Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
The meaning of the verse is that We have kindled enmity and hatred between the Jews and the Christians.
The word in the hadith "Aghraw bi" is in the same meaning as "Aghrayna."
Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) took the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) with him so that, upon seeing you, the creditors would show leniency. But what happened was that the creditors became even more insistent, demanding that their entire debt be paid.
They thought that since the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had come to Jabir (radi Allahu anhu), if Jabir could not pay the entire debt, then the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) would pay it or take responsibility for it.
Based on this mistaken assumption, they adopted an even harsher attitude in collecting the debt, upon which the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) made supplication in Jabir’s (radi Allahu anhu) orchard, and whatever became manifest was an open miracle of yours.
This hadith has already been mentioned several times above, and the absolute mujtahid, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah), has derived several rulings from it.
Here, the purpose of the chapter is derived as follows: Jabir (radi Allahu anhu), who was the executor (wasi) of his father, paid his father’s debt; at that time, the other heirs—his sisters—were present, and those creditors caused loss to themselves.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) explained to them several times that they could take all the dates in exchange for their debt, but they considered the dates to be insufficient and did not accept them.
All praise is due to Allah that the Book of Conditions (Kitab al-Shurut) has concluded, and now the Book of Jihad (Kitab al-Jihad) is beginning.
In it, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has shed complete light on the issue of jihad.
May Allah Most High grant the completion of the Book of Jihad with goodness.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
The payment of the deceased’s debts is necessary before the distribution of the inheritance.
At the time of debt payment, the presence of the heirs is not required.
They are like strangers in this matter.
The handling of the wealth is entrusted to the executor (wasi).
The heirs are not permitted to interfere in this.
Accordingly, Jabir radi Allahu anhu paid off the debts owed by his father in the absence of his sisters and did not even inform them.
Allamah ‘Ayni rahimahullah writes that there is no difference of opinion among the scholars regarding this issue.
(‘Umdat al-Qari: 10/55)

Hadith Commentary:

Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) brought the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) with the thought that, upon seeing him, the creditor might waive some of the debt. However, the result was the opposite.

The creditor thought that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was showing special favor to Jabir (radi Allahu anhu).

If the wealth left by Jabir’s (radi Allahu anhu) father was not sufficient, then the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) himself would pay the remaining debt from his own resources.

Therefore, the creditor began to demand repayment even more strictly, but Allah accepted His Messenger’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) supplication and there was abundant blessing in the wealth.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) brought the creditors to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) with the thought that they would show consideration for him and perhaps forgive some of the debt, but the result was the opposite.
Since they were Jews and worldliness had deeply permeated their roots and veins, they thought that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had special favor for Jabir (radi Allahu anhu), and if the wealth left by Jabir’s honorable father was insufficient, then the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) himself would pay the remaining debt from his own resources. Therefore, they became even more demanding in their requests for repayment. However, Allah, the Exalted, accepted the supplication of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), and such blessing was placed in the wealth that after the debt was paid, a considerable amount of dates remained.

➋
In this hadith, the martyrdom of Jabir’s (radi Allahu anhu) honorable father at the Battle of Uhud is mentioned; for this reason, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has cited this hadith.
In another hadith, the virtue of Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) is mentioned as follows:
Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) says that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) met me when I was extremely saddened.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) asked the reason, so I said:
“O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)! My honorable father was martyred at the Battle of Uhud and left behind dependents and a considerable debt.”
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Shall I tell you how your Lord dealt with your father? Allah, the Exalted, has never spoken directly to any human being.
He revived your father and spoke to him without any intermediary and said:
‘O My servant! Express any wish, so that I may fulfill it.’
He replied:
‘O Allah! Return me to the world so that I may be martyred again in Your path.’
Allah said:
‘This is against My decree and law.’”
This noble verse was revealed regarding them:
“Do not think of those who have been killed in the way of Allah as dead.”
(, and Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Tafsir al-Qur’an, Hadith: 3010)

