Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … In light of the wording of a narration in Sahih Bukhari, "fa akhafu an taftinani"1 and the wording of the narration in Muwatta Imam Malik, "fa kad yakadu yaftinuni"2, this translation has been made: Its patterns and designs had begun to distract me. Abu Juhm had given this cloth to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam as a gift, then the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam requested from him a plain one from the Anbijan region so that he would not be distressed due to the return of the gift. As soon as the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam became aware, he immediately rejected the cloth with patterns and designs. Since we have not been able to understand the true concept of prayer (salah), we are not affected by the decorated walls of mosques, the attractive curtains in homes, the various designs of prayer mats and carpets, and our colorful clothes. This is merely our own assumption; otherwise, if the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam could fear being affected, and then also take means to avoid it, then we should realize our own capability. Nowadays, countless charts and stickers are displayed on the front walls of mosques, from which no worshipper can remain unaffected. If there is something good among them, then one should choose the side walls.

1؎ I felt afraid that it (the cloth) would put me to trial (fitnah).
2؎ It was close that it would have put me to trial (fitnah).