(3) Book of Knowledge

~ Summerized Sahih Bukhari > Book of Knowledge

CHAPTER 1. The superiority of knowledge.

1:56 Narrated by Abu Huraira
While the Prophet was saying something in a gathering, a Bedouin came and asked him, “When would the Hour (Doomsday) take place?”
Allah’s Apostle continued his talk, so some people said that Allah’s Apostle had heard the question, but did not like what that Bedouin had asked. Some of them said that Alllah’s Apostle had not heard it.
When the Prophet finished his speech, he said, “Where is the questioner, who enquired about the Hour (Doomsday)?”
The Bedouin said, “I am here, O Allah’s Apostle .”
Then the Prophet said, “When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday).”
The Bedouin said, “How will that be lost?”
The Prophet said, “When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday.)”

CHAPTER 2. Whoever raises his voice in (conveying) knowledge.

1:57 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr
Once the Prophet remained behind us in a journey. He joined us while we were performing ablution for the prayer which was over-due. We were just passing wet hands over our feet (and not washing them properly) so the Prophet addressed us in a loud voice and said twice or thrice: “Save your heels from the fire.”

CHAPTER 3. The Imâm questioning his companions in order to test their knowledge.

1:59 Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar
The Prophet said, “Amongst the trees, there is a tree, the leaves of which do not fall and is like a Muslim. Tell me the name of that tree.” Everybody started thinking about the trees of the desert areas. And I thought of the date-palm tree. The others then asked, “Please inform us what is that tree, O Allah’s Apostle?” He replied, “It is the date-palm tree.”

CHAPTER 4. To recite or read (something) and present it in front of a scholar.

1:63 Narrated by Anas bin Malik
While we were sitting with the Prophet in the mosque, a man came riding on a camel. He made his camel kneel down in the mosque, tied its foreleg and then said: “Who amongst you is Muhammad?”
At that time the Prophet was sitting amongst us (his companions) leaning on his arm. We replied, “This white man reclining on his arm.”
The an then addressed him, “O Son of ‘Abdul Muttalib.”
The Prophet said, “I am here to answer your questions.”
The man said to the Prophet, “I want to ask you something and will be hard in questioning. So do not get angry.”
The Prophet said, “Ask whatever you want.”
The man said, “I ask you by your Lord, and the Lord of those who were before you, has Allah sent you as an Apostle to all the mankind?”
The Prophet replied, “By Allah, yes.”
The man further said, “I ask you by Allah. Has Allah ordered you to offer five prayers in a day and night (24 hours).?
He replied, “By Allah, Yes.”
The man further said, “I ask you by Allah! Has Allah ordered you to observe fasts during this month of the year (i.e. Ramadan)?”
He replied, “By Allah, Yes.”
The man further said, “I ask you by Allah. Has Allah ordered you to take Zakat (obligatory charity) from our rich people and distribute it amongst our poor people?”
The Prophet replied, “By Allah, yes.”
Thereupon that man said, “I have believed in all that with which you have been sent, and I have been sent by my people as a messenger, and I am Dimam bin Tha’laba from the brothers of Bani Sa’d bin Bakr.”
1:64 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abbas
Once Allah’s Apostle gave a letter to a person and ordered him to go and deliver it to the Governor of Bahrain. (He did so) and the Governor of Bahrain sent it to Chousroes, who read that letter and then tore it to pieces. (The sub-narrator (Ibn Shihab) thinks that Ibn Al-Musaiyab said that Allah’s Apostle invoked Allah against them (saying), “May Allah tear them into pieces, and disperse them all totally.)”
1:65 Narrated by Anas bin Malik
Once the Prophet wrote a letter or had an idea of writing a letter. The Prophet was told that they (rulers) would not read letters unless they were sealed. So the Prophet got a silver ring made with “Muhammad Allah’s Apostle” engraved on it. As if I were just observing its white glitter in the hand of the Prophet .
1:66 Narrated by Abu Waqid Al-Laithi
While Allah’s Apostle was sitting in the mosque with some people, three men came. Two of them came in front of Allah’s Apostle and the third one went away. The two persons kept on standing before Allah’s Apostle for a while and then one of them found a place in the circle and sat there while the other sat behind the gathering, and the third one went away. When Allah’s Apostle finished his preaching, he said, “Shall I tell you about these three persons?
One of them be-took himself to Allah, so Allah took him into His grace and mercy and accommodated him,
the second felt shy from Allah, so Allah sheltered Him in His mercy (and did not punish him),
while the third turned his face from Allah and went away, so Allah turned His face from him likewise. “

CHAPTER 5. The statement of the Prophet, ‘It is probable that a person who receives a piece of information indirectly may comprehend it better than he who has heard it directly from its source.’

