When Khaibar was conquered, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was presented with a poisoned (roasted) sheep. Allah's Apostle said, "Collect for me all the Jews present in this area." (When they were gathered) Allah's Apostle said to them, "I am going to ask you about something; will you tell me the truth?" They replied, "Yes, O Abal-Qasim!" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to them, "Who is your father?" They said, "Our father is so-and-so." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "You have told a lie. for your father is so-and-so," They said, "No doubt, you have said the truth and done the correct thing." He again said to them, "If I ask you about something; will you tell me the truth?" They replied, "Yes, O Abal-Qasim! And if we should tell a lie you will know it as you have known it regarding our father," Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) then asked, "Who are the people of the (Hell) Fire?" They replied, "We will remain in the (Hell) Fire for a while and then you (Muslims) will replace us in it" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to them. ''You will abide in it with ignominy. By Allah, we shall never replace you in it at all." Then he asked them again, "If I ask you something, will you tell me the truth?" They replied, "Yes." He asked. "Have you put the poison in this roasted sheep?" They replied, "Yes," He asked, "What made you do that?" They replied, "We intended to learn if you were a liar in which case we would be relieved from you, and if you were a prophet then it would not harm you."
Exposition of the Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5777 in the Book of Medicine recounts the incident at Khaibar where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was presented with poisoned sheep. The Jews acknowledged their attempt to poison him, stating they wished to test his prophethood - reasoning that if he were false, they would be rid of him, and if true, the poison would not harm him.
Scholarly Commentary on the Poisoning Incident
This event demonstrates the miraculous nature of prophethood, as the poison, while causing the Prophet discomfort, did not claim his life. Scholars note this as one of the physical miracles affirming his divine mission.
The Jews' admission reveals their recognition of the criteria for verifying prophethood - that true prophets are protected by Allah from what would ordinarily cause harm when their mission remains unfulfilled.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Islamic jurists derive from this incident the prohibition of poisoning and any form of treacherous killing. The attempted murder through deception constitutes a major sin in Islamic law.
The dialogue also establishes important principles regarding interrogation techniques and the importance of establishing truth through confession and evidence.
Theological Significance
The exchange about the Hellfire reveals the Jews' misunderstanding of divine punishment and the Prophet's correction of their erroneous belief about temporary punishment. This underscores Islam's teaching about the eternal nature of Hell for disbelievers who die without accepting faith.
The incident overall serves as a powerful demonstration of the Prophet's truthfulness and the divine protection afforded to him throughout his mission.