in the above linked post, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not kill the woman who poisoned the sheep (Zaynab bint al-Haarith, the wife of Salaam ibn Mashkam) at first, but when Bishr ibn al-Bara’ ibn Ma’roor died as a result of the effects of this food, then he executed her as a qisaas punishment.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 395 :
Narrated by ‘Asim
I asked Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) about the Qunut (i.e. invocation in the prayer). Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “It should be recited before bowing.” I said, “So-and-so claims that you say that it should be recited after bowing.” He replied, “He is mistaken.” Then Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) narrated to us that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) invoked evil on the tribe of Bani-Sulaim for one month after bowing. ‘ Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) further said, “The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) had sent 40 or 70 Qaris (i.e. men well versed in the knowledge of the Qur’an) to some pagans, but the latter struggled with them and martyred them, although there was a peace pact between them and the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). I had never seen the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) so sorry and worried about anybody as he was about them (i.e. the Qaris).”

This shows that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) cursed those who broke the peace pact in such a brutal way. Can we invoke Allah’s curse on those who brutally slaughter our Muslim brothers and sisters? Yes.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 396 :
Narrated by Um Hani (radiallaahu `anhaa), the daughter of Abu Talib:
I went to Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on the day of the conquest of Mecca and found him taking a bath, and his daughter Fatima was screening him. I greeted him and he asked, “Who is that?” I said, “I, Um Hani bint Abi Talib.” He said, “Welcome, O Um Hani.” When he had finished his bath, he stood up and offered eight Rakat while dressed in one garment. I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! My brother ‘Ali has declared that he will kill a man to whom I have granted asylum. The man is so and-so bin Hubaira.” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “O Um Hani! We will grant asylum to the one whom you have granted asylum.” (Um Hani (radiallaahu `anhaa) said, “That (visit) took place in the Duha (i.e. forenoon)).

One Muslim’s protection = all Muslims’ protection.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 397 :
Narrated by Ibrahim At-Tamimi’s father
‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) delivered a sermon saying, “We have no book to read except the Book of Allah and what is written in this paper which contains verdicts regarding (retaliation for) wounds, the ages of the camels (given as Zakat or as blood money) and the fact that Medina is a sanctuary in between `Ayr mountain to so-and-so (mountain). So, whoever innovates in it an heresy or commits a sin or gives shelter in it, to such an innovator will incur the Curse of Allah, the angels and all the people, and none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted. And whoever (freed slave) takes as his master (i.e. befriends) other than his real masters will incur the same (Curse). And the asylum granted by any Muslim is to be secured by all the other Muslims, and whoever betrays a Muslim in this respect will incur the same (Curse).”

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 398 :
Narrated by Sahl bin Abi Hathma
‘Abdullah bin Sahl and Muhaiyisa bin Mas’ud bin Zaid set out to Khaibar, the inhabitants of which had a peace treaty with the Muslims at that time. They parted and later on Muhaiyisa came upon ‘Abdullah bin Sahl and found him murdered agitating in his blood. He buried him and returned to Medina. ‘Abdur Rahman bin Sahl, Muhaiyisa and Huwaiuisa, the sons of Mas’ud came to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and ‘Abdur Rahman intended to talk, but the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said (to him), “Let the eldest of you speak.” as ‘Abdur-Rahman was the youngest. ‘Abdur-Rahman kept silent and the other two spoke. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “If you swear as to who has committed the murder, you will have the right to take your right from the murderer.” They said, “How should we swear if we did not witness the murder or see the murderer?” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Then the Jews can clear themselves from the charge by taking Alaska (an oath taken by men that it was not they who committed the murder).” They said, “How should we believe in the oaths of infidels?” So, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) himself paid the blood money (of ‘Abdullah).

Because of the peace treaty between Muslims and Jews of Khaibar and the lack of evidence, Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) accepted the Jews’ oath and did not make a move against them. Yes, peace treaties are to be honored like that.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 399 :
Narrated by ‘ Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu)
That Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed him that Heraclius called him and the members of a caravan from Quraish who had gone to Sham as traders, during the truce which Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) had concluded with Abu Sufyan and the Quraish infidels.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 400 :
Narrated by Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa)
Once the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was bewitched so that he began to imagine that he had done a thing which in fact he had not done.

