Book Eighteen: The Book of Miscellaneous Ahadith of Significant values:- Chapter 370 - Ahadith about Dajjal and Portents of the Hour

Abdullah bin Abu `Aufa (Radhi Allahu Huma) said: We accompanied the Messenger of Allah in seven expeditions, and we ate locusts. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: Locust is a type of insect that flies in huge groups, destroying all the plants and crops. This Hadith highlights the permissibility of eating locusts.

Abu Hurairah said: The Prophet said,  

"A believer should not be stung twice from the same hole.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith makes it clear that if a Muslim faces a loss from some place, he should remain careful lest he may be deceived again and again.

Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah said,

"There are three (types of) people with whom Allah will neither speak on the Day of Resurrection nor purify them (from sins) and there will be a painful chastisement for them: A person who has spare water in a desert and he refuses to give it to the traveller; a person who sells a commodity to another person after the afternoon prayer and swears by Allah that he has bought it at such and such price, and the buyer pays him accordingly though in reality it was not true; and a person who pledges allegiance to an Imam (leader) just for some worldly benefit, and then if the Imam bestows on him (something out of that) he fulfills his allegiance, and if does not give him, he does not fulfill it.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Hurairah said: The Prophet said,

"Between the two Blowing of the Trumpet there will be an interval of forty.''

The people said, "O Abu Hurairah! Do you mean forty days?'' He said, "I cannot say anything.'' They said, "Do you mean forty years?'' He said, "I cannot say anything.'' They said, "Do you mean forty months?'' He said, "I cannot say anything. The Prophet added:

`Everything of the human body will perish except the last coccyx bone (end part of the spinal cord), and from that bone Allah will reconstruct the whole body. Then Allah will send down water from the sky and people will grow like green vegetables'.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary:

1. When Israfil blows the Trumpet the first time, by Allah's Leave, all those who are in the heavens and on earth will swoon away, except him whom Allah will. This will be the first Blowing. Then, it will be blown a second time, they will become alive and will emerge from their graves. These Blowings are known as the `Blowings of Fainting and Rising'. As regard the interval between these two Blowings, the narrator of the narration, Abu Hurairah  could not say anything when he was asked about it; as he himself did not know it. But in other narrations the interval has been mentioned as forty years.

2. The earth eats away the whole body of humans except the bodies of the Prophets. However, only the end part of the spinal cord remains intact. How it remains intact is known to Allah, but from it mankind will be created again.

3. Bodies will rise from the earth as vegetation springs out from the earth after the rainfall.

Abu Hurairah reported: Once the Prophet was speaking to us when, a Bedouin came and asked him: "When will the Last Day be?'' The Messenger of Allah continued his talk. Some of those present thought that he had heard him but disliked the interruption and the other said that he had not hear him. When the Messenger of Allah concluded his speech he asked,

"Where is the one who inquired about the Last Day?''

The man replied: "Here I am.'' The Messenger of Allah replied,

"When the practice of honouring a trust is lost, expect the Last Day.''

He asked: "How could it be lost?'' He  replied,

"When the government is entrusted to the undeserving people, then wait for the Last Day.'' [Al-Bukhari].


Commentary: Here a very important sign of the nearness of the Day of Judgement has been mentioned: The affairs of the world will be in the hands of wicked and undeserving people. The sinners and wicked people will become the leaders of the world. The preaching pulpits would also be occupied by people who would be greedy and ignorant. They will be devoid of piety and abstinence.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"Your leaders will lead you in Salat (prayer). If they conduct it properly, you and they will be rewarded; but if they make mistakes you will earn the reward and they will be held responsible (for the mistakes).'' [Al-Bukhari].


Commentary: In this narration, there is a mention of one of the signs of the nearness of the Day of Judgement: Muslims will be led in their prayers as well as worldly affairs by ignorant, undeserving rulers. Whoever offers prayers with them and behind them according to the Sunnah, then both of them will get the reward. Otherwise the reward will be established with the followers and the burden of the mistakes will be placed on the rulers' shoulders.

Abu Hurairah said in the interpretation of the Ayah reported:

"You are the best of peoples ever raised up for (the benefit of) mankind...'' (3:110):  

The best for mankind are those who bring them with chains round their necks till they embrace Islam (and thereby save them from the eternal punishment in the Hell-fire, and make them enter Jannah in the Hereafter).''[Al-Bukhari].


Commentary: This is in a way the explanation of the concerned Verse of the Qur'an. Abu Hurairah  says: In this Verse those fighters have been named as the best of the Ummah who fight with the infidels whom they take prisoners and they ultimately accept Islam. Hence, they become a means of acceptance of Faith to them, and are entitled to more rewards from Allah.

