Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
Vocabulary of the Hadith:
Manadīl:
This is the plural of mandīl, which is derived from the word "ndal," meaning dirt or filth. Its meaning is towel.

Explanation: 1:

This cloak was sent as a gift to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam by Akidar Dumah.
This incident occurred before the prohibition of silk.

(1) The purpose of Imam al-Nasa’i rahimahullah in the chapter heading is to present the issue that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam wore a garment of silk that was woven with threads of gold. This is the intent of the Imam. However, the reality is that the words mentioned in this hadith, “so the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam wore it (falahbisahu Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam),” are rare (shadh). This hadith is also mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari, but these words (which have been described as shadh) are not present there. In any case, this is the personal inclination of Imam al-Nasa’i rahimahullah, and for this reason, he has established the next chapter regarding its abrogation. And Allah knows best. For details, see: (Dhakheerat al-‘Uqba Sharh Sunan al-Nasa’i: 39/28, 29)

(2) From this blessed hadith, the virtue of the chief of the Aws tribe, Sa’d ibn Mu’adh radi Allahu anhu, his lofty status in Paradise, and his honor and rank with Allah Ta’ala become evident, for his “woolen garments” are better than the most precious and finest silk of this world. Because a towel or handkerchief used for cleaning the hands is, compared to other clothes and garments, extremely inexpensive and inferior; when even that is so valuable, then how much better and more precious must his other clothes and garments for use be.

(3) This blessed hadith also indicates that the gift of a polytheist (mushrik) can be accepted. Imam al-Bukhari rahimahullah has established a chapter in Sahih al-Bukhari on this hadith with the following words: “Accepting gifts from polytheists” (Sahih al-Bukhari: The Book of Gifts and Its Virtues and Encouragement Thereof, Chapter 28).

(4) “He came” — Anas radi Allahu anhu was an Ansari of Madinah Munawwarah, but during the era of ‘Umar radi Allahu anhu, he went to Basrah. Occasionally, he would come to his birthplace, “Madinah Munawwarah.”

(5) “Tall in stature” — His grandson, Waqid, was also tall in build, so upon seeing him, this was mentioned.

(6) “Handkerchief” — In Arabic, the word “mandil” is used. Mandil refers to a small handkerchief that is kept in the hand for cleaning dust and dirt. Generally, it is considered inferior to the rest of the clothing.