Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
In the previous chapter, it was mentioned that a riding animal can be used for Hajj. This could have raised the objection that humility and modesty should be present in Hajj. By bringing this chapter, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah wants to clarify that if a simple saddle is used on the riding animal, it is not contrary to humility and modesty. One should adopt simplicity while avoiding pride and boasting. Every possible form of affectation should be avoided.

(2)
When Aisha radi Allahu anha performed Umrah, her brother Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr radi Allahu anhu seated her behind him on the extra wooden part of the saddle and set out for Umrah; no comfortable riding animal was sought for her. Although nowadays air travel is very comfortable and peaceful, even in such circumstances, simplicity can be adopted. For traveling from Makkah Mukarramah to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, arrangements can be made to go on foot or by simple means of transport.

(3)
The narration from Umar radi Allahu anhu has been reported in Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq with a connected chain. When he would return from jihad, he would address the mujahideen and say: “Remove the saddles from your horses and fasten saddlebags on the camels so that Hajj or Umrah may be performed; this journey too is a part of jihad.” (Al-Musannaf li ‘Abd al-Razzaq: 7/5, Maktab al-Islami edition, Beirut) Because this too involves hardship and physical exertion. In any case, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah’s purpose is that simplicity should be adopted during travel; there is absolutely no need for affectation or adornment. (Fath al-Bari: 3/480)