Abu Hurairah said: the Prophet said,

"Allah marvels at those people who enter Jannah in chains.'' [Al-Bukhari].


Commentary: The meaning of this Hadith is also the same as the Hadith mentioned before it. This means that after taking captives, the Muslims inform them about the teachings of Islam so that after accepting Islam they may deserve Jannah, which is the ultimate success. Allah says, "And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Jannah, he indeed is successful.'' (3:185) This Hadith urges Muslims to call to Islam, it also urges those Mujahidun to invite their prisoners to Islam to save them from the chastisement of the Hell-fire.

Abu Hurairah said: the Prophet said,

“The dearest parts on the face of the earth near Allah are its Masjids, and the most hated parts near Allah are its markets.'' [Muslim].


Commentary: The superiority of the Masjids is self evident. People pray and worship Allah in the Masjids and recitation of Qur'an goes on there. While in the market places people forget to remember Allah and indulge in such forbidden acts as fraud, lies and gossip. In fact, it is not the place itself which is disliked but the bad things which are bound to happen in it, they are not the places of choice and are not liked.

Salman Al-Farisi said: The Prophet said,

"Do not, if you can help, be the first to enter the market and the last to leave it because it is an arena of Satan and the standard of Satan is set there.'' [Muslim].

There are other narrations with some variation in the wordings.

Commentary: It is disliked (Makruh) to frequently visit the markets, where there is overwhelming influence of the Satan. The more one goes there, the more will one be influenced by the temptations of the devil.

Asim Al-Ahwal said: `Abdullah bin Sarjis said to the Messenger of Allah "O Messenger of Allah! May Allah forgive all your sins!'' The Messenger of Allah said,

"And yours also.''

Asim reported: I asked `Abdullah: "Did the Messenger of Allah seek forgiveness for you?'' He replied: "Yes, and for you also.'' Then he recited the Verse:

"Seek forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and the believing women.'' (47:19) [Muslim].


Commentary: Although the Prophet is free from sins, it is permissible, as a token of Allah's honour and care for him, to pray for his greater salvation and blessings. It is also in a way a method of paying respects to him. The Hadith also shows the noble character of the Prophet who used to reciprocate compliments and good deeds.

Abu Mas`ud Al-Ansari said: The Prophet said,

"One of the admonitions of the previous Prophets which has been conveyed to people is that if you have no modesty, you can do whatever you like.'' [Al-Bukhari].


Commentary: This does not mean that doing everything is allowed for a shameless person. It is like giving an information that when a person loses the feeling of shame, then he does not mind doing anything. For this reasons the western nations intend to finish the feeling of shame and remorse among the Muslims, which is a landmark and a criterion of Islam. They want to do away with this criterion so that Muslims may indulge in shameless things happily. Unfortunately, the western people are succeeding in their designs and the Islamic social life is also tending to be shameless like its western counterpart.

Ibn Mas`ud reported: The Prophet said,

"The first matter concerning which people will be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be the matter of blood.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]


Commentary: In another Hadith, it has been stated that on the Day of Judgement, the first thing about which people will be questioned will be As-Salat (the five daily prayers). There is no contradiction in the two narrations. Among the duties of Allah, the first thing to be reckoned would be As-Salat; while among the mutual right of humans, the first thing to be decided would be murder. From this narration the value of human life becomes very significant.

Aishah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"Angels were created from light, Jinns were created from a smokeless flame of fire, and `Adam was created from that which you have been told (i.e., sounding clay like the clay of pottery).'' [Muslim].


Commentary: The angels are the creation of Allah which He created from light. Their bodies are so subtle that they can assume any form they like. The jinn are also an imperceptible creation of Allah. They have also been bestowed with such powers as are not possessed by humans. Satan also belongs to the jinn. Man has been created from sounding clay. The Hadith states the Great and the Perfect Powers of Allah that He can create whatever He likes from whatever He likes, and He can do whatever He wishes.

Aishah said: The conduct of the Prophet was entirely according to the Qur'an.[Muslim in a long Hadith].


Commentary: This Hadith shows that the life of the Prophet and all modes of his actions were on the pattern given in the Qur'an. In his life we can observe the perfection of obedience to all the commands of the Qur'an. In fact, he was a living example of the Qur'an.

Aishah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"He who loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him; and he who dislikes to meet Allah, Allah abhors to meet him.''  