1:67 Narrated by ‘Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakra’s father
Once the Prophet was riding his camel and a man was holding its rein. The Prophet asked, “What is the day today?”
We kept quiet, thinking that he might give that day another name.
He said, “Isn’t it the day of Nahr (slaughtering of the animals of sacrifice)” We replied, “Yes.”
He further asked, “Which month is this?”
We again kept quiet, thinking that he might give it another name.
Then he said, “Isn’t it the month of Dhul-Hijja?” We replied, “Yes.”
He said, “Verily! Your blood, property and honor are sacred to one another (i.e. Muslims) like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours and in this city of yours. It is incumbent upon those who are present to inform those who are absent because those who are absent might comprehend (what I have said) better than the present audience.”

CHAPTER 6. The Prophet used to take care of the people in preaching by selecting a suitable time so that they might not run away (or get bored).

1:68 Narrated by Ibn Mas’ud
The Prophet used to take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time, so that we might not get bored. (He abstained from pestering us with sermons and knowledge all the time).
1:69 Narrated by Anas bin Malik
The Prophet said, “Facilitate things to people (concerning religious matters), and do not make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away (from Islam).”

CHAPTER 7. If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him
comprehend the religion. [The understanding of the Qur’ân and the Sunna (legal ways) of Prophet Muhammad

1:71 Narrated by Muawiya
I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah. (And remember) that this nation (true Muslims) will keep on following Allah’s teachings strictly and they will not be harmed by any one going on a different path till Allah’s order (Day of Judgment) is established.”

CHAPTER 8. (The superiority of) Comprehending knowledge.

1:72 Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar
We were with the Prophet and a spadix of date-palm tree was brought to him. On that he said, “Amongst the trees, there is a tree which resembles a Muslim.” I wanted to say that it was the date-palm tree but as I was the youngest of all (of them) I kept quiet. And then the Prophet said, “It is the date-palm tree.”

CHAPTER 9. Wish to be like the one who has knowledge and
AI-Hikmah (wisdom) [i.e. the knowledge of the Qur’ân and the Sunna (legal ways) of the Prophet And ‘Umar .- said: Everyone must acquire sound religious knowledge early before he becomes a chief. (Abu ‘Abdullâh said: The companions of the Prophet had studied inspite of the fact that they were old in age).

1:73 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud
The Prophet said, “Do not wish to be like anyone except in two cases.
(The first is) A person, whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously;
(the second is) the one whom Allah has given wisdom (the Holy Qur’an) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others.”

CHAPTER 10. The statement of the Prophet : O Allah! Bestow on him (Ibn ‘Abbâs) the knowledge of the Book (the Qur’ân).’

1:75 Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas
Once the Prophet embraced me and said, “O Allah! Bestow on him the knowledge of the Book (Qur’an).”

CHAPTER 11. At what age may a youth be listened to (i.e. the quotation of the Hadith from a boy – be acceptable).

1:76 Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas
Once I came riding a she-ass (female donkey) and had (just) attained the age of puberty. Allah’s Apostle was offering the prayer at Mina. There was no wall in front of him and I passed in front of some of the row while they were offering their prayers. There I let the she-ass loose to graze and entered the row, and nobody objected to it.
1:77 Narrated by Mahmud bin Rabi’a
When I was a boy of five, I remember, the Prophet took water from a bucket (used far getting water out of a well) with his mouth and threw it on my face.

CHAPTER 12. The superiority of a person who learns (Islam, becomes a
religious scholar) and then teaches it to others.

1:79 Narrated by Abu Musa
The Prophet said, “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance.
(And) another portion of it was hard and held the rain water and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation.
(And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits).

