Tirmidhi

Hadith Commentary:
This horse was extremely slow, but due to the blessing of the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) riding it, it became so swift and agile that no other horse could match its pace.
You mounted this slow horse; this is the point from which the meaning of the chapter is derived.
By taking this action, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) set an example for the future caliphs of Islam, so that they would not remain sluggish in nature, but rather, at every opportunity, strive to surpass the public in bravery, courage, and facing challenges.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
This horse named Mandub belonging to Abu Talhah radi Allahu anhu was extremely slow-paced, but by the blessing of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, it became so swift that no other horse could compete with it.
➋
By taking this action, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam established an example for his successors to come, that they should demonstrate courage and bravery on every occasion and never lag behind the general public at any time.

Hadith Commentary:
The correspondence of this hadith with the chapter heading is difficult, because in the Arabic language, "faras" refers to both male and female horses.
Some have said that from the pronoun mentioned in "in wajadnahu," Imam Bukhari rahimahullah deduced that it was a male horse.
Now, the meaning of the chapter heading—that riding a vicious animal is permissible—is derived from this, since a male horse is often more swift and vicious than a mare, although sometimes the female can be even more vicious and fierce than the male (Wahidi).

Hadith Commentary:
➊ The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) rode on the horse named Mandub belonging to Abu Talhah (radi Allahu anhu), and praised it, saying that this horse is swift and flows like a river. From this, it is understood that he preferred riding male horses.

➋ Its being male is also indicated by the use of masculine pronouns. A male horse is generally faster and more spirited than a mare, although sometimes a mare can be even tougher and more spirited than a stallion. However, this characteristic is generally found in male horses.

➌ The intention of Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) is to encourage riding male and spirited horses, as is indicated by the narration from Rashid bin Sa’d (rahimahullah). And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:

Once in Madinah, during the night, people suddenly thought that an enemy had attacked the city. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) himself personally mounted a borrowed horse and went out into the dark night to investigate the matter. However, he (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) found this rumor to be false. This very incident is mentioned here.

Hadith Commentary:
➊ The purpose of these ahadith is to show that giving names and the like is not exclusive to humans; rather, there is no harm in naming animals as well. Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has presented four ahadith in this regard. In the first hadith, the name of Abu Qatadah radi Allahu anhu’s horse, Jaradah, is mentioned, while in the second hadith, the name of one of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam’s horses, “Lahif” or “Lakhif,” is stated. In the third hadith, it is mentioned that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam rode a donkey whose name was ‘Ufair, and in the fourth hadith, the name of Abu Talhah radi Allahu anhu’s horse, “Mandub,” is mentioned. In these ahadith, only the names of horses and a donkey are given.

From other ahadith, it is known that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam also had a mule named “Duldul,” and a she-camel named “Qaswa’,” and another named “Adhba’.” Furthermore, he had seven goats, each with a separate name. Among them, one was named “‘Aythah.” The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had twenty-four horses, each with a different name; thus, the names Sakb and Murtajiz are found in the books of hadith. (Umdat al-Qari: 10/172)

➋ The second hadith shows that if a riding animal is able to bear it, more than one person may ride upon it.

Hadith Commentary:
He would go forth swiftly and tirelessly like a river.
In another narration, it is mentioned:
He rode bareback.
A sword was hanging around his neck.
He alone went in the very direction from which the people of Madinah had heard the sound.
Subhan Allah! The courage of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) is evident from this incident, that he went alone, by himself, to investigate the news of the enemy.
His generosity was such that he never refused the request of any petitioner.
His modesty, shyness, and dignity were such that even greater than that of a virgin girl.
His chastity was such that he never even approached indecency; his beauty and handsomeness were such that there was no one like him in all of Arabia.
His refinement and cleanliness were such that wherever he passed, the walls and doors would become fragrant.
His good character was such that Anas (radi Allahu anhu) served him for ten years, yet he never even scolded him.
His justice and fairness were such that he did not show any favoritism even to his own uncle.
He said, “If Fatimah (radi Allahu anha) were to steal, I would have her hand cut off as well.”
His worship and devotion were such that his feet would swell from standing in prayer.
His lack of greed was such that even if a hundred thousand rupees came, he would have them poured into the Prophet’s Mosque and distributed immediately.
His patience and contentment were such that for two months at a time, the stove would not be lit.
He would suffice with dry barley bread and dates.
Sometimes, he would go hungry for two or three days.
He would lie on a bare mat,
marks would appear on his body, yet he would remain grateful to Allah and cheerful.
He would never utter a word of complaint.
After all these matters, can even the most foolish of fools have any doubt about his prophethood and messengership? (sallallahu alayhi wa ala alihi wa ashabihi wa sallam)

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
‘Aariyah (loan for use) refers to a transaction in which ownership is not transferred, but the benefit of something is temporarily transferred. The purpose here is to show that gifting the benefit and utility of something is also permissible.
(2)
The incident is that once a rumor spread in Madinah about the arrival of an enemy, so the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) borrowed the horse of Abu Talhah (radi Allahu anhu) as an ‘aariyah (loan for use) to survey the city. Upon returning, he informed that there was no danger, but the horse galloped as if it were a wave of the sea.
From this, it is understood that giving people glad tidings of safety and security is a recommended (mustahabb) act.