I (`Aishah) said: "O Messenger of Allah! So far as the feelings of aversion against death is concerned, we all have this feeling.'' Thereupon he  said,

"I do not mean that. What I meant is that when a (true) believer is given the glad tidings of the Mercy of Allah, His Pleasures and His Jannah (at the time of death), he loves to meet Allah, and Allah also loves to meet him. When a disbeliever is given the news of the Torment of Allah and His Wrath (at the time of death), he dislikes to meet Allah and Allah also abhors to meet him.'' [Muslim].


Commentary: The glad tidings of Jannah are given to the believers and the bad news of punishment are given to the disbelievers at the time of death. So a believer starts longing to meet Allah as a result of the good news he receives at that time, and the disbeliever begins to wish that he may not die and, therefore, avoid Allah's punishment as a result of the bad news he receives at that time.

Safiyyah bint Huyai , the Mother of the Believers, said: I came to visit the Prophet while he was in the state of I'tikaf [(seclusion) in the Masjid during the last ten days of Ramadan]. After having talked to him, I got up to return. The Prophet also got up with me and accompanied me a part of the way. At that moment two Ansari man passed by. When they saw him they quickened their pace. The Prophet said to them,

"Do not hurry. She is Safiyyah, daughter of Huyai, my wife.''

They said: "Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection)! O Messenger of Allah! (You are far away from any suspicion).'' The Messenger of Allah said,

"Satan circulates in a person like blood (in the blood streams). I apprehended lest Satan should drop some evil thoughts in your minds.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: Even just a passing thought of some thing undesirable about the Prophet is dangerous for belief. In order to put an end to this evil suspicion, he stopped the two Companions and explained to them the situation. This was done lest the devil may create some doubt in the mind of the two Companions. The conclusion is that, if at any place there is some far fetched chance of creation of bad opinion about somebody, then it is necessary to give an explanation lest some doubt may arise in some body's mind. This is particularly essential for `Ulama', who should remain aloof from such occasions and places, lest the people may start doubting their integrity and piety.

Al-`Abbas bin `Abdul-Muttalib said: I was in the company of the Messenger of Allah on the day of (the battle of) Hunain. Abu Sufyan bin Al-Harith and I did not leave the Messenger of Allah throughout the battle. The Messenger of Allah was riding on his white mule. When the Muslims had an encounter with the pagans, Muslims took to their heels. The Messenger of Allah began to urge his mule towards the disbelievers, holding the bridle of his mule. I was trying to restrain it from going very fast, and Abu Sufyan was holding the stirrup of the mule of the Messenger of Allah . The Messenger of Allah said,

"O Abbas! Call out the People of As-Samurah [i.e., those people who had made the covenant under the tree (i.e., Bai`ah Ridwan)].''  

Abbas :   called out at the top of his voice: "Where are the People of As-Samurah.'' `Abbas  said: As soon as they heard my voice, they rushed towards the Prophet like a cow turning towards her calf. They were shouting: "Here we are.'' Soon they began to fight the infidels. Then there was a call for Ansar. Those who called out to them shouted: "O you the people of Ansar! O you the people of Ansar!'' They ended their call at Banu Al-Harith bin Al-Khazraj. The Messenger of Allah who was riding on his mule looked at their fight with his neck stretched forward and he said,

"This is the time when the fight is raging hot.''

Then the Messenger of Allah took pebbles and threw them in the face of the disbelievers. He  said,

"By the Rabb of Muhammad, the disbelievers will be defeated.''

I continued to watch until I found that their force was subdued and they began to retreat. [Muslim].


Commentary:

1. Here is the factual proof of the bravery and greatness of the Prophet . We see that initially when the Companions were perturbed and they scattered here and there, he alone continued his march towards the enemy. He did not feel even the slightest fear or worry. In the end his steadfastness compelled others to return and fight the enemy.

2. In fact, they had not receded far. They had got confused for a while. The reason for this confusion was the continuous and sudden volley of arrows which was quite unexpected for them. However, at the call of Al-`Abbas they at once turned back to fight. Had they gone far off, their sudden reorganization and collecting again would not have been possible.

3. Here is the proof of a miracle of the Prophet as well; the throwing of few pebbles from his side caused the defeat of the enemy.

4. Here, the Muslims were taught a lesson that the real power in the battlefield is the strength of Belief and the Help of Allah. The position of the armaments and other things is secondary. So, one should not depend on these means and resources alone. Otherwise, one will certainly face defeat in spite of large number of soldiers and better means, as happened initially in the battle of Hunain. The trust should be on Allah and His Special Help. His Will alone is the deciding factor in every matter.

Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah said,

"O people! Allah is Pure and, therefore, accepts only that which is pure. Allah has commanded the believers as He has commanded His Messengers by saying: `O Messengers! Eat of the good things, and do good deeds.' (23:51) And He said: `O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you...''' (2:172).  

Then he made a mention of the person who travels for a long period of time, his hair are dishevelled and covered with dust. He lifts his hand towards the sky and thus makes the supplication:

`My Rabb! My Rabb!' But his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothes are unlawful and his nourishment is unlawful, how can, then his supplication be accepted?'' [Muslim].


Commentary: For the grant of prayer, honest earning is essential. Allah accepts charity only if it has been earned in an honest way. Moreover, before any pious action, honest earning for living is essential; otherwise good actions will also go waste.

Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah said,

"There are three (types of) people whom Allah will neither speak to on the Day of Resurrection nor will He purify them (i.e., from their sins), nor will look upon them; and they will have a painful chastisement. These are: An old man who commits fornication; a king who is a great liar and a poor man who is proud.'' [Muslim]


Commentary: From here it can be concluded that if it is easy for someone to avoid a sin and he does not remain away from it, then he is a greater sinner than a person for whom it is comparatively difficult to avoid that sin.

Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah said,

"Saihan (Oxus), Jaihan (Jaxartes), Al-Furat (Euphrates) and An-Nil (Nile) are all from the rivers of Jannah.'' [Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith shows the superiority of these rivers. This superiority is manifested in the purity of their water and the spread of Islam all around them. Some scholars like Imam As-Suyuti take the meaning of this Hadith literally. In any case, only Allah knows their reality. Saihan and Jaihan are two rivers in the country of Syria. These are different from Saihun and Jaihan in the territory of Khurasan (see Mu`jam Al-Buldan of Baladhri, 2/227; 3/333). Some maintain that Saihun is in India and Jaihun in Khurasan, the Euphrates and the Nile are well-known.

Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah took hold of my hand and said,

"Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, created the earth on Saturday, the mountains on Sunday, the trees on Monday, the things entailing labour on Tuesday, light on Wednesday, He spread out animals of all kinds on Thursday, and created Adam in the afternoon on Friday, and it was the last hour of Friday between the afternoon and the night.'' [Muslim].


Commentary: What does "Day'' mean, and how long can it be? Its reality only Allah knows. We observe a day of 24 hours. However, the days of the formation of the universe are evidently different from our earthly days. According to the Arabic language, a day may mean just a moment, but also aeons of time. In the Qur'an also, Allah has mentioned that a `day' may be of one thousand or fifty thousand years. Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir mentions in his Tafsir (1/69) that this is one of the Ahadith classified as Gharib (strange) in Sahih Muslim. Ibn Al-Madini, Al-Bukhari and many others have spoken about it, and have attributed to Ka`b Al-Ahbar; and it may be that Abu Hurairah heard it from Ka`b Al-Ahbar, but some narrators attributed it to the Prophet . See Al-Bukhari's commentary in At-Tarikh Al-Kabir (1/413).

Abu Sulaiman Khalid bin Al-Walid said: In the battle of Mu'tah, seven swords were broken in my hand, and all that remained with me was a Yemeni sword. [Al-Bukhari].


Commentary: Mu'tah is a place near Syria. The battle which took place here is known as the battle of Mu'tah. This Hadith mentions the bravery and superiority of Khalid bin Al-Walid.

Amr bin `Al-`As said: I heard the Messenger of Allah saying,

"When a judge utilizes his skill of judgement and comes to a right decision, he will have a double reward, but when he uses his judgement and commits a mistake, he will have a single reward.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]


Commentary: In such matters about which there is no clear command or instruction in the Qur'an and Sunnah, the problem is decided keeping in view similar and resembling cases. This mode of deciding about its being permitted or prohibited is called Ijtihad.
Evidently, this process can be employed by only such a person who has full command about the various branches of knowledge pertaining to Qur'an and Sunnah. Not every person can do it nor is supposed to do it. There is also a famous proverb that says: `Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.'

From here we conclude that the ruler, judge or a bureaucrat in a Muslim country should be a learned scholar, i.e., an`Alim well versed in Qur'an and Sunnah; so that he can interpret the laws of Islam with utmost care and in a befitting and sincere manner. He should do the job sincerely and with a pious intention. With such mode of work, he will be bestowed with reward in every case. However, if his interpretation is correct, he will receive a double reward.

Aishah said: The Prophet said,

"Fever comes from the vehement raging of Hell, so cool it with water.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: The treatment mentioned in the narration is quite correct. In many cases doctors also suggest that the patient should be cooled and the body temperature lowered by cold compress, i.e., placing cloth dipped in cold water on the body.