Who was Ka`b's guide from among his sons when Ka`b became blind: I heard Ka`b bin Malik saying, "When some people remained behind and did not join Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in the battle of Tabuk.." and then he described the whole narration and said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the Muslims to speak to us, and so we (I and my companions) stayed fifty nights in that state, and then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) announced Allah's acceptance of our repentance."
Exposition of Ka'b bin Malik's Narration
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 7225 recounts the story of Ka'b bin Malik and his two companions who remained behind from the Battle of Tabuk without legitimate excuse. The prohibition of speech (hijr) imposed upon them for fifty nights constituted a disciplinary measure ordained by the Prophet ﷺ, serving as both punishment and means of spiritual purification.
Scholarly Commentary on the Guide
The question regarding Ka'b's guide during his blindness refers to his son who assisted him after his repentance was accepted. Classical commentators note that this demonstrates how Allah replaces what is lost with something better - Ka'b lost his sight but gained the devoted service of his righteous son.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explains that this incident occurred after the revelation of Surah At-Tawbah, wherein Allah accepted the repentance of the three who remained behind. The fifty-day period of isolation served to purify their hearts and strengthen their faith.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This narration establishes important principles in Islamic jurisprudence regarding repentance (tawbah), communal discipline, and the importance of jihad participation. The prolonged isolation underscores the gravity of abandoning military duty without valid reason during the Prophet's era.
The ultimate acceptance of their repentance demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy and serves as eternal hope for sinners who sincerely turn back to their Lord, regardless of the magnitude of their transgression.