The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion and gets benefit (from the knowledge) which Allah has revealed through me (the Prophets and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)”

CHAPTER 13. (What is said regarding) the disappearance of the
(religious) knowledge and the appearance of (religious) ignorance.

1:80 Narrated by Anas
Allah’s Apostle said, “From among the portents of the Hour are (the following):
1. Religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of Religious learned men).
2. (Religious) ignorance will prevail.
3. Drinking of Alcoholic drinks (will be very common).
4. There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse.
1:81 Narrated by Anas
I will narrate to you a Hadith and none other than I will tell you about after it. I heard Allah’s Apostle saying: From among the portents of the Hour are (the following):
1. Religious knowledge will decrease (by the death of religious learned men).
2. Religious ignorance will prevail.
3. There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse.
4. Women will increase in number and men will decrease in number so much so that fifty women will be looked after by one man.

CHAPTER 14. The superiority of (religious) knowledge.

1:82 Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar
Allah’s Apostle said, “While I was sleeping, I saw that a cup full of milk was brought to me and I drank my fill till I noticed (the milk) its wetness coming out of my nails. Then I gave the remaining milk to ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab” The companions of the Prophet asked, “What have you interpreted (about this dream)? “O Allah’s Apostle ,!” he replied, “(It is religious) knowledge.”

CHAPTER 15. To give a religious verdict while riding an animal or standing on anything else.

1:83 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Amr bin Al ‘Aas
Allah’s Apostle stopped (for a while near the Jimar) at Mina during his last Hajj for the people and they were asking him questions.
A man came and said, “I forgot and got my head shaved before slaughtering the Hadi (sacrificing animal).”
The Prophet said, “There is no harm, go and do the slaughtering now.” Then another person came and said, “I forgot and slaughtered (the camel) before Rami (throwing of the pebbles) at the Jamra.”
The Prophet said, “Do the Rami now and there is no harm.”
The narrator added: So on that day, when the Prophet was asked about anything (as regards the ceremonies of Hajj) performed before or after its due time, his reply was: “Do it (now) and there is no harm.”

CHAPTER 16. Whoever gave a religious verdict by beckoning or by nodding.

1:85 Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet said, “(Religious) knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious scholars) ignorance (in religion) and afflictions will appear; and Harj will increase.” It was asked, “What is Harj, O Allah’s Apostle?” He replied by beckoning with his hand indicating “killing.”
1:86 Narrated by Asma
I came to ‘Aisha while she was praying, and said to her, “What has happened to the people?” She pointed out towards the sky. (I looked towards the mosque), and saw the people offering the prayer.
Aisha said, “Subhan Allah.”
I said to her, “Is there a sign?”
She nodded with her head meaning, “Yes.” I, too, then stood (for the prayer of eclipse) till I became (nearly) unconscious and later on I poured water on my head. After the prayer, the Prophet praised and glorified Allah and then said, “Just now at this place I have seen what I have never seen before, including Paradise and Hell. No doubt it has been inspired to me that you will be put to trials in your graves and these trials will be like the trials of Masiah-ad-Dajjal or nearly like it (the sub narrator is not sure which expression Asma’ used).
You will be asked, ‘What do you know about this man (the Prophet Muhammad)?’ Then the faithful believer (or Asma’ said a similar word) will reply, ‘He is Muhammad Allah’s Apostle who had come to us with clear evidences and guidance and so we accepted his teachings and followed him. And he is Muhammad.’ And he will repeat it thrice. Then the angels will say to him, ‘Sleep in peace as we have come to know that you were a faithful believer.’ On the other hand, a hypocrite or a doubtful person will reply, ‘I do not know, but I heard the people saying something and so I said it.’ (the same). “

CHAPTER 17. To travel seeking an answer to a problematic matter, and to teach it to one’s family.

1:88 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abi Mulaika
‘Uqba bin Al-Harith said that he had married the daughter of Abi Ihab bin ‘Aziz. Later on a woman came to him and said, “I have suckled (nursed) Uqba and the woman whom he married (his wife) at my breast.” ‘Uqba said to her, “Neither I knew that you have suckled (nursed) me nor did you tell me.” Then he rode over to see Allah’s Apostle at Medina, and asked him about it. Allah’s Apostle said, “How can you keep her as a wife when it has been said (that she is your foster-sister)?” Then Uqba divorced her, and she married another man.