Hadith Commentary:

SubhanAllah! Such beauty and elegance, and such courage and bravery—riding a horse bareback is truly the work of great horsemen, and it is a fact that in this skill the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was unique in his era. On numerous occasions, he (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) demonstrated the finest horsemanship. It is a great pity that nowadays, let alone the common people, even the elite—namely the scholars and spiritual leaders—have completely abandoned such important Sunnahs. Especially among the scholars, it is very rare to find those who have an affinity for these Sunnah skills, even though, in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, these arts are highly deserving of promotion among both the general public and the elite of the Muslims. Nowadays, marksmanship, which is taught with firearms, is also included in this, and all new inventions related to the art of warfare can be analogically included under this as well.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
This hadith pertains to the incident when fear and panic had spread in Madinah Tayyibah, and the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) borrowed the horse of Abu Talhah (radi Allahu anhu) and rode ahead.
➋
From this hadith, we learn about the humility and modesty of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), as well as the fact that he possessed complete mastery in horsemanship. Furthermore, when necessary, he did not consider it objectionable to don a sword.
➌
The scholars should take an interest in such martial arts.
All new inventions related to warfare can be analogically compared to this.

Hadith Commentary:
Once in Madinah, a rumor of an enemy attack spread at night.
To investigate this, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself personally went out, observed all around in the distant surroundings, and then returned and informed the people that there was no danger.
He was very pleased with the swiftness of the horse upon which he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was mounted.

Hadith Commentary:
➊ In this hadith, the scabbard of the sword is not mentioned, but its mention is automatically included in the mention of the sword itself, because without it, the sword cannot be hung.

➋ The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) praised the horse of Abu Talhah (radi Allahu anhu), saying that it runs as swiftly as the flow of water in a river, as if it floats upon the water, and the rider does not experience the slightest discomfort.

Hadith Commentary:
The fundamental virtues that a person can acquire through effort, discipline, and striving are three: chastity, courage, and generosity. As for beauty and good appearance, this is a divinely bestowed virtue (wahbi). Thus, your (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) person was a combination of both innate and acquired perfections. Indeed, one whose blessed name itself is Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) ought to be a collection of all praiseworthy qualities.

You were, from head to toe, a compendium of noble and virtuous attributes, so advanced in courage and generosity that no one among the children of Adam has ever been born your equal. Truly, it is said:

You possess the beauty of Yusuf, the breath of Isa, and the radiant hand—
Whatever all others desire, you alone possess (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

The name of Abu Talhah is Zayd ibn Sahl al-Ansari.
He was the husband of the mother of Anas radi Allahu anhu.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Anas radi Allahu anhu sufficed with mentioning three characteristics of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam because these qualities are comprehensive virtues. They are also called the fundamental principles of character. Among them, beauty and elegance are innate virtues (wahbi fadilah) which a person cannot acquire through effort, while other qualities such as courage (shaja‘ah) and generosity (sakhawah) can be attained through striving and effort.

(2)
The noble personality of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was a collection of both innate and acquired perfections. He was a complete embodiment of praiseworthy qualities and virtuous character. In courage and generosity, he was so far ahead that no parallel can be presented. Someone has beautifully said:
The beauty of Yusuf, the breath of ‘Isa, the radiant hand—whatever virtues all the beautiful ones possess, you alone possess them all.

Hadith Commentary:

That is, he keeps going tirelessly; he does not stop or hesitate anywhere.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) himself, alone and unaccompanied, went towards the sound at night and did not fear the enemy in the least.

Subhan Allah! Such bravery, such generosity, such outward beauty, such inner perfections, such strength, such mercy and kindness that he never turned away a supplicant, never sought revenge from anyone, and forgave whoever sought forgiveness.

Such worship and fear of Allah that his feet became swollen from standing in prayer throughout the nights; such strategy and wisdom that within a few days he transformed the entire state of Arabia, humbled the greatest of warriors and the most arrogant. Countless blessings and peace be upon such a magnificent Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

Hadith Commentary:
➊ The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) went out alone at night in a state of fearlessness and did not feel any fear of the enemy whatsoever.

➋ In this hadith, the beauty and elegance, courage and bravery, and generosity and magnanimity of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) are described. He (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) never deprived any supplicant. He never took personal revenge from anyone. Whoever sought forgiveness from him, he forgave. He was such a devoted worshipper that he would stand in prayer throughout the night until his feet would swell. His strategy was so extraordinary that within a few days, he transformed the entire Arabian Peninsula and humbled even the greatest of warriors.