This narration is included here because of the matter of the person (a Jew) who cast this magic spell on the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) while being in a peace contract with the Muslims. Read more here.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 401 :
Narrated by Auf bin Mali (radiallaahu `anhu)
I went to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) during the Ghazwa of Tabuk while he was sitting in a leather tent. He said, “Count six signs that indicate the approach of the Hour: my death, the conquest of Jerusalem, a plague that will afflict you (and kill you in great numbers) as the plague that afflicts sheep, the increase of wealth to such an extent that even if one is given one hundred Dinars, he will not be satisfied; then an affliction which no Arab house will escape, and then a truce between you and Bani Al-Asfar (i.e. the Byzantines) who will betray you and attack you under eighty flags. Under each flag will be twelve thousand soldiers.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 402 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu), on the day of Nahr (i.e. slaughtering of animals for sacrifice), sent me in the company of others to make this announcement: “After this year, no pagan will be allowed to perform the Hajj, and none will be allowed to perform the Tawaf of the Ka’ba undressed.” And the day of Al-Hajj-ul-Akbar is the day of Nahr, and it called Al-Akbar because the people call the ‘Umra Al-Hajj-ul-Asghar (i.e. the minor Hajj). Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) threw back the pagans’ covenant that year, and therefore, no pagan performed the Hajj in the year of Hajj-ul-Wada’ of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam).

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 403 :
Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever has (the following) four characteristics will be a pure hypocrite: “If he speaks, he tells a lie; if he gives a promise, he breaks it, if he makes a covenant he proves treacherous; and if he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent evil insulting manner (unjust). And whoever has one of these characteristics, has one characteristic of a hypocrite, unless he gives it us.”

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 404 :
Narrated by Ali (radiallaahu `anhu)
We did not, write anything from the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) except the Quran and what is written in this paper, (wherein) the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Medina is a sanctuary from (the mountain of) `Ayr to so and-so, therefore, whoever innovates (in it) an heresy or commits a sin, or gives shelter to such an innovator, will incur the Curse of Allah. the angels and all the people; and none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted And the asylum granted by any Muslim Is to be secured by all the Muslims even if it is granted by one of the lowest social status among them. And whoever betrays a Muslim in this respect will incur the Curse of Allah, the angels and all the people, and his compulsory and optional good deeds of worship will not be accepted. And any freed slave will take as masters (befriends) people other than his own real masters who freed him without taking the permission of the latter, will incur the Curse of Allah, the angels and all the people, and his compulsory and optional good deeds of worship will not be accepted.”
Narrated Said: Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu) once said (to the people), “What will your state be when you can get no Dinar or Dirham (i.e. taxes from the Dhimmis)?” on that someone asked him, “What makes you know that this state will take place, O Abu Hu raira?” He said, “By Him in Whose Hands Abu Huraira’s life is, I know it through the statement of the true and truly inspired one (i.e. the Prophet).” The people asked, “What does the Statement say?” He replied, “Allah and His Apostle’s asylum granted to Dhimmis, i.e. non-Muslims living in a Muslim territory) will be outraged, and so Allah will make the hearts of these Dhimmis so daring that they will refuse to pay the Jizya they will be supposed to pay.”

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 405 :
Narrated by Al-Amash
I asked Abu Wail (radiallaahu `anhu), “Did you take part in the battle of Siffin?” He said, ‘Yes, and I heard Sahl bin Hunaif (when he was blamed for lack of zeal for fighting) saying, “You’d better blame your wrong opinions. I wish you had seen me on the day of Abu Jandal. If I had the courage to disobey the Prophet’s (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) orders, I would have done so. We had kept out swords on our necks and shoulders, for a thing which frightened us. And we did so, we found it easier for us, except in the case of the above battle (of ours).’ “

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 406 :
Narrated by Abu Wail (radiallaahu `anhu)
We were in Siffin and Sahl bin Hunaif (radiallaahu `anhu) got up and said, “O people! Blame yourselves! We were with the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on the day of Hudaibiya, and if we had been called to fight, we would have fought. But ‘Umar bin Al Khatab (radiallaahu `anhu) came and said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Aren’t we in the right and our opponents in the wrongs’ Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Yes.’ ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) said, ‘Aren’t our killed persons in Paradise and theirs in Hell?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) said, ‘Then why should we accept hard terms in matters concerning our religion? Shall we return before Allah judges between us and them?’ Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, ‘O Ibn Al-Khattab! I am the Apostle of Allah and Allah will never degrade me. Then ‘Umar went to Abu Bakr and told him the same as he had told the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). On that Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) said (to ‘Umar). ‘He is the Apostle of Allah and Allah will never degrade him.’ Then Surat-al-Fath (i.e. Victory) was revealed and Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) recited it to the end in front of ‘Umar. On that ‘Umar asked, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Was it (i.e. the Hudaibiya Treaty) a victory?’ Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Yes”.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 407 :
Narrated by Asma ‘bint Abi Bakr (radiallaahu `anhaa)
During the period of the peace treaty of Quraish with Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), my mother, accompanied by her father, came to visit me, and she was a pagan. I consulted Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), “O Allah’s Apostle! My mother has come to me and she desires to receive a reward from me, shall I keep good relation with her?” He said, “Yes, keep good relation with her.”