CHAPTER 18. To fix the duties in rotation for learning (religious) knowledge.

1:89 Narrated by ‘Umar
My Ansari neighbor from Bani Umaiya bin Zaid who used to live at ‘Awali Al-Medina and used to visit the Prophet by turns. He used to go one day and I another day. When I went I used to bring the news of that day regarding the Divine Inspiration and other things, and when he went, he used to do the same for me. Once my Ansari friend, in his turn (on returning from the Prophet), knocked violently at my door and asked if I was there.” I became horrified and came out to him.
He said, “Today a great thing has happened.”
I then went to Hafsa and saw her weeping.
I asked her, “Did Allah’s Apostle divorce you all?”
She replied, “I do not know.”
Then, I entered upon the Prophet and said while standing, “Have you divorced your wives?” The Prophet replied in the negative. On what I said, “Allahu-Akbar (Allah is Greater).”

CHAPTER 19. To be furious while preaching or teaching if one sees what one hates.

1:90 Narrated by Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari
Once a man said to Allah’s Apostle “O Allah’s Apostle! I may not attend the (compulsory congregational) prayer because so and so (the Imam) prolongs the prayer when he leads us for it. The narrator added: “I never saw the Prophet more furious in giving advice than he was on that day. The Prophet said, “O people! Some of you make others dislike good deeds (the prayers). So whoever leads the people in prayer should shorten it because among them there are the sick the weak and the needy (having some jobs to do).”
1:91 Narrated by Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani
A man asked the Prophet about the picking up of a “Luqata” (fallen lost thing). The Prophet replied, “Recognize and remember its tying material and its container, and make public announcement (about it) for one year, then utilize it but give it to its owner if he comes.” Then the person asked about the lost camel. On that, the Prophet got angry and his cheeks or his Face became red and he said, “You have no concern with it as it has its water container, and its feet and it will reach water, and eat (the leaves) of trees till its owner finds it.” The man then asked about the lost sheep. The Prophet replied, “It is either for you, for your brother (another person) or for the wolf.”
1:92 Narrated by Abu Musa
The Prophet was asked about things which he did not like, but when the questioners insisted, the Prophet got angry. He then said to the people, “Ask me anything you like.” A man asked, “Who is my father?” The Prophet replied, “Your father is Hudhafa.” Then another man got up and said, “Who is my father, O Allah’s Apostle ?” He replied, “Your father is Salim, Maula (the freed slave) of Shaiba.” So when ‘Umar saw that (the anger) on the face of the Prophet he said, “O Allah’s Apostle! We repent to Allah (Our offending you).”

CHAPTER 20. Repeating one’s talk thrice in order to make others understand.

1:95 Narrated by Anas
Whenever the Prophet spoke a sentence (said a thing), he used to repeat it thrice so that the people could understand it properly from him and whenever he asked permission to enter, (he knocked the door) thrice with greeting.

CHAPTER 21. A man teaching (religion to) his woman-slave and his family.

1:97a Narrated by Abu Burda’s father
Allah’s Apostle said “Three persons will have a double reward:
1. A Person from the people of the scriptures who believed in his prophet (Jesus or Moses) and then believed in the Prophet Muhammad (i .e. has embraced Islam).
2. A slave who discharges his duties to Allah and his master.
3. A master of a woman-slave who teaches her good manners and educates her in the best possible way (the religion) and manumits her and then marries her.”

CHAPTER 22. The preaching (and teaching) of the (religious) knowledge to women by the Imam (chief):

1:97b Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas
Once Allah’s Apostle came out while Bilal was accompanying him. He went towards the women thinking that they had not heard him (i.e. his sermon). So he preached them and ordered them to pay alms. (Hearing that) the women started giving alms; some donated their ear-rings, some gave their rings and Bilal was collecting them in the corner of his garment.

CHAPTER 23. Eagerness to (learn) the HadIth.

1:98 Narrated by Abu Huraira
I said: “O Allah’s Apostle! Who will be the luckiest person, who will gain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?”
Allah’s Apostle said: O Abu Huraira! “I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your longing for the (learning of) Hadiths. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.”
And ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz wrote to Abu Bakr bin Hazm, “Look for the knowledge of Hadith and get it written, as I am afraid that religious knowledge will vanish and the religious learned men will pass away (die). Do not accept anything save the Hadiths of the Prophet. Circulate knowledge and teach the ignorant, for knowledge does not vanish except when it is kept secretly (to oneself).”