➌ The purpose of Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) is that a person should not display cowardice in times of danger; rather, one should face difficult and challenging circumstances with courage and bravery. This is the lesson we learn from the life of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

...sallallahu alayhi wa sallam...

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) likened the speed of the horse to the sea, as it runs with great fluidity and tranquility. Then, the attribute of fluidity was metaphorically applied to the horse.
(2)
In any case, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used such words whose apparent meanings were not intended.
At times, doing so is permissible.
And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:
There was a sudden threat of a night raid on Madinah Munawwarah from some hostile tribes, and once, during a dark night, an unknown sound caused such suspicion that, to investigate, the very first person to go out was the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) himself. He went all around Madinah, searching far and wide, and then returned to reassure the Muslims that there was no danger. From this, the subject matter of the chapter is established.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
When the Islamic government was established in Madinah Tayyibah, there was a danger of sudden raids from enemy tribes. On one occasion, when a frightening sound was heard during a dark night and such a suspicion arose, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) himself went out alone to assess the situation. He inspected all around Madinah Tayyibah, far and wide, and then returned to reassure the people of Madinah that there was nothing to be concerned about.
➋
Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has established from this that if such emergency situations arise, the commander of the army or his deputy should personally assess the situation, and people should not be given the opportunity to spread rumors.

Hadith Commentary:
From this hadith, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has derived multiple rulings.
At this point, the relevance to the chapter heading is clear: in times of fear and panic, instead of ordering a soldier, it is the duty of the leader (imam) himself to advance in order to ascertain the reality of the situation. Accordingly, in such circumstances, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself mounted a horse without a saddle, hung a sword around his neck, then advanced towards the place of fear and reassured the people that there was no need to be alarmed.
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sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.
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Hadith Commentary:

On this occasion, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) immediately spurred on the horse of Abu Talhah (radi Allahu anhu) to gather information, and after riding around the far outskirts of Madinah, he returned and said what is mentioned in the narration.

From this, the translation of the chapter heading is established.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
The horse of Abu Talhah (radi Allahu anhu) was slow-paced. When the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) rode it, due to his blessing, it became so swift that it would not let any other horse get ahead of it. Then he praised it, saying that this horse runs with the smoothness of a flowing river.

➋
Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has established from this hadith that in times of fear and panic, hastening and spurring the horse quickly towards the place of fear is not contrary to caution; rather, it is necessary to act quickly in order to assess the situation.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: Anas radi Allahu anhu, with utmost comprehensiveness and brevity, has identified three fundamental qualities of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, which are the foundation of noble character. There are three faculties in a human being:

(1) The faculty of anger (quwwat ghadabiyyah), in which the beauty and perfection is courage and bravery.

(2) The faculty of desire (quwwat shahwiyyah), whose beauty and perfection is generosity and openhandedness.

(3) The intellectual faculty (quwwat aqliyyah), whose beauty and excellence is wise speech and action, and character (khuluq). The beauty and excellence of character is the result of this, and from the hadith, the Prophet’s sallallahu alayhi wa sallam bravery, courage, fearlessness, boldness, and skill in horsemanship become evident. He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, with utmost fearlessness, went out alone before anyone else to ascertain the reality of the situation, so that he could inform the people. And by his blessing, a slow horse became extremely swift. And he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, making use of apparent means and resources, also hung a sword around his neck as military equipment, and after ascertaining the reality of the situation, he removed the people’s worry and anxiety.

1 ʾ:
That is, it was extremely swift.

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) likened the swiftness of a horse to it being like the sea. From this, the muhaddith (rahimahullah) deduced that if, due to the association with darkness, the ‘Isha prayer is sometimes called “Atamah” or “the prayer of sleep,” then it is permissible.
➋ A person of faith should be courageous and brave, and should be at the forefront of general reformative works in his society, just as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was.
➌ Occasionally, there is no objection in borrowing commonly used items, and Muslims should not be miserly in this regard. However, the one who borrows should also ensure that, upon completion of use, he returns the item with full responsibility.

Benefits and Issues:

➊ The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was the most distinguished in all outward and inward virtues.

➋ If Muslims sense any danger, every Muslim should be prepared to confront it, excelling one another in readiness.

➌ One should ride a horse without placing a saddle or similar equipment, so that it may serve as an example for the general public.

➍ One should not be miserly in acknowledging someone’s virtue. This encourages companions and subordinates; however, praise at an inappropriate time, which may give rise to feelings of pride and arrogance, and flattery, are prohibited.

➎ The abundant blessings obtained from the sacred person of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) on numerous occasions are proof of the truthfulness of his Prophethood.