that he heard Ibn `Abbas saying, "Thursday! And you know not what Thursday is? After that Ibn `Abbas wept till the stones on the ground were soaked with his tears. On that I asked Ibn `Abbas, "What is (about) Thursday?" He said, "When the condition (i.e. health) of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) deteriorated, he said, 'Bring me a bone of scapula, so that I may write something for you after which you will never go astray.'The people differed in their opinions although it was improper to differ in front of a prophet, They said, 'What is wrong with him? Do you think he is delirious? Ask him (to understand). The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, 'Leave me as I am in a better state than what you are asking me to do.' Then the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered them to do three things saying, 'Turn out all the pagans from the Arabian Peninsula, show respect to all foreign delegates by giving them gifts as I used to do.' " The sub-narrator added, "The third order was something beneficial which either Ibn `Abbas did not mention or he mentioned but I forgot.'
Jizyah and Mawaada'ah - Sahih al-Bukhari 3168
This narration from Ibn Abbas, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, reveals a momentous occasion when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought to provide definitive guidance to prevent his ummah from straying. The companions' hesitation, though well-intentioned, resulted in the loss of this crucial written instruction. Ibn Abbas's profound grief demonstrates the magnitude of this missed opportunity for divine clarification.
Scholarly Commentary on the Incident
The scholars explain that the Prophet's request for writing materials during his final illness represented a potential definitive ruling that would have eliminated differences within the Muslim community. The companions' concern about his condition, while showing care, inadvertently prevented this permanent guidance from being recorded.
Ibn Abbas's tears signify his deep understanding of what was lost - not merely a document, but a clear path that would have protected future generations from deviation. His emotional response reflects the gravity of this historical moment in Islamic guidance.
The Three Commands
The first command to expel polytheists from Arabia established the principle of maintaining the sanctity of Islamic lands. The second instruction regarding honoring foreign delegates demonstrates Islam's commitment to diplomatic relations and international courtesy.
Though the third command was forgotten by the narrator, classical commentators suggest it likely concerned matters of community welfare or religious practice, consistent with the Prophet's final concerns for his ummah's wellbeing and unity.