CHAPTER 24. How the (religious) knowledge will be taken away?

1:100 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al’ As
I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray.”

CHAPTER 25. Should a day be fixed for women in order to teach them religion (apart from men)?

1:101 Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri
Some women requested the Prophet to fix a day for them as the men were taking all his time. On that he promised them one day for religious lessons and commandments. Once during such a lesson the Prophet said, “A woman whose three children die will be shielded by them from the Hell fire.”
On that a woman asked, “If only two die?”
He replied, “Even two (will shield her from the Hell-fire).”
1:102 Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri
as above (the sub narrators are different). Abu Huraira qualified the three children referred to in the above mentioned Hadith as not having reached the age of committing sins (i.e. age of puberty).

CHAPTER 26. Whoever heard something (but did not understand
it) and then asked again till he understood it completely.

1:103 Narrated by Ibn Abu Mulaika
Whenever ‘Aisha (the wife of the Prophet) heard anything which she did not understand, she used to ask again till she understood it completely. Aisha said: “Once the Prophet said, “Whoever will be called to account (about his deeds on the Day of Resurrection) will surely be punished.” I said, “Doesn’t Allah say: “He surely will receive an easy reckoning.” (84.8) The Prophet replied, “This means only the presentation of the accounts but whoever will be argued about his account, will certainly be ruined.”

CHAPTER 27. It is incumbent on those who are present [in a religious
meeting (or conference)] to convey the knowledge to those who are
absent. (This statement has come from the Prophet on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbâs)
.

1:104 Narrated by Said
Abu Shuraih said, “When ‘Amr bin Said was sending the troops to Mecca (to fight ‘Abdullah bin Az-Zubair) I said to him, ‘O chief! Allow me to tell you what the Prophet said on the day following the conquests of Mecca. My ears heard and my heart comprehended, and I saw him with my own eyes, when he said it. He glorified and praised Allah and then said, “Allah and not the people has made Mecca a sanctuary. So anybody who has belief in Allah and the Last Day (i.e. a Muslim) should neither shed blood in it nor cut down its trees. If anybody argues that fighting is allowed in Mecca as Allah’s Apostle did fight (in Mecca), tell him that Allah gave permission to His Apostle, but He did not give it to you. The Prophet added: Allah allowed me only for a few hours on that day (of the conquest) and today (now) its sanctity is the same (valid) as it was before. So it is incumbent upon those who are present to convey it (this information) to those who are absent.”
Abu- Shuraih was asked, “What did ‘Amr reply?”
He said ‘Amr said, “O Abu Shuraih! I know better than you (in this respect). Mecca does not give protection to one who disobeys (Allah) or runs after committing murder, or theft (and takes refuge in Mecca).

CHAPTER 28. The sin of a person who tells a lie against the Prophet

1:106 Narrated by ‘Ali
The Prophet said, “Do not tell a lie against me for whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally) then he will surely enter the Hell-fire.”
1:109 Narrated by Salama
I heard the Prophet saying, “Whoever (intentionally) ascribes to me what I have not said then (surely) let him occupy his seat in Hell-fire.”
1:110 Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet said, “Name yourselves with my name (use my name) but do not name yourselves with my Kunya name (i.e. Abul Qasim). And whoever sees me in a dream then surely he has seen me for Satan cannot impersonate me. And whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally), then (surely) let him occupy his seat in Hell-fire.”

CHAPTER 29. The writing of knowledge.

