Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
This hadith contains much information related to the incident of migration (hijrah), and it also demonstrates the steadfastness and trust in Allah (tawakkul ‘ala Allah) of Hazrat Siddiq Akbar radi Allahu anhu.

There was a time in this very city of Makkah (where I am now sitting and writing these lines in the sacred precincts of the Ka‘bah) when the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and his devoted companions were subjected to extreme persecution. Due to these hardships, Hazrat Siddiq Akbar radi Allahu anhu was compelled to leave this sacred city. With the intention of migrating to Abyssinia (Habashah), he had reached a place near Makkah called Bark al-Ghamad.

There he encountered Malik bin Dughunnah, a chief of the Qarah tribe. Qarah was a branch of the Banu Awhan tribe, renowned for their archery skills. When Malik bin Dughunnah, the chief of this tribe, saw Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq radi Allahu anhu traveling in this state, he immediately exclaimed that a noble man like you—who is compassionate to the poor, maintains ties of kinship, bears the burdens of others, and possesses unparalleled qualities in hospitality—such a righteous person can never be driven out of Makkah. Nor should he be expelled.

He said, “You are under my protection; return to Makkah and worship your Lord there.” Thus, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq radi Allahu anhu returned to Makkah with him. Ibn Dughunnah publicly announced his protection for Hazrat Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu in Makkah, which the Quraysh also accepted, but with the condition that Siddiq Akbar radi Allahu anhu should not pray openly nor recite the Qur’an aloud, as this would upset their youth.

After some days, Hazrat Siddiq Akbar radi Allahu anhu, feeling confined inside his house, began to sit in the courtyard and recite the Noble Qur’an. At this, the disbelievers of Quraysh began to complain and incite Ibn Dughunnah, who then became ready to withdraw his protection. Upon this, Hazrat Siddiq Akbar radi Allahu anhu clearly stated: “Inni uriddu ilayka jawarak wa arda bijawari Allah.”
Meaning: “O Ibn Dughunnah! I return your protection to you, and I am content with the protection of Allah the Exalted.”

At that time, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was still in Makkah. He met Hazrat Siddiq radi Allahu anhu and informed him that the incident of migration would soon occur, and that Allah had shown him the place of his migration, by which he meant Madinah Tayyibah.

Upon hearing this glad tidings, Hazrat Siddiq Akbar radi Allahu anhu began to feed his camels abundantly with leaves of the acacia tree (babool) in preparation for the journey, so that they would be ready to travel swiftly at the time of migration. For four consecutive months, he continued to prepare these mounts for the journey of migration until the time finally arrived.

The relevance of this hadith to the chapter is as follows: Ibn Dughunnah had, in effect, guaranteed the safety of Abu Bakr Siddiq radi Allahu anhu, ensuring that he would not suffer any financial or physical harm.

Hafiz (Ibn Hajar) states:
“The purpose of mentioning this hadith here is to show that Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu accepted the protection (jiwar) of Ibn Dughunnah, and the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam also affirmed this for him. The reason for including this hadith in the chapter of surety (kafalah) is that it establishes the permissibility of guaranteeing the safety of bodies (persons). It is as if the one who granted protection became the guarantor of the protected person’s life, ensuring that no harm would come to him.” (Ibn al-Munir, Fath)

That is, the purpose of mentioning this hadith here is that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq radi Allahu anhu accepted the neighborhood and protection of Ibn Dughunnah, and the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam also affirmed it. The reason for including this hadith in the chapter of kafalah is that it establishes the permissibility of guaranteeing the safety of persons (bodies). In other words, the one who granted protection became the guarantor of the protected person’s life, ensuring that no harm would come to him.

How wondrous is Allah’s decree: there was a time like that, and now there is a time when Makkah al-Mukarramah, as a great Islamic center, has become the qiblah and sanctuary for seven hundred million Muslims of the world. Every year, during the Hajj, two to two and a half million Muslims gather here to proclaim the truth of Islam.

All praise is due to Allah, Who fulfilled His promise, aided His servant, and defeated the confederates alone—there is nothing after Him.

Today, on the 22nd of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1389 AH, after Maghrib, sitting in the sacred Mataf, this note was written.

Our Lord, accept from us; indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
This hadith proves that when a person grants protection (aman) to someone, he undertakes the responsibility that the one granted protection will not be harmed in any way. In other words, he becomes the guarantor that the protected individual will not be subjected to any kind of harm. Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has mentioned this lengthy hadith solely for this purpose.

(2)
It is also established from this that when a believer is in danger from an oppressor, he may seek the protection of someone who can safeguard him, even if that person is a disbeliever. And whoever, by choosing resolve (azimah), relies solely upon Allah and does not seek anyone’s support, then Allah, exalted is He, protects him and does not leave him at the mercy of people. Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah says: The reason for bringing this hadith at this point is that Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu accepted the guarantee and protection of Ibn Dughunnah. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam also maintained it. And the reason for bringing it in the Book of Surety (Kitab al-Kafalah) is that personal guarantee is established from this hadith. In other words, the one who granted him protection took full responsibility for his safety, ensuring that he would not be subjected to any kind of harm. (Fath al-Bari: 4/600)