Bukhari

Hadith Authentication (Takhrij al-Hadith):
This narration is found in Sahih al-Bukhari at three places. [ح 278، 3404، 4799]
In addition to Imam al-Bukhari rahimahullah, the following hadith scholars have also narrated it:
Muslim al-Naysaburi [صحيح مسلم ح339 وترقيم دارالسلام : 770 وبعد ح 2371 ترقيم دارالسلام : 6146، 6147]
Al-Tirmidhi [السنن : 3221 وقال : ”هذا حديث حسن صحيح“ إلخ]
Al-Nasa’i in al-Tafsir [444، 445]
Al-Tahawi in Mushkil al-Athar [1؍11]
And al-Tabari in his Tafsir [تفسير ابن جرير 22؍37]
This narration is also found in the following books:
Musnad Abi ‘Awanah [281/1]
Sahih Ibn Hibban [الاحسان 94/14 ح 6178، دوسرا نسخه : 6211]
Al-Awsat by Ibn al-Mundhir [120/2 ح649]
Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi [198/1]
Ma‘alim al-Tanzil by al-Baghawi [545/3]
The following hadith scholars narrated this narration before Imam al-Bukhari rahimahullah:
Ahmad ibn Hanbal [المسند 2؍315، 392، 514، 535]
‘Abd al-Razzaq [المصنف : 20531]
Hammam ibn Munabbih [الصحيفة : 61]
This narration from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah radi Allahu anhu is transmitted through the following eminent Tabi‘in:
① Hammam ibn Munabbih [الصحيفة: 61 وصحيح البخاري : 278 وصحيح مسلم : 339]
② Muhammad ibn Sirin [صحيح البخاري : 3404، 4799]
③ Khallas ibn ‘Amr [صحيح البخاري : 3404، 4799]
④ Al-Hasan al-Basri [صحيح البخاري : 3404، 4799]
⑤ ‘Abdullah ibn Shaqiq [صحيح مسلم : 339 بعد ح2371 ترقيم دارالسلام : 6147]
Other chains of transmission for this narration, as well as reports from the Companions and Tabi‘in, are also narrated. See:
Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah [11؍533، 535]
And Tafsir al-Tabari [22؍36، 37]
And Kashf al-Astar [مسند البزار : 2252]
From this detail, it is clear that this narration in Sahih al-Bukhari is absolutely authentic.

In the explanation of this hadith, Hafiz Ibn Hazm al-Andalusi rahimahullah writes:
«انه ليس فى الحديث انهم رأوا من موسي الذكر - الذى هو عورة - و ان رأوا منه هيئة تبينوا بها أنه مبرأ مما قالوا من الادرة وهذا يتبين لكل ناظر بلا شك، بغير أن يرى شيئًا من الذكر لكن بأن يرى مابين الفخذين خاليًا»
“In the hadith, it is not stated that they (the Children of Israel) saw the private part (i.e., the genitals) of Musa (alayhis salam). They saw such a state from which it became clear that Musa alayhis salam was free from the accusations of those people that he was ‘adr’ (i.e., that his testicles were very large). Every observer, in such a state, without any doubt and without seeing the private part, comes to know this when he sees that the space between the thighs is empty.” [المحليٰ 3؍213 مسئله : 349]
From this explanation, it is understood that the accusations of physical defect which the Children of Israel used to level against Sayyiduna Musa alayhis salam, he was free from all those accusations. Secondly, it is also not stated in this narration that Sayyiduna Musa alayhis salam was bathing completely naked. From the words of Imam Ibn Hazm, it appears that he had covered his private part with a loincloth or something similar, and the rest of the body was uncovered.
The Children of Israel did not see his private part at all; therefore, the mockery of this hadith by the deniers of hadith is rejected.
SA Some people have said, “So what is meant by saying three or four marks?” EA The answer is that Allah the Exalted says: «وَأَرْسَلْنَاهُ إِلَىٰ مِائَةِ أَلْفٍ أَوْ يَزِيدُونَ» “And We sent him to a hundred thousand or more.” [الصّٰفّٰت : 147 ترجمه شاه عبدالقادر ص543]
Read the translation of this noble verse from the writing of Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi:
«وفرستاديم اُو را بسوئے صد هزار يا بيشتر ازان باشند» [ص543]
Whatever explanation the deniers of hadith will give for the word “aw” (or) in this noble verse, that same explanation applies to the statement of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah radi Allahu anhu in «ستة أو سبعة» at «او». «والحمدلله»

Hadith Authentication (Takhrij al-Hadith):
[194۔ البخاري فى : 5 كتاب الغسل : 20 باب من اغتسل عريانًا وحده فى الخلوة 278، مسلم 339]

Linguistic Explanation:
«آدَرُ»: One with large testicles.
«فِيْ اِثْرِهِ»: Behind it.
«نَدَبٌ»: Mark.