1:112 Narrated by Abu Huraira
In the year of the Conquest of Mecca, the tribe of Khuza’a killed a man from the tribe of Bani Laith in revenge for a killed person, belonging to them. They informed the Prophet about it. So he rode his Rahila (she-camel for riding) and addressed the people saying, “Allah held back the killing from Mecca. (The sub-narrator is in doubt whether the Prophet said “elephant or killing,” as the Arabic words standing for these words have great similarity in shape), but He (Allah) let His Apostle and the believers over power the infidels of Mecca. Beware! (Mecca is a sanctuary) Verily! Fighting in Mecca was not permitted for anyone before me nor will it be permitted for anyone after me. It (war) in it was made legal for me for few hours or so on that day. No doubt it is at this moment a sanctuary, it is not allowed to uproot its thorny shrubs or to uproot its trees or to pick up its Luqatt (fallen things) except by a person who will look for its owner (announce it publicly). And if somebody is killed, then his closest relative has the right to choose one of the two– the blood money (Diyya) or retaliation having the killer killed. In the meantime a man from Yemen came and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Get that written for me.” The Prophet ordered his companions to write that for him. Then a man from Quraish said, “Except Al-Iqhkhir (a type of grass that has good smell) O Allah’s Apostle, as we use it in our houses and graves.” The Prophet said, “Except Al-Idhkhiri.e. Al-Idhkhir is allowed to be plucked.”
1:114 Narrated by ‘Ubaidullah bin ‘Abdullah
Ibn ‘Abbas said, “When the ailment of the Prophet became worse, he said, ‘Bring for me (writing) paper and I will write for you a statement after which you will not go astray.’ But ‘Umar said, ‘The Prophet is seriously ill, and we have got Allah’s Book with us and that is sufficient for us.’ But the companions of the Prophet differed about this and there was a hue and cry. On that the Prophet said to them, ‘Go away (and leave me alone). It is not right that you should quarrel in front of me.” Ibn ‘Abbas came out saying, “It was most unfortunate (a great disaster) that Allah’s Apostle was prevented from writing that statement for them because of their disagreement and noise. (Note: It is apparent from this Hadith that Ibn ‘Abbes had witnessed the event and came out saying this statement. The truth is not so, for Ibn ‘Abbas used to say this statement on narrating the Hadith and he had not witnessed the event personally. 

CHAPTER 30. The knowledge and its teaching and preaching at night.

1:115 Narrated by Um Salama
One night Allah’s Apostle got up and said, “Subhan Allah! How many afflictions have been descended tonight and how many treasures have been disclosed! Go and wake the sleeping lady occupants of these dwellings (his wives) up (for prayers). A well-dressed (soul) in this world may be naked in the Hereafter. “

CHAPTER 31. To speak about (religious) knowledge at night.

1:116 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar
Once the Prophet led us in the ‘Isha’ prayer during the last days of his life and after finishing it (the prayer) (with Taslim) he said: “Do you realize (the importance of) this night?” Nobody present on the surface of the earth tonight will be living after the completion of one hundred years from this night.”
1:117 Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas
I stayed overnight in the house of my aunt Maimuna bint Al-Harith (the wife of the Prophet ) while the Prophet was there with her during her night turn. The Prophet offered the ‘Isha’ prayer (in the mosque), returned home and after having prayed four Rakat, he slept. Later on he got up at night and then asked whether the boy (or he used a similar word) had slept? Then he got up for the prayer and I stood up by his left side but he made me stand to his right and offered five Rakat followed by two more Rakat. Then he slept and I heard him snoring and then (after a while) he left for the (Fajr) prayer.

CHAPTER 32. (What is said regarding) the memorization of the (religious) knowledge.

1:118 Narrated by Abu Huraira
People say that I have narrated many Hadiths (The Prophet’s narrations). Had it not been for two verses in the Qur’an, I would not have narrated a single Hadith, and the verses are: “Verily those who conceal the clear sign and the guidance which We have sent down . . . (up to) Most Merciful.” (2:159-160). And no doubt our Muhajir (emigrant) brothers used to be busy in the market with their business (bargains) and our Ansari brothers used to be busy with their property (agriculture). But I (Abu Huraira) used to stick to Allah’s Apostle contented with what will fill my stomach and I used to attend that which they used not to attend and I used to memorize that which they used not to memorize.
1:119 Narrated by Abu Huraira
I said to Allah’s Apostle “I hear many narrations (Hadiths) from you but I forget them.” Allah’s Apostle said, “Spread your Rida’ (garment).” I did accordingly and then he moved his hands as if filling them with something (and emptied them in my Rida’) and then said, “Take and wrap this sheet over your body.” I did it and after that I never forgot any thing.
1:121 Narrated by Abu Huraira
I have memorized two kinds of knowledge from Allah’s Apostle . I have propagated one of them to you and if I propagated the second, then my pharynx (throat) would be cut (i.e. killed).

