Hadith Text & Context

"I heard 'Amr bin Al-Harith say: 'I saw the Messenger of Allah and he left nothing behind except his white mule, his weapon and some land which he left as a charity.'"

This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i 3596 in The Book of Endowments describes the modest worldly possessions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) at the time of his passing, witnessed by the companion 'Amr bin Al-Harith.

Scholarly Commentary

The scholars explain that this hadith demonstrates the Prophet's complete detachment from worldly possessions and his exemplary asceticism (zuhd). Despite being the leader of the Muslim community, he departed this world with minimal personal property.

The white mule (Duldul) was his means of transportation, essential for his missions. The weapon was necessary for defense and jihad. The land mentioned was not for personal inheritance but was designated as perpetual charity (sadaqah), showing his concern for ongoing benefit to the Muslim community.

This narration refutes any claims that the Prophet accumulated wealth or left inheritance for personal heirs, emphasizing that prophets do not leave inheritance in the worldly sense, as established in other authentic traditions.

Legal & Spiritual Implications

Islamic jurists derive from this that leaders and scholars should prioritize public welfare over personal accumulation. The Prophet's practice establishes that essential possessions for fulfilling religious duties are permissible.

The designation of land as charity illustrates the importance of creating sustainable charitable endowments (waqf) that continue to benefit people after one's death.

This hadith serves as a powerful lesson in contentment, trust in Allah's provision, and prioritizing the afterlife over worldly accumulation.