➌
In the first hadith, Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) mentioned his sisters, whereas in this hadith, six are mentioned. In reality, Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) had a total of nine sisters.
Among them, three were married and lived with their husbands, and six were unmarried and lived with Jabir (radi Allahu anhu).
(Fath al-Bari: 7/447)

Hadith Commentary:
The subject of the chapter is established from this, that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) asked the creditors of the martyred Companion (radi Allahu anhu) to forgive a portion of the debt.
When those people were not willing, then the Noble Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) supplicated for blessing in the garden of Jabir (radi Allahu anhu).
As a result, after the entire debt was fully paid, dates still remained.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) offered the creditors the fruit of the garden of Jabir (radi Allahu anhu), but they were not satisfied with this. From this, it is understood that the amount of fruit was less than their debt, and the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) wished to appease them regarding this. Upon this, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) based his chapter heading, that if it were not permissible to give someone less than his due right, then why would the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) do so? However, in the case of giving less, the consent of the rightful owner is a condition. When they were not satisfied, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) did not insist, but rather postponed the matter to the next day. (2)
When a person has the authority to forgive a part of the debt, then he can also forgive the entire debt; there is no difference between the two. At this point, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has dispelled a misconception: that if someone was to receive ten thousand as a loan from another, and he agreed to accept eight thousand, then the remaining two thousand would remain with the debtor without compensation—perhaps this is usury (riba). Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has removed this misconception, that the creditor has the authority to forgive his debt, whether he forgives a part of it or gives the entire debt as charity. There is an indication of this in the Noble Qur’an. ()

Hadith Commentary:
In the hadith, there is mention of both dry and fresh dates.
This is the point of relevance: by the blessing of the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) supplication, the debt of Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) was paid off.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
We have already explained this hadith at another place.
Jabir radi Allahu anhu harvested all the dates and made piles of them.
The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam sat on one of the piles and said to Jabir radi Allahu anhu:
"Pay the Jew’s debt by weighing (the dates)."
Thus, by the blessings of the supplications of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, the entire debt was paid off and many dates were left over.

(2)
In this hadith, both fresh and dry dates are mentioned; for this reason, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has cited this hadith.
And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:
‘Ayni said: The correspondence of this hadith with the chapter heading is as follows: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) recommended to Jabir’s creditors that whatever fruit the garden yields, they should take it in lieu of their debt, and whatever debt remains, they should forgive it. Thus, it is as if the remaining debt was gifted (hibah) to Jabir.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) interceded with the creditors, suggesting that they accept the fruit of Jabir’s (radi Allahu anhu) orchard and forgive the remaining debt.
If they had accepted this offer, Jabir’s (radi Allahu anhu) father would have been absolved of the debt.
In reality, such an act is the creditor gifting the debt to the debtor.
From this incident, it is understood that such an action is permissible in matters of debt.
If it were not permissible, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) would not have made such a recommendation to the creditors.
From a legal (shar‘i) perspective, there is nothing wrong with conducting such a transaction.

(2)
The relevance of the hadith to its chapter heading is entirely clear, but Allamah ‘Ayni has called this “forced interpretation” (takalluf), and even termed it a “thematic” (ma‘nawi) relevance.
(‘Umdat al-Qari: 424/9)
Maulana Amin Ahsan Islahi, referencing ‘Ayni, has written that this narration is unrelated.
He further said:
“I also say that it has no connection to the chapter.”
(Tadabbur Hadith: 357/2)
This is the trustworthiness and integrity of these scholars, as well as the extent of their knowledge and scholarly insight.
Many such masterpieces can be seen in Tadabbur Hadith, and we intend to compile them, by Allah’s permission.