CHAPTER 33. To be quiet (and listen) to religious learned men.

1:122 Narrated by Jarir
The Prophet said to me during Hajjat-al-Wida’: Let the people keep quiet and listen. Then he said (addressing the people), “Do not (become infidels) revert to disbelief after me by striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another (killing each other).”

CHAPTER 34. When a religious learned man is asked, “Who is the
most learned person,” (It is better for him to attribute or entrust absolute knowledge to Allah and to say, “Allah is the Most Learned (than anybody else).”

1:124 Narrated by Ubai bin Ka’b
The Prophet said, “Once the Prophet Moses stood up and addressed Bani Israel.
He was asked, “Who is the most learned man amongst the people.
He said, “I am the most learned.”
Allah admonished Moses as he did not attribute absolute knowledge to Him (Allah). So Allah inspired to him “At the junction of the two seas there is a slave amongst my slaves who is more learned than you.”
Moses said, “O my Lord! How can I meet him?”
Allah said: Take a fish in a large basket (and proceed) and you will find him at the place where you will lose the fish. So Moses set out along with his (servant) boy, Yusha’ bin Nuin and carried a fish in a large basket till they reached a rock, where they laid their heads (i.e. lay down) and slept. The fish came out of the basket and it took its way into the sea as in a tunnel. So it was an amazing thing for both Moses and his (servant) boy. They proceeded for the rest of that night and the following day. When the day broke, Moses said to his (servant) boy: “Bring us our early meal. No doubt, we have suffered much fatigue in this journey.”
Moses did not get tired till he passed the place about which he was told. There the (servant) boy told Moses, “Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock, I indeed forgot the fish.” Moses remarked, “That is what we have been seeking. So they went back retracing their foot-steps, till they reached the rock.
There they saw a man covered with a garment (or covering himself with his own garment). Moses greeted him.
Al-Khadir replied saying, “How do people greet each other in your land?” Moses said, “I am Moses.”
He asked, “The Moses of Bani Israel?”
Moses replied in the affirmative and added, “May I follow you so that you teach me of that knowledge which you have been taught.”
Al-Khadir replied, “Verily! You will not be able to remain patient with me, O Moses! I have some of the knowledge of Allah which He has taught me and which you do not know, while you have some knowledge which Allah has taught you which I do not know.”
Moses said, “Allah willing, you will find me patient and I will not disobey you in aught. So both of them set out walking along the sea-shore, as they did not have a boat. In the meantime a boat passed by them and they requested the crew of the boat to take them on board. The crew recognized Al-Khadir and took them on board without fare. Then a sparrow came and stood on the edge of the boat and dipped its beak once or twice in the sea.
Al-Khadir said: “O Moses! My knowledge and your knowledge have not decreased Allah’s knowledge except as much as this sparrow has decreased the water of the sea with its beak.”
Al-Khadir went to one of the planks of the boat and plucked it out. Moses said, “These people gave us a free lift but you have broken their boat and scuttled it so as to drown its people.”
Al-Khadir replied, “Didn’t I tell you that you will not be able to remain patient with me.”
Moses said, “Call me not to account for what I forgot.”
The first (excuse) of Moses was that he had forgotten. Then they proceeded further and found a boy playing with other boys.
Al-Khadir took hold of the boy’s head from the top and plucked it out with his hands (i.e. killed him).
Moses said, “Have you killed an innocent soul who has killed none.”
Al-Kha,dir replied, “Did I not tell you that you cannot remain patient with me?”
Then they both proceeded till when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found there a wall on the point of collapsing. Al-Khadir repaired it with his own hands.
Moses said, “If you had wished, surely you could have taken wages for it.” Al-Khadir replied, “This is the parting between you and me.”
The Prophet added, “May Allah be Merciful to Moses! Would that he could have been more patient to learn more about his story with Al-Khadir. “

CHAPTER 35. Whosoever, while standing, asked a religious learned
man who was sitting (on a pulpit or a similar thing, about something).