Relatives, even those that are non-Muslims, have rights on us. We must keep good relations with them and fulfill our duty towards them.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 408 :
Narrated by Al-Bara (radiallaahu `anhu)
When the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) intended to perform the ‘Umra he sent a person to the people of Mecca asking their permission to enter Mecca. They stipulated that he would not stay for more than three days and would not enter it except with sheathed arms and would not preach (Islam) to any of them. So Ali bin Abi-Talib (radiallaahu `anhu) started writing the treaty between them. He wrote, “This is what Muhammad, Apostle of Allah has agreed to.” The (Meccans) said, “If we knew that you (Muhammad) are the Apostle of Allah, then we would not have prevented you and would have followed you. But write, ‘This is what Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah has agreed to..’ ” On that Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “By Allah, I am Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah, and, by Allah, I am Apostle of ‘Allah.” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used not to write; so he asked ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) to erase the expression of Apostle of Allah. On that ‘Ali said, “By Allah I will never erase it.” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said (to ‘Ali), “Let me see the paper.” When ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) showed him the paper, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) erased the expression with his own hand. When Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) had entered Mecca and three days had elapsed, the Meccans came to ‘Ali and said, “Let your friend (i.e. the Prophet) quit Mecca.” Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) informed Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) about it and Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Yes,” and then he departed.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 409 :
Narrated by ‘Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu)
While the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was in the state of prostration, surrounded by a group of people from Quraish pagans. ‘Uqba bin Abi Mu’ait came and brought the intestines of a camel and threw them on the back of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) did not raise his head from prostration till Fatima (i.e. his daughter) came and removed those intestines from his back, and invoked evil on whoever had done (the evil deed). The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “O Allah! Destroy the chiefs of Quraish, O Allah! Destroy Abu Jahl bin Hisham, ‘Utba bin Rabi’a, Shaiba bin Rabi’a. ‘Uqba bin Abi Mu’ait ‘Umaiya bin Khalaf (or Ubai bin Kalaf).” Later on I saw all of them killed during the battle of Badr and their bodies were thrown into a well except the body of Umaiya or Ubai, because he was a fat person, and when he was pulled, the parts of his body got separated before he was thrown into the well.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 410 :
Narrated by Anas (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, ”Every betrayer will have a flag on the Day of Resurrection” One of the two sub-narrators said that the flag would be fixed, and the other said that it would be shown on the Day of Resurrection, so that the betrayer might be recognized by it.

The punishment of betrayal includes humility because of the seriousness of the crime.

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 411 :
Narrated by Ibn Umar (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Every betrayer will have a flag which will be fixed on the Day of Resurrection, and the flag’s prominence will be made in order to show the betrayal he committed.”

Volume 4, Book 53, Number 412 :
Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said on the day of the conquest of Mecca, “There is no migration now, but there is Jihad (i.e.. holy battle) and good intentions. And when you are called for Jihad, you should come out at once” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) also said, on the day of the conquest of Mecca, “Allah has made this town a sanctuary since the day He created the Heavens and the Earth. So, it is a sanctuary by Allah’s Decree till the Day of Resurrection. Fighting in it was not legal for anyone before me, and it was made legal for me only for an hour by daytime. So, it (i.e. Mecca) is a sanctuary by Allah’s Decree till the Day of Resurrection. Its thorny bushes should not be cut, and its game should not be chased, its fallen property (i.e. Luqata) should not be picked up except by one who will announce it publicly; and its grass should not be uprooted,” On that Al-‘Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Except the Idhkhir, because it is used by the goldsmiths and by the people for their houses.” On that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Except the Idhkhir.”

Kitaab-ul-Jizyah [Book of Taxes] ends here. We start Kitaab Bad’-ul-Khalq [Book of Beginning of Creation] next inshaAllah.

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War Is Deceit (Ahadith 2662 – 2666)

Bismillah.

The two ahadith below signify the tribulations of war. When the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said “Do not wish to meet the enemy”, he did not mean that one should shy away from jihad when the need arises, rather he’s discouraging Muslims to wish for war because it’s a great test of faith. It requires sacrifices beyond measure, and there’s almost always bloodshed involved.

