Muslim

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: From this hadith, it is understood that a person may go to the house of an acquaintance or relative to take a midday nap (qaylulah), and that an extremely pure fragrance would always emanate from the blessed body of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), and his perspiration (sweat) was exceedingly perfumed, which would further enhance the scent of any ordinary fragrance. From this, it is known that he (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) always remained clean and pure.

Hadith Commentary: Hafiz said that these hairs were taken by Umm Sulaym radi Allahu anha from Abu Talhah radi Allahu anhu. Abu Talhah radi Allahu anhu had taken those hairs at the very time when he shaved his head at Mina. In one narration, it is mentioned that Umm Sulaym radi Allahu anha was collecting the sweat from his (the Prophet’s sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) body, when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam awoke and said, “Umm Sulaym, what are you doing?” She replied, “I am collecting your sweat to put in perfume, for it is itself extremely fragrant.” In another narration, it is stated, “I collect your sweat for the sake of blessing (barakah) for our children.” Thus, in the embalming mixture (hanut), the hair and sweat of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam were mixed. There is no contradiction between her statement that she used to collect it for its fragrance and her statement that it was for blessing; rather, it is to be understood that she used to intend both purposes together (Fath). That is, she used to do this for both blessing and fragrance.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
From this hadith, it is understood that it is permissible for the elders of the religion to take a midday nap (qaylulah) at the homes of their devotees, relatives, and respected friends.
This increases love and affection.

(2)
Umm Sulaym radi Allahu anha was the mother of Anas radi Allahu anhu and the foster maternal aunt of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.
There is a narration from Anas radi Allahu anhu that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam came to our house and took a midday nap (qaylulah) with us, and he began to sweat.
Umm Sulaym radi Allahu anha brought a small bottle and started collecting that sweat.
When the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam woke up, he said:
“O Umm Sulaym! What are you doing?” She replied:
“I am collecting your sweat. We will put it in perfume, and it will become the best of all fragrances.”
In another narration, it is mentioned that it will be a source of goodness and blessing for our children.
(Sahih Muslim, Al-Fada’il, Hadith: 6056(2331))

Hadith Gloss:
Vocabulary of the Hadith:
(1)
Nita‘:
A leather mat.
(2)
Adūf:
I mix (it) in.

(1) This noble hadith is evidence for the issue that the blessed sweat of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was a source of blessing (tabarruk). The noble Companions (radi Allahu anhum) sought blessings from it. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was aware of this and did not prohibit them from doing so. Furthermore, the noble Companions (radi Allahu anhum) also considered his blessed hair and nails to be sources of blessing. The Companions (radi Allahu anhum) had immense love for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). This is why they considered even his blessed sweat to be a beloved possession and sought blessings from his noble traces.

(2) This noble hadith also indicates that a human’s skin, sweat, and likewise human hair are pure and clean. Additionally, the legitimacy of the midday nap (qaylulah) is also established from this.

(3) “Leather bedding” is, in any case, better than a cloth sheet. The point is that using good things is not blameworthy.

(4) “He rested” — It has been mentioned earlier that there was a relationship between Umm Sulaym and Umm Haram (radi Allahu anhuma), who were sisters, due to which they were mahram to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Therefore, he would sometimes visit their homes and sometimes rest there.

(5) “She gathered it” — In Arabic, the word “nashafat-hu” is used, which means “she dried it.” It is as if she absorbed the sweat into a piece of cloth and then wrung out that cloth for its fragrance, or collected it in an empty bottle. And Allah knows best.

(6) “He smiled” — at her beautiful devotion and excellent manners. This discussion has already passed that such seeking of blessings (tabarruk) was specific to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).