Sunan an-Nasa'i 2724

Overview & Central Theme

This hadith, transmitted via Shu'bah with the same chain as the preceding narration, affirms the core principle of the Prophet’s ﷺ practice during Hajj: the permissibility and prophetic endorsement of performing multiple rites with a single intention (ifrad) or combining them (qiran), while emphasizing that the essence of Hajj lies in sincere devotion and following the Sunnah, not in the specific wording of the talbiyah or the sequence of actions. The central theme is the ease and flexibility of Islamic law (yusr) in worship, ensuring that the pilgrim’s focus remains on Allah’s commands and the Prophet’s ﷺ exemplary guidance, as preserved in the authentic reports of the Companions.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The report from Shu'bah (شعبة) is a corroborating chain (mutaba'ah) that reinforces the authenticity of the previous narration, a common feature in the Sunan of an-Nasa'i to establish textual strength. The phrase "with the same chain" (بنفس الإسناد) indicates the identical narrators from Shu'bah upward, typically from Habib ibn Abi Thabit to Ibn 'Abbas. Linguistically, the hadith highlights the term "ifrad" (إفراد) meaning to single out Hajj alone, and "qiran" (قران) meaning to combine Hajj and 'Umrah with one ihram and one talbiyah. The Prophet ﷺ’s response, often reported as "لبيك بحجة وعمرة" (Here I am for Hajj and 'Umrah), demonstrates the permissibility of both, with the key nuance that the Prophet ﷺ did not forbid any valid form, thereby teaching that the intention (niyyah) in the heart is the true determinant, not the verbal formula alone.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• The hadith establishes the validity of both ifrad (Hajj only) and qiran (Hajj and 'Umrah combined) as acceptable forms of pilgrimage, with the majority of scholars (jumhur) agreeing on their permissibility, while differing only on which is more virtuous.
• It underscores the principle that the Prophet ﷺ’s actions are legislative (tashri'), and his approval of multiple forms teaches that rigidity in worship contradicts the spirit of Islamic jurisprudence, which prioritizes ease and the worshipper’s capacity.
• A key ethical principle derived is the importance of following the Sunnah in both word and deed, yet recognizing that the essence of worship is the heart’s devotion—hence, a pilgrim who errs in wording but maintains correct intention is not invalidated, as confirmed by classical consensus (ijma').

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, in Fath al-Bari, states: "The Prophet ﷺ’s permission for different forms of talbiyah and ihram indicates that the objective is the pilgrim’s sincere intention and compliance with the rites, not the mere utterance of specific phrases. This is a mercy from Allah, for the Lawgiver did not burden the ummah with a single restrictive mode, but opened multiple doors of worship."

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

In daily life, this hadith teaches the believer to approach worship with both knowledge and flexibility, avoiding extremism (ghuluw) and negligence. When performing Hajj or any act of devotion, one should first learn the authentic Sunnah, then execute it with a present heart, knowing that Allah accepts based on sincerity and conformity to the Prophet’s ﷺ guidance. In broader contexts, it encourages Muslims to prioritize the spirit of the law over rigid literalism, fostering a balanced character that is neither lax nor overzealous. Practically, it means that when facing differences of opinion among scholars, one should choose the view supported by evidence while maintaining humility and unity, and always renew one’s intention (niyyah) to seek Allah’s pleasure alone, transforming every ritual into a moment of deep connection with the Divine.