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 266 :
Narrated by Salim Abu An-Nadr
(the freed slave of ‘Umar bin ‘Ubaidullah) I was Umar’s clerk. Once Abdullah bin Abi Aufa (radiallaahu `anhu) wrote a letter to ‘Umar when he proceeded to Al-Haruriya. I read in it that Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) in one of his military expeditions against the enemy, waited till the sun declined and then he got up amongst the people saying, “O people! Do not wish to meet the enemy, and ask Allah for safety, but when you face the enemy, be patient, and remember that Paradise is under the shades of swords.” Then he said, “O Allah, the Revealer of the Holy Book, and the Mover of the clouds and the Defeater of the clans, defeat them, and grant us victory over them.”

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 266 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Do not wish to meet the enemy, but when you meet face) the enemy, be patient.”

Allaah has forbidden treachery and has condemned those who do it. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“They are those with whom you made a covenant, but they break their covenant every time and they do not fear Allaah”

[al-Anfaal  8:56]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every betrayer will have a banner on the Day of Resurrection, by which he will be known.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6966; Muslim, 1736)

Al-Bukhaari narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘There are four characteristics, whoever has them all is a pure hypocrite: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise he breaks it; when he is entrusted with something he betrays that trust; and when he argues, he speaks in an obscene manner. Whoever has one of these traits has a trait of hypocrisy until he gives it up.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3878; Muslim, 58)

And it was narrated that Maalik said: “I heard that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas said: ‘There is no people who betrays their covenant but Allaah gives their enemies power over them.” (al-Muwatta’, Baab ma jaa’a fi’l-wafa’ bi’l-‘ahd)

Yet despite this condemnation of betrayal, Islam allows deception in war in order to attain victory. Al-Nawawi said: “The scholars are agreed that it is permissible to deceive the kuffaar in war in any way possible, except if that would mean breaking the terms of a treaty or trust, in which case it is not permitted.

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 267 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Khosrau will be ruined, and there will be no Khosrau after him, and Caesar will surely be ruined and there will be no Caesar after him, and you will spend their treasures in Allah’s Cause.” He called, “War is deceit’.

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 268 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) called,: “War is deceit”.

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 269 :
Narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “War is deceit.”

One of the most dangerous elements of deceit is taking the enemy by surprise and catching them unawares before they can get ready to fight. When the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wanted to head for Makkah in order to conquer it, he ordered the Muslims to get ready without telling anyone of his intention until after they had set out for Makkah, and after taking all precautions to prevent news of that reaching the mushrikeen.

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to send out many raiding parties, and he would tell them to travel by night and conceal themselves by day so that they could catch the enemy unawares.

Although it is permissible to use deception in war, we say that Islam has attained a high standard of ethics with regard to the use of these tricks in war. Among the most prominent examples of that are the following:

‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab wrote to the commander of an army that he had sent out: “I have heard that some men among you look for kaafirs, then when they run to hide in difficult mountainous terrain they say, ‘Do not be afraid,’ then when they catch up with them they kill them. By the one in whose hand is my soul, if I hear that anyone has done that I will chop off his head.”

It was narrated that Abu Muslimah said: “ ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said: ‘By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if any one of you were to point to the sky [i.e., a gesture to imply that he will not harm him] to make a mushrik come down to him and then kill him, I would kill him for that.’”

Islam has forbidden treachery, and treachery is not one of the kinds of tricks and deception that are permitted in war.

This Islamic sharee’ah makes a distinction between the kinds of deceit that are permitted and that which involves treachery and breaks treaties.

See al-‘Allaaqaat al-Khaarijiyyah fi Dawlat al-Khilaafah, 197.

Source: IslamQA

Expulsion of Jews and Christians from Arabia (Hadith No. 2388)

Bismillah.

Ahadith 2386 – 2387 (below) are repeats. See linked text for related posts.

Volume 3, Book 50, Number 888 :
Narrated by Ubai bin Kab (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Moses the Apostle of Allah,” and then he narrated the whole story about him. Al-Khadir said to Moses, “Did not I tell you that you can have no patience with me.” (18.72). Moses then violated the agreement for the first time because of forgetfulness, then Moses promised that if he asked Al-Khadir about anything, the latter would have the right to desert him. Moses abided by that condition and on the third occasion he intentionally asked Al-Khadir and caused that condition to be applied. The three occasions referred to above are referred to by the following Verses: “Call me not to account for forgetting And be not hard upon me.” (18.73) “Then they met a boy and Khadir killed him.” (18.74) “Then they proceeded and found a wall which was on the verge of falling and Khadir set it up straight.” (18.77)