Hadith Commentary:
1.
It is mentioned in the hadith that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) saw a man bathing naked and said:
“When any one of you performs a ritual bath (ghusl), he should bathe in seclusion.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, al-Hammam, Hadith: 4012)
In light of this hadith, the muhaddith Ibn Abi Layla (rahimahullah) holds the view that bathing naked in seclusion is not permissible.
Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah), in refutation of his view, has established the chapter heading that bathing naked in seclusion is permissible, although it is better to cover the private parts (awrah) while performing the ritual bath, because even though there is no human present in seclusion from whom one would feel shame, one should feel shame before Allah Ta’ala.
If, out of modesty before people, it is not correct to bathe naked, then one should all the more feel shame before Allah Ta’ala.
For this, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has cited the narration of Hazrat Bahz bin Hakim (radi Allahu anhu), whose grandfather Hazrat Mu’awiyah bin Haydah (radi Allahu anhu) asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) about uncovering the private parts in seclusion, to which he replied:
“Allah Ta’ala has more right that one should feel shame before Him.”
(Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, al-Adab, Hadith: 2769)
Now the question arises: in light of this hadith, there is no justification for bathing naked even in seclusion, so why did Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) adopt the position of its permissibility? Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has presented two incidents for its permissibility: that Hazrat Musa (alayhis salam) once bathed naked in seclusion, and likewise Hazrat Ayyub (alayhis salam) also performed a ritual bath while unclothed.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) narrated the actions of these previous Prophets (alayhimus salam) and did not express any objection to them.
If there had been a different ruling in our Shari’ah, he would certainly have pointed it out; therefore, this silence is a silence in a context where clarification is expected, from which it is concluded that there is no harm in bathing unclothed.
This can also be stated as follows: after mentioning several Prophets (alayhimus salam) in the Noble Qur’an, Allah Ta’ala said:
“Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so follow their guidance.”
(al-An’am 6:90)
Therefore, the actions of these noble Prophets (alayhimus salam) are worthy of emulation and following.
(Fath al-Bari: 1/501)
2.
Bathing unclothed in an open space or in such a spacious place where there is no likelihood of people coming is not a sin, but merely permissible.
Some extremist individuals even tie a waistcloth while bathing in the bathroom.
In our view, this is undue strictness for which there is no allowance in the Shari’ah, because the bathroom itself serves as a covering (satr).
3.
Ibn Battal (rahimahullah) has written that the Children of Israel were disobedient to Hazrat Musa (alayhis salam).
That is why they used to bathe naked in front of each other.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) writes that this incident occurred during the stay of the Children of Israel in the Valley of Tih, where there were no women or houses.
It appears that in their Shari’ah, bathing naked in front of each other was permissible.
If they had done so in disobedience to him, then Hazrat Musa (alayhis salam) would certainly have been reported to have stopped them.
Hazrat Musa (alayhis salam) used to bathe alone because, for him, doing so was more virtuous.
(Fath al-Bari: 1/501)
4.
From this story of Musa (alayhis salam), it is understood that, for the purpose of treatment or to establish freedom from a defect, it is permissible to look at another’s private parts, for example:
If one of the spouses claims leprosy (baras) in the other for the purpose of annulment of marriage, then it is permissible to examine for verification.
It is also understood that the Prophets (alayhimus salam) are extremely perfect in their physical creation and character, and whoever attributes any physical or moral defect to them is among those who harm them, and there is a fear of disbelief (kufr) in committing such an act.
(Fath al-Bari: 6/532)
5.
Ibn Battal has written that from the incident of Ayyub (alayhis salam), the permissibility of bathing unclothed is established, because Allah Ta’ala reproached Hazrat Ayyub (alayhis salam) for gathering gold locusts, but did not reproach him for bathing unclothed.
(Sharh Ibn Battal: 1/393)

Hadith Footnote:
Explanation:
Some foolish people had spread the rumor that Musa (alayhis salam), who was so modest and careful to cover his private parts, did so because there was some defect in his body.
Allah, the Exalted, one day, when he (Musa alayhis salam) had placed his clothes on a stone and was performing ritual bath (ghusl), commanded that stone to run away with his clothes. Musa (alayhis salam) chased after the stone for his clothes, until the people saw the inner body of Musa (alayhis salam) and became certain of his being free from any defect.
This is what is alluded to in the verse.
And Allah knows best what is correct.

