Regarding Surat Al-Munafiqin Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3313
“We were participating in a battle along with the Messenger of Allah, and there were some people from the Bedouins with us. So we all rushed toward some water and the Bedouins raced us to it. One of the Bedouins beat his companions to it and he (tried to obstruct) the pond, he placed rocks around it and he put a leather sheet over it until his companions came.” He said: “A man among the Ansar reached the Bedouin and he dropped the reigns of his camel to drink, but the Bedouin would not allow him. So he started removing the barriers around the water, but the Bedouin raised a stick beating the Ansari man on the head, and smashed it. He went to Abdullah bin Ubayy, the head of the hypocrite, to inform him – he was in fact one of his companions. So Abdullah bin Ubayy became enraged, the he said: ‘Do not spend anything on whoever is with Muhammad until they depart.’ Meaning the Bedouins. They were preparing food for the Messenger of Allah. So Abdullah said: ‘When they depart from Muhammad, then bring Muhammad some food, and let him and whoever is with him eat it.’ Then he said to his companions: ‘If we return to Al-Madinah, indeed the more honorable will expel therefrom the meaner.’” Zaid said: “And I was riding behind the Messenger of Allah, and I had heard Abdullah bin Ubayy, so I informed my uncle who went to tell the Messenger of Allah. He sent a message to him (Abdullah) but he took an oath and denied it.” He said: “So the Messenger of Allah accepted what he said and did not believe me. So my uncle came to me and said: ‘You only wanted the Messenger of Allah to hate you, and the Muslims to say that you lied.’” He said: “I suffered such worry as has not been suffered by anyone else.” He said: “(Later) while I was on the move with the Messenger of Allah on a journey, my mind was relieved of worry, since the Messenger of Allah came to me and rubbed my ear and smiled in my face. I would never be happier than with that as long as the world remained. Then Abu Bakr caught up to me, and said: ‘What did the Messenger of Allah say to you?’ I said: ‘He did not say anything to me, he only rubbed my ear and smiled in my face.’ He said: ‘Receive the good news!’ Then Umar caught up with me and I said the same to him as I had said to Abu Bakr. In the morning the Messenger of Allah recited Surat Al-Munafiqin.”
Overview & Central Theme
This profound hadith, narrated by Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) and recorded by Imam At-Tirmidhi in his Tafsir chapter, unveils the divine wisdom behind the revelation of Surat Al-Munafiqun. It exposes the treacherous scheming of Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul, the chief of the hypocrites, whose arrogance and tribal pride led him to plot against the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims during the expedition against the Banu Mustaliq. The hadith masterfully illustrates the Qur'anic method of exposing hypocrisy while protecting the Prophet's ﷺ dignity, demonstrating that Allah Himself defends His Messenger when human testimony falls short. The central theme revolves around the preservation of prophetic infallibility, the danger of tribal partisanship ('Asabiyyah), and the ultimate vindication of truth through divine revelation.
Context & Linguistic Insights
The incident occurred during the return journey from the expedition against Banu Mustaliq (5 AH), a critical moment when tribal tensions flared over water access. The Arabic term "al-mu'azzir" (the one obstructing) reflects the Bedouin's aggressive monopolization of water, while "fa-faza'a" (he rushed) indicates the competitive scramble for resources. The key phrase "la-unfiqanna" (I will not spend) reveals Abdullah ibn Ubayy's economic warfare against the Prophet ﷺ, and "al-a'azzu" (the more honorable) versus "al-adhall" (the meaner) encapsulates his elitist, pre-Islamic jahili worldview. The narrative highlights the gravity of Zayd's position as he rode behind the Prophet ﷺ, making his testimony particularly significant, yet the Prophet's ﷺ acceptance of Abdullah's oath—despite knowing the truth—demonstrates the legal principle of accepting a Muslim's oath in the absence of conclusive evidence.
Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits
Daily Life & Spiritual Application
This hadith offers timeless lessons for contemporary Muslims. First, it warns against tribal, ethnic, or nationalistic pride that can lead to division and enmity within the Ummah—Abdullah ibn Ubayy's downfall was rooted in his refusal to accept the Prophet's ﷺ leadership over his tribal status. Second, it teaches that when we face false accusations or misunderstandings, we should trust in Allah's justice and remain patient, as Zayd did, rather than seeking immediate vindication through conflict. Third, the Prophet's ﷺ merciful treatment of Zayd—rubbing his ear and smiling—models how leaders should console and affirm the sincere, even when public circumstances prevent full acknowledgment. Finally, the hadith reminds us that Allah's revelation and truth will always prevail over human scheming; our duty is to speak truth when required, but to leave ultimate judgment to Allah, maintaining unity and sincerity in our communities.