Volume 3, Book 50, Number 889 :
Narrated by Urwa
Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa) said, “Buraira came to me and said, ‘My people (masters) have written the contract for my emancipation for nine Awaq ) of gold) to be paid in yearly installments, one Uqiyya per year; so help me.” Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa) said (to her), “If your masters agree, I will pay them the whole sum provided the Wala will be for me.” Buraira went to her masters and told them about it, but they refused the offer and she returned from them while Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was sitting. She said, “I presented the offer to them, but they refused unless the Wala’ would be for them.” When the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) heard that and ‘Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa) told him about It, he said to her, “Buy Buraira and let them stipulate that her Wala’ will be for them, as the Wala’ is for the manumitted.” ‘Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa) did so. After that Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) got up amidst the people, Glorified and Praised Allah and said, “What is wrong with some people who stipulate things which are not in Allah’s Laws? Any condition which is not in Allah’s Laws is invalid even if there were a hundred such conditions. Allah’s Rules are the most valid and Allah’s Conditions are the most solid. The Wala is for the manumitted.“

Today’s Hadith:

Volume 3, Book 50, Number 890 :
Narrated by Ibn Umar (radiallaahu `anhu)
When the people of Khaibar dislocated Abdullah bin Umar’s (radiallaahu `anhu) hands and feet, Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) got up delivering a sermon saying, “No doubt, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) made a contract with the Jews concerning their properties, and said to them, ‘We allow you (to stand in your land) as long as Allah allows you.’ Now Abdullah bin Umar went to his land and was attacked at night, and his hands and feet were dislocated, and as we have no enemies there except those Jews, they are our enemies and the only people whom we suspect, I have made up my mind to exile them.”
When Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) decided to carry out his decision, a son of Abu Al-Haqiq’s came and addressed ‘Umar, “O chief of the believers, will you exile us although Muhammad allowed us to stay at our places, and made a contract with us about our properties, and accepted the condition of our residence in our land?” ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “Do you think that I have forgotten the statement of Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), i.e. “What will your condition be when you are expelled from Khaibar and your camel will be carrying you night after night?” The Jew replied, “That was joke from Abu-l-Qasim.” ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “O the enemy of Allah! You are telling a lie.” ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) then drove them out and paid them the price of their properties in the form of fruits, money, camel saddles and ropes, etc.”

At the time of his death the Holy Prophet had expressed the view that in Arabia there should be only one religion, namely Islam. During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, all the tribes in Arabia had accepted Islam. There were only a few pockets of non-Muslims, the Jews in Khyber, and the Christians in Najran.

During the caliphate of Abu Bakr, many tribes who had accepted Islam apostatised. As a result of the apostasy wars, all the apostate tribes were defeated and they once again accepted Islam. During the brief period of his office, Abu Bakr allowed the status quo to continue with regard to the Jews and the Christians.

At the time of the conquest of Khyber, a treaty was executed with the Jews whereunder they were allowed to cultivate the lands on the payment of one half of the produce to the Muslim state at Madina. The treaty also provided that the Jews could be turned out of Khyber, whenever the Muslim state deemed it necessary.

When Umar became the Caliph he deputed his son Abdullah to Khyber to collect the revenue. As Abdullah lay sleeping on the roof of a house in Khyber at night, his bed was overturned by the Jews causing him an injury in the arm. Umar investigated the matter and found that the Jews were bent on mischief. Umar accordingly passed orders expelling the Jews from Khyber. They migrated to Syria. They were allowed to carry their movable belongings with them. Their immovable property in Khyber was distributed among the Muslims.

The Christians of Najran near Yemen had a pact with the Holy Prophet “hereunder they were allowed to live in peace unless they indulged in any hostile activities against Islam. It was also stipulated that they would not indulge in usury. When Umar became the Caliph it was brought to his notice that the Christians of Najran had violated the peace pact in as much as they were indulging in usury, and were also guilty of activities hostile to Islam.

Umar summoned the representatives of the Christians of Najran, and apprised them of the charge of violating the terms of the treaty. In a vainglorious mood the deputationists said “If that was that, they might be expelled.” Umar accordingly passed orders for their expulsion. Arrangements were made for their settlement in Iraq. They were allowed to carry their entire movable property with them. Their immovable property was acquired by the state on payment.

Umar instructed his officers in Iraq that all possible assistance should be provided for the settlement of the refugees from Najran in Iraq. The Christians were exempted from the payment of Jizya for the first two years.

With the expulsion of the Jews and the Christians from Arabia, the country became an exclusively Muslim land. Umar has thus the distinction of being the first ruler under whom Arabia became the exclusive preserve for Islam.