1:125 Narrated by Abu Musa
A man came to the Prophet and asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! What kind of fighting is in Allah’s cause? (I ask this), for some of us fight because of being enraged and angry and some for the sake of his pride and haughtiness.” The Prophet raised his head (as the questioner was standing) and said, “He who fights so that Allah’s Word (Islam) should be superior, then he fights in Allah’s cause.”

CHAPTER 36. The Statement of Allah : “And of knowledge you (mankind) have been given only a little.” (V.17:85).

1:127 Narrated by ‘Abdullah
While I was going with the Prophet through the ruins of Medina and he was reclining on a date-palm leaf stalk, some Jews passed by. Some of them said to the others: Ask him (the Prophet) about the spirit. Some of them said that they should not ask him that question as he might give a reply which would displease them. But some of them insisted on asking, and so one of them stood up and asked, “O Aba-l-Qasim ! What is the spirit?”
The Prophet remained quiet. I thought he was being inspired Divinely. So I stayed till that state of the Prophet (while being inspired) was over.
The Prophet then said, “And they ask you (O Muhammad) concerning the spirit –Say: The spirit — its knowledge is with my Lord. And of knowledge you (mankind) have been given only a little).” (17.85)

CHAPTER 37. Whoever selected some people to teach them (religious)
knowledge preferring them over others for fear that the others may not understand it.

1:130 Narrated by Anas bin Malik
“Once Mu’adh was along with Allah’s Apostle as a companion rider. Allah’s Apostle said, “O Mu’adh bin Jabal.”
Mu’adh replied, “Labbaik and Sa’daik. O Allah’s Apostle!”
Again the Prophet said, “O Mu’adh!” Mu’adh said thrice, “Labbaik and Sa’daik, O Allah’s Apostle!”
Allah’s Apostle said, “There is none who testifies sincerely that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is his Apostle, except that Allah, will save him from the Hell-fire.”
Mu’adh said, “O Allah’s Apostle ! Should I not inform the people about it so that they may have glad tidings?”
He replied, “When the people hear about it, they will solely depend on it.” Then Mu’adh narrated the above-mentioned Hadith just before his death, being afraid of committing sin (by not telling the knowledge).

CHAPTER 38. (What is said as regards:-) To be shy (Alhaya)
while learning (religious knowledge).

1:132 Narrated by Um Salama
Um-Sulaim came to Allah’s Apostle and said, “Verily, Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. Is it necessary for a woman to take a bath after she has a wet dream (nocturnal sexual discharge?)
The Prophet replied, “Yes, if she notices a discharge.”
Um Salama, then covered her face and asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! Does a woman get a discharge?”
He replied, “Yes, let your right hand be in dust (An Arabic expression you say to a person when you contradict his statement meaning “you will not achieve goodness”), and that is why the son resembles his mother.”

CHAPTER 39. Whosoever felt shy (to ask something) and then
requested another person to ask on his behalf.

1:134 Narrated by ‘Ali
I used to get the emotional urethral discharge frequently so I requested Al-Miqdad to ask the Prophet about it. Al-Miqdad asked him and he replied, “One has to perform ablution (after it).” (See Hadith No. 269).

CHAPTER 40. Teaching religious knowledge and giving religious verdicts in a mosque.

1:135 Narrated by Nafi
‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said: “A man got up in the mosque and said: O Allah’s Apostle ‘At which place you order us that we should assume the Ihram?’ Allah’s Apostle replied, ‘The residents of Medina should assure the Ihram from Dhil-Hulaifa, the people of Syria from Al-Ju,hfa and the people of Najd from Qarn.” Ibn ‘Umar further said, “The people consider that Allah’s Apostle had also said, ‘The residents of Yemen should assume Ihram from Yalamlam.’ ” Ibn ‘Umar used to say, “I do not: remember whether Allah’s Apostle had said the last statement or not?”

CHAPTER 41. Whosoever answered to the questioner more than what he asked.

1:136 Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar
A man asked the Prophet : “What (kinds of clothes) should a Muhrim (a Muslim intending to perform ‘Umra or Hajj) wear? He replied, “He should not wear a shirt, a turban, trousers, a head cloak or garment scented with saffron or Wars (kinds of perfumes). And if he has n slippers, then he can use Khuffs (leather socks) but the socks should be cut short so as to make the ankles bare.”

~End~

-~En