Hadith Commentary:
One wasq consists of sixty sa‘ (measures).
‘Ajwah dates of Madinah are of a very high quality, and lawn dates are of a lesser quality than these.
By the blessing of the supplication of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) was able to pay off all his debt, and still had a considerable amount left over.
Fortunate indeed was Jabir (radi Allahu anhu), who attained this Prophetic virtue.
Every aspect of the chapter’s subject matter is established by this hadith.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Jabir radi Allahu anhu offered the entire fruit of his orchard to his father’s creditors so that they could take its dates and release his father from debt, but they did not accept this offer. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did not say anything regarding this, which means that reconciliation with creditors concerning a debt can be made in any manner.

(2)
In this narration, a difference regarding the times of prayer has been mentioned. This difference is not harmful because the main objective was to show the blessing of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam that appeared in the dates. The narrators have reported it. The difference in specifying the prayer times does not affect the original narration. In reality, Jabir radi Allahu anhu, after paying off his creditors, would repeatedly come to inform the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. He informed about the payment of some creditors’ debts at the time of Dhuhr, while he notified about the payment of another group’s debt at the time of Asr, and after paying the third group’s debt, he informed at the time of Maghrib. In this way, all the narrations are correct in their own context.

(3)
The purpose of informing Abu Bakr and Umar radi Allahu anhuma was so that they would be pleased with the miracle of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and the payment of Jabir’s radi Allahu anhu debt, because these noble companions were also very concerned about Jabir’s radi Allahu anhu debt. Radi Allahu anhum ajma‘een.

(4)
It should be noted that there were many types of dates in Madinah Tayyibah. Among them, ‘Ajwah is the best type of date, and Lawn is of lesser quality than it. Due to the supplication of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, such blessing was placed that even after paying all the debts and expenses, plenty of dates remained. Jabir radi Allahu anhu was very fortunate to have received this Prophetic favor.

Hadith Commentary:
This was a miracle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).
The Arabs have such an estimation regarding dates that are still on the trees that if they break them off and weigh or measure them, their estimation turns out to be absolutely correct.
If there is a difference of one or two sers (a unit of weight), that is another matter.
It cannot happen that the difference exceeds one and a half times.
If the dates had already been more in quantity, the Jew would have gladly accepted the entire fruit of the orchard in exchange for his debt, but it appeared to be even less than thirty wasqs (a large measure).
Due to the blessing of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) walking around there and making supplication (dua), it became forty-seven wasqs.
This matter is not against reason; such miracles have repeatedly and frequently appeared from Prophet Isa (alayhis salam) and from our Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah’s intent is to show that there is often negligence and laziness in the repayment of debts, meaning that in this matter, something is permissible which is not generally allowed in ordinary transactions. For example, it is not permissible to give fresh dates still on the tree in exchange for dried dates, except in the limited case of ‘ariyah (donation of fruit from a tree for immediate consumption). However, repayment of a debt can be done in this manner, as Hazrat Jabir radi Allahu anhu gave fresh dates in place of dried dates to the Jew so that his father’s debt would be settled.

That Jew received the fresh dates from the garden in one go as repayment for his debt, even though the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had already offered him all the dates from the garden, but they seemed less than his debt, so he was not satisfied with that. If the dates had been more, the Jew would have gladly accepted the offer.

By the supplication of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, forty-seven wasqs of dates were harvested from that garden.

(2)
The reason for informing Hazrat Umar radi Allahu anhu was that he was very angry with that Jew, because the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself went to him to intercede, but the Jew was not willing to forgo his right. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam informed him so that his anger would subside. Also, Hazrat Umar radi Allahu anhu was very concerned about the debt of Hazrat Jabir radi Allahu anhu’s father, so the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam considered it appropriate to inform him.

Benefits and Issues:
➊
The deceased’s debt should be paid off at the earliest opportunity.
However, there is no harm in taking a respite according to the circumstances.
And a Muslim should, as much as possible, deal gently with his Muslim brother.
And it is also recommended (mustahabb) to intercede in such matters.