Hadith Commentary:
1.
In another hadith, the details of this incident are mentioned.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“The Children of Israel used to bathe naked and would look at one another, whereas Musa (alayhis salam) would bathe alone.
He was extremely modest.
He never exposed his body naked before the people.
The Children of Israel began to say:
‘Perhaps Musa (alayhis salam) has spots of leukoderma (baras) on his body or some other defect, which is why he always remains covered in clothing.’
Once, Musa (alayhis salam) went to bathe in solitude and, after removing his clothes, placed them on a stone. The stone (by Allah’s command)
ran away with his clothes.
Musa (alayhis salam) chased after it until he reached a gathering of the Children of Israel.
They saw Musa (alayhis salam) naked, and all their doubts and suspicions were dispelled.
Musa (alayhis salam) was extremely handsome and beautiful, and free from every kind of spot and defect. Thus, Allah Most High, in a miraculous manner, removed the accusation that the Children of Israel used to make against him through the agency of the stone.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Ahadith al-Anbiya, Hadith: 3404)
2.
The offense of the Children of Israel in causing harm to Musa (alayhis salam) in this manner becomes an even graver crime considering that it was through him that the Children of Israel were delivered from the slavery of Pharaoh, and they had been living a most wretched life in Egypt. In any case, the address of this verse is directed towards the hypocrites who mingled among the Muslims.
It is impossible for the sincere believers to ever cause pain or harm to their beloved and greatest benefactor, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

Hadith Commentary:
The hadith mentions Musa (alayhis salam) and the Children of Israel.
This is the relevance to the chapter.
The verse of the Noble Qur'an: ﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ آذَوْا مُوسَى﴾ (: al-Ahzab: 69)
also alludes to this very incident.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
In this hadith, the mention of Musa (alayhis salam) and Bani Isra'il is present; for this reason, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has narrated it here.

➋
From this hadith, it is understood that in times of necessity, walking unclothed is permissible. Likewise, for treatment or during an operation, it is permissible to see the patient unclothed. The noble Prophets (alayhimus salam) are free from both outward and inward defects, and whoever attributes a defect to the physical creation of a Prophet should fear for his faith.
To do such acts is to cause harm to a Prophet, and causing harm is forbidden.
And Allah knows best.

➌
Those who deny supernatural events or miracles cannot accept the above-mentioned interpretation. However, there is enough scope in the wording of this hadith that they too can accept it, because in the Arabic language, "hijr" can also mean "mare" (female horse).
Accordingly, the incident would be as follows: Musa (alayhis salam) was riding a mare, and at a secluded place, he began to bathe. He made the mare stand and placed his clothes upon it.
When, after finishing, he advanced to take his clothes, the mare started running, and Musa (alayhis salam) ran after it, saying, "My clothes, O mare! My clothes, O mare!" until some people saw him with his body uncovered and realized that he was completely free from blemish and from the alleged disease they had accused him of. In this way, Allah, the Exalted, cleared Musa (alayhis salam) of their accusation.
There is nothing preventing one from accepting this explanation.

Hadith Commentary:
Vocabulary of the Hadith:
(1)
Saw’ah:
Private parts.
Aadar:
One whose testicles are swollen.
(2)
Jamaha:
Ran swiftly.
(3)
Nadab:
Mark.

Benefits and Issues:
(1)
A person may perform ritual bath (ghusl) naked in solitude, although it is better to bathe while covering oneself with a cloth, because someone may come unexpectedly. If there is a bathhouse or similar place where there is no risk of anyone entering, then there is no harm.
(2)
The Prophets (alayhim as-salam) are the most complete individuals in both character and appearance, and Allah, the Exalted, keeps them free from faults and defects. The Prophets (alayhim as-salam), being human, possess human emotions; thus, Musa (alayhis-salam) struck the stone in anger, and Allah, the Exalted, for the sake of His Prophet’s honor and dignity, granted the stone itself the ability to run by His command, just as the earth moves on its axis by His command.

Hadith Commentary:
Vocabulary of the Hadith:
(1)
Ādar:
The sunken state of both testicles.
(2)
Jamaḥ Mūsā:
Musa (alayhis salam) ran at full speed.
(3)
Nadb:
Refers to the mark of a wound,
here it means
the mark of a blow.

Benefits and Issues:
From this hadith, it is understood that just as the character and conduct of the Prophets is pure and immaculate, likewise their bodies are also free from defects and shortcomings. And Allah, exalted is He, manifested the blessing of His Messenger by causing the stone to run like a living being, and instilled in it the awareness and discernment to recognize the Children of Israel and stop near them. And when Musa (alayhis salam) struck it in anger, the marks of the blows became imprinted on the stone, and this was a miracle of Musa (alayhis salam). Therefore, to consider the ḥajar (stone) as ḥijr (mare) is a distortion and a consequence of denying miracles. If it had been a mare, it would not have gone towards the people, and the fact that it bore the marks of the blows is not something astonishing, especially when Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) is narrating it as a remarkable incident.

Explanation:
1:
O you who have believed! Do not be like those who caused harm to Musa (alayhis salam) with their false accusations,
so Allah declared him free from that slander,
he was highly honored and esteemed in the sight of Allah (al-Ahzab: 69)