Source: Hadrat Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman, Ali (ra) 4 Vol. Set

Using the Word “Sayyid” (Hadith No. 2365)

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 49, Number 867 :
Narrated by Al-Hasan Al-Basri
By Allah, Al-Hasan bin Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) led large battalions like mountains against Muawiya. Amr bin Al-As (radiallaahu `anhu) said (to Muawiya), “I surely see battalions which will not turn back before killing their opponents.” Muawiya (radiallaahu `anhu), who was really the best of the two men, said to him, “O ‘Amr! If these killed those and those killed these, who would be left with me for the jobs of the public, who would be left with me for their women, who would be left with me for their children?” Then Muawiya (radiallaahu `anhu) sent two Quraishi men from the tribe of ‘Abd-i-Shams called ‘Abdur Rahman bin Sumura and Abdullah bin ‘Amir bin Kuraiz to Al-Hasan (radiallaahu `anhu) saying to them, “Go to this man (i.e. Al-Hasan) and negotiate peace with him and talk and appeal to him.” So, they went to Al-Hasan (radiallaahu `anhu) and talked and appealed to him to accept peace. Al-Hasan (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “We, the offspring of ‘Abdul Muttalib, have got wealth and people have indulged in killing and corruption (and money only will appease them).” They said to Al-Hasan (radiallaahu `anhu), “Muawiya offers you so and so, and appeals to you and entreats you to accept peace.” Al-Hasan (radiallaahu `anhu) said to them, “But who will be responsible for what you have said?” They said, “We will be responsible for it.” So, what-ever Al-Hasan (radiallaahu `anhu) asked they said, “We will be responsible for it for you.” So, Al-Hasan (radiallaahu `anhu) concluded a peace treaty with Muawiya (radiallaahu `anhu).
Al-Hasan (Al-Basri) said: I heard Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) saying, “I saw Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on the pulpit and Al-Hasan bin ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) was by his side. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was looking once at the people and once at Al-Hasan bin ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) saying, ‘This son of mine is a Saiyid (i.e. a noble) and may Allah make peace between two big groups of Muslims through him.”

If a person is known by this title, there is nothing wrong with that, because the word “Sayyid” may be used for the leader of a people, or for a faqeeh or scholar, or for those who are descended from Faatimah through the children of al-Hasan and al-Husayn. All of these are forms of address which are well known among the people. The Arabs used to call tribal leaders and elders “Sayyid” (e.g. Sayyid Bani Foolaan – the leader of such-and-such tribe, etc). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used this word, when he asked some of the Arabs, “Who is your leader (sayyid), O Banu So-and-so? Who is your leader (sayyid), O Banu So-and-so?”, i.e., who is your chief? And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said concerning al-Hasan, “This son of mine is a sayyid and perhaps Allaah will reconcile two great groups of Muslims through him.” It is disliked (makrooh) to address a person as Ya sayyidi (O my master) or Yaa sayyidanaa (O our master), because when it was said to the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “You are our master,” he said, “The Master is Allaah, may He blessed and exalted”; and because this may make him conceited and proud. So we should not do that. Instead we should say, “O So and so” or “So Abu (father of) So and so,” using the names, kunyas (Abu So and so, etc.) and nicknames which are known.

With regard to using the phrases “Yaa Sayyidi” and “Yaa Sayyidanaa” when addressing one another, it is better not to do that.

Saying “Sayyid” to a munaafiq or kaafir is not permissible, because of the hadeeth, “Do not say ‘Sayyidanaa’ to a munaafiq, because if he is really your master then you have angered your Lord.” (Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood and al-Nasaa’i; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 7405, p. 1234)

Taken from IslamQA

 Allah’s Name: “Al-Sayyid”

Allaah is al-Sayyid (the Master), i.e., the Sovereign of the universe; all of creation is enslaved to Him.

Allaah is the One Who is needed in an absolute sense. No created being is independent of Him. If He did not create them, they would not exist, and if He did not sustain them after creating them, they would not remain. If He did not help them with all that they are faced with, they would have no help besides Him. So it is His right that His created beings should call Him, and none other, al-Sayyid.

Taken from IslamQA

Giving the title “Sayyid” to Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)

Giving the title Sayyiduna to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) is right and proper, because he is the master (sayyid) of the sons of Adam, and it is proven that he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I am the master (sayyid) of the sons of Adam and no boast.” He is the master of mankind and the Messengers. So if a man says Sayyiduna Muhammad, and: Allahumma salli ‘ala Sayyiduna Muhammad (O Allah, send blessings upon our master Muhammad), there is nothing wrong with that. He is the master (Sayyid) of the sons of Adam and the master of mankind.