➋
In Sahih al-Bukhari, the content of this hadith is as follows:
Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah radi Allahu anhu narrates:
My father was martyred at Uhud,
and along with six daughters, he also left behind a large debt.
When the season for harvesting dates arrived,
I presented myself before the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and said that I wished
for you to come so that the creditors could see you
(and not be harsh in their demands). He said: Go and pile up all your fruit in one place.
So I did so, and then I called you (the Prophet). When those people saw the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, they began to look at me with angry, sharp glances. When the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam saw their demeanor, he walked around the largest pile three times and then sat upon it and said: Call your creditors. So I kept filling and measuring dates for them, until Allah, the Exalted, paid off my father’s trust (debt).
And by Allah, I was content
that Allah would fulfill my father’s trust (debt),
even if I did not take a single date for my sisters.
By Allah, all the piles remained just as they were,
and it is as if I am seeing that pile upon which the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was sitting—
not a single date from it had diminished.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Wasaya, Hadith: 2781) In this hadith, it is stated that the noble Companions radi Allahu anhum were extremely sensitive regarding the rights of others (huquq al-‘ibad).
And then Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, also preserves the honor of His servants in mysterious ways,
and places clear blessing in their provision,
provided there is sincerity in faith and action, and reliance is placed upon Allah alone.
May Allah make us among them, Ameen.

➌
The details of the wasq are as follows:
One wasq is sixty sa‘, and one sa‘ is approximately two and a half kilograms.
Accordingly, one wasq is about 3 maunds and 30 kilograms, and the weight of 30 wasq is approximately 112 maunds and 20 kilograms.
Wallahu a‘lam.

(1) All the details of any lengthy incident cannot be mentioned in a single hadith. Some points are found in one narration, some in another, and so on. Therefore, various narrations have been mentioned so that the details of the incident become clear. If there appears to be an apparent contradiction, reconciliation will be made through rational indication; for this reason, in some places, additions have been made in parentheses.

(2) If one does not have the ability to fulfill the need of a person in need, then he can assist him through supplication (du'a).

(1) This narration has no connection with the above-mentioned chapter; however, it is related to the upcoming chapter. Imam Nasa’i rahimahullah does this in many places. The reason for this is not clear. It is possible that at the end of a lengthy chapter, he brings a hadith to indicate the transition to a new chapter, signaling that a new chapter is coming. And Allah knows best.

(2) “Six daughters”—in some narrations, nine are mentioned. It is possible that three were married, and thus not mentioned here. These six were unmarried, whose responsibility was upon Jabir radi Allahu anhu. And Allah knows best.

(3) “They flared up”—in reality, they were Jews, and Jews are an extremely selfish, hard-hearted, and inconsiderate people; in fact, every usurer is like this.

(4) “Made rounds”—for blessing, and to accurately estimate the quantity of the dates.

(5) “Did not decrease”—this was due to the blessing (barakah) of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

(6) For a ruler to personally go to fulfill the needs of his subjects and to intercede on their behalf so that they are treated gently is a recommended (mustahabb) act.

Benefits and Issues:

➊ The father of Jabir radi Allahu anhu was martyred in the Battle of Uhud.

➋ The father of Jabir radi Allahu anhu owed debts to many people. This is mentioned in other hadiths. This Jew was one of those creditors. See: (Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Istiqlad wa Ada’ al-Duyun..., Chapter: If one pays less than what is due or the creditor absolves him, it is permissible, Hadith: 2395)

➌ Except for this Jew, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself measured and paid each creditor his due when settling the debts of the other creditors. (Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Istiqlad, Chapter: Intercession in reducing the debt, Hadith: 2405)

➍ The blessing in food and drink is a miracle of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, which manifested on numerous occasions.

➎ The faith of Umar radi Allahu anhu was so great that he was convinced of the outcome even before the miracle occurred. This demonstrates the greatness and status of Umar radi Allahu anhu.

➏ A wasq is equal to sixty sa‘ (sa‘), which according to our local measurement is approximately four man.