He only disliked that from people during his lifetime because he feared that they might exaggerate. So when they said, You are our master (sayyid), he said: “Al-Sayyid is Allah, may He be blessed and exalted,” so as to block the means (that might lead to exaggeration), as he was afraid that they might exaggerate about him (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). But after he died (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and as he told us that he is the master (sayyid) of the sons of Adam, there is nothing wrong with saying Sayyiduna (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). So he is the best of us, and our master (sayyid), and our leader (imam), and he is a close friend of the Most Merciful (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).

Taken from IslamQA

Hudaibiyah – The Clear Victory (Ahadith 2360 – 2362)

Bismillah.

إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحاً مُّبِيناً

“Verily, We have given you a manifest victory.” [Quran, 48:1]

From Tafsir Ibn Kathir:

This honorable Surah [al-Fath] was revealed after the Messenger of Allah returned from the area of Al-Hudaybiyyah, during the month of Dhul-Qa`dah, in the sixth year of Hijrah. This is when the idolators prevented him from reaching Al-Masjid Al-Haram to perform the `Umrah he intended. They stopped the Prophet from reaching Makkah at that time, but then were prone to peace negotiations. A peace treaty was conducted stipulating that the Messenger would return this year and then come back for `Umrah the following year. The Messenger agreed. However, some of the Companions disliked these terms, including `Umar bin Al-Khattab, as we will mention in detail, Allah willing, while explaining this Surah. After the Prophet slaughtered his sacrificial animals in the area where he was stopped and headed back to Al-Madinah, Allah the Exalted and Most Honored revealed this Surah about what occurred between him and the idolators. Allah declared the Al-Hudaybiyyah peace treaty a manifest victory, because of the benefits peace would carry and the good results that did originate from it. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud and other Companions said, “You consider the conquering of Makkah to be Al-Fath (the victory), while to us, Al-Fath is the treaty conducted at Al-Hلudaybiyyah.” Jabir (bin `Abdullah) said, “We only considered Al-Fath to be the day of Hلudaybiyyah!” Al-Bukhari recorded that Al-Bara’ (bin `Azib) said, “You consider Al-Fath to be the conquest of Makkah, which was indeed a victory. However, we consider Al-Fath to be the pledge of Ar-Ridwan on the Day of Al-Hudaybiyyah. Then, we were fourteen hundred with the Messenger of Allah . Al-Hudaybiyyah had a well, whose water we consumed, not leaving a drop of water in it. When the news of what happened reached the Messenger of Allah , he came towards us and sat on the edge of the well. Then he asked to be brought a bucket of water and used it for ablution. He next rinsed his mouth, invoked Allah and poured that water into the well. Soon after, that well provided us, as well as our animals, with sufficient water, in whatever amount of water we wished. Imam Ahmad recorded that `Umar bin Al-Khattab said, “We were with the Messenger of Allah on a trip, and I asked him about a matter three times, but he did not answer me. So I said to myself, `May your mother lose you, O son of Al-Khattab! You were stubborn in repeating your question three times to the Messenger of Allah ; each time he did not respond to you.’ So I mounted my animal, my camel, and went ahead for fear that a part of the Qur’an might be revealed in my case. Suddenly, I heard a caller calling, `O `Umar!’ So, I went to the Messenger while fearing that part of the Qur’an was revealed about me. The Prophet said,

«نَزَلَ عَلَيَّ الْبَارِحَةَ سُورَةٌ هِيَ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا:

﴿إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحاً مُّبِيناً لِّيَغْفِرَ لَكَ اللَّهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِن ذَنبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ﴾»

(Last night, a Surah was revealed to me that is dearer to me than this life and all that it contains: (Verily, We have given you a manifest victory. That Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future.)) Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa’i collected this Hadith from several chains of narration through Malik, may Allah grant him His mercy. `Ali bin Al-Madini commented, “This is a good chain of narration consisting of the scholars of Al-Madinah.” Imam Ahmad recorded that Anas bin Malik said, “This Ayah was revealed to the Prophet ,

﴿لِّيَغْفِرَ لَكَ اللَّهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِن ذَنبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ﴾

(That Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future,) on his return from Al-Hudaybiyyah. The Prophet said,

«لَقَدْ أُنْزِلَتْ عَلَيَّ اللَّيْلَةَ آيَةٌ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا عَلَى الْأَرْض»

(Tonight, an Ayah, that is dearer to me than all that the earth carries, was revealed to me.) The Prophet recited the Ayah to them. They said, `Congratulations, O Allah’s Messenger! Allah the Exalted and Most Honored has stated what He will do with you. So what will He do with us’ These Ayat were revealed to the Prophet ,

﴿لِّيُدْخِلَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَـتِ جَنَّـتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا الاٌّنْهَـرُ﴾

(That He may admit the believing men and the believing women to Gardens under which rivers flow. ..), until,

﴿فَوْزاً عَظِيماً﴾

(…a supreme success.)” This Hadith is recorded in the Two Sahihs. Imam Ahmad recorded that Al-Mughirah bin Shu`bah said, “The Prophet used to pray until both his feet were swollen. He was asked, `Has not Allah forgiven you all your sins of the past and of future’ He said,

«أَفَلَا أَكُونُ عَبْدًا شَكُورًا؟»

(Should I not be a thankful servant)” The two collectors of the Sahihs collected this Hadith, as well as, the rest of the Group, except Abu Dawud. Allah’s statement,

﴿إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحاً مُّبِيناً ﴾

(Verily, We have given you a manifest victory.) means, clear and apparent victory. This Ayah is about the treaty at Al-Hudaybiyyah, which resulted in great goodness, including people embracing Islam in large crowds and having the chance to meet each other openly. During that time, the believers preached to the idolators and thus beneficial knowledge and faith spread all around.

Volume 3, Book 49, Number 862 :
Narrated by Al-Bara bin ‘Azib (radiallaahu `anhu)
When Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) concluded a peace treaty with the people of Hudaibiya, Ali bin Abi Talib (radiallaahu `anhu) wrote the document and he mentioned in it, “Muhammad, Allah’s Apostle .” The pagans said, “Don’t write: ‘Muhammad, Allah’s Apostle’, for if you were an apostle we would not fight with you.” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) asked Ali to rub it out, but Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “I will not be the person to rub it out.” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) rubbed it out and made peace with them on the condition that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and his companions would enter Mecca and stay there for three days, and that they would enter with their weapons in cases.

Lessons:

• Write down your contracts/agreements/treaties.
• Compromise for peace – not in your religion though!

Volume 3, Book 49, Number 863 :
Narrated by Al-Bara (radiallaahu `anhu)
When the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) intended to perform ‘Umra in the month of Dhul-Qada, the people of Mecca did not let him enter Mecca till he settled the matter with them by promising to stay in it for three days only. When the document of treaty was written, the following was mentioned: ‘These are the terms on which Muhammad, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) agreed (to make peace).’ They said, “We will not agree to this, for if we believed that you are Allah’s Apostle we would not prevent you, but you are Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “I am Allah’s Apostle and also Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah.” Then he said to ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu), “Rub off (the words) ‘Allah’s Apostle’ “, but ‘Ali said, “No, by Allah, I will never rub off your name.” So, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) took the document and wrote, ‘This is what Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah has agreed upon: No arms will be brought into Mecca except in their cases, and nobody from the people of Mecca will be allowed to go with him (i.e. the Prophet ) even if he wished to follow him and he (the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)) will not prevent any of his companions from staying in Mecca if the latter wants to stay.’ When the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) entered Mecca and the time limit passed, the Meccans went to ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) and said, “Tell your Friend (i.e. the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)) to go out, as the period (agreed to) has passed.” So, the Prophet went out of Mecca. The daughter of Hamza ran after them (i.e. the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and his companions), calling, “O Uncle! O Uncle!” ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) received her and led her by the hand and said to Fatima, “Take your uncle’s daughter.” Zaid and Ja’far (radiallaahu `anhumaa) quarreled about her. ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “I have more right to her as she is my uncle’s daughter.” Ja’far (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “She is my uncle’s daughter, and her aunt is my wife.” Zaid (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “She is my brother’s daughter.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) judged that she should be given to her aunt, and said that the aunt was like the mother. He then said to ‘Ali (radiallaahu `anhu), “You are from me and I am from you”, and said to Ja’far (radiallaahu `anhu), “You resemble me both in character and appearance”, and said to Zaid (radiallaahu `anhu), “You are our brother (in faith) and our freed slave.”

Lessons:

• Mother’s sister (aunt) is like a mother.
• Notice how Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) makes everyone happy in the end by complimenting them in one way or the other. Making the right decisions doesn’t necessarily give you enemies.

Volume 3, Book 49, Number 864 :
Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) set out for the ‘Umra but the pagans of Quraish prevented him from reaching the Ka’ba. So, he slaughtered his sacrifice and got his head shaved at Al-Hudaibiya, and agreed with them that he would perform ‘Umra the following year and would not carry weapons except swords and would not stay in Mecca except for the period they allowed. So, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) performed the ‘Umra in the following year and entered Mecca according to the treaty, and when he stayed for three days, the pagans ordered him to depart, and he departed.

Lessons:

• Respect your agreements, promises, oaths etc. Come through.
• Know your Seerah!