Chapters on Tafsir

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Miqsam reported that Ibn ‘Abbas said: ‘The verse “It is not for a prophet to act dishonestly regarding the spoils” (Qur’an 3:161) was revealed concerning a red cloak that went missing on the day of Badr. Some people said, “Perhaps the Messenger of Allah took it.” Then Allah revealed, “It is not for a prophet to act dishonestly regarding the spoils…” to the end of the verse.’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan gharib. ‘Abd al-Salam ibn Harb narrated similar wording from Khusayf, and some transmitters reported it from Khusayf through Miqsam without mentioning Ibn ‘Abbas.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Talhah ibn Khirash reported that he heard Jabir ibn ‘Abd Allah say: ‘The Messenger of Allah met me and asked, “Jabir, why do I see you grieving?” I said, “Messenger of Allah, my father was martyred at Uhud, leaving children and debts behind.” He asked, “Shall I tell you what your father received from Allah?” I said, “Yes, Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Allah has never spoken to anyone except from behind a veil. He brought your father to life and spoke to him directly, saying, ‘My servant, ask Me and I will give you what you ask.’ He said, ‘My Lord, bring me back to life so that I may be killed in Your cause a second time.’ Allah, Exalted and Mighty, said, ‘It has already been decreed by Me that they will not return.’” Then this verse was revealed: “Do not think of those killed in Allah’s cause as dead…” (Qur’an 3:169).’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan gharib by this route. He said it is known only through Musa ibn Ibrahim, though ‘Ali ibn ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Madini and other leading hadith scholars transmitted it from him in this form. ‘Abd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Aqil also narrated part of it from Jabir.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Masruq reported from ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas‘ud, who was asked about Allah’s words, “Do not think of those killed in Allah’s cause as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, provided for” (Qur’an 3:169). He replied: ‘We asked about this, and we were told that their souls are in green birds, roaming in Paradise wherever they wish and taking shelter in lamps suspended from the Throne. Your Lord looked upon them and asked, “Do you want anything more, so I may give you more?” They said, “Our Lord, what more could we ask for when we roam wherever we wish in Paradise?” Then He looked upon them a second time and asked, “Do you want anything more, so I may give you more?” When they realized they would continue to be asked, they said, “Return our souls to our bodies so that we may go back to the world and be killed in Your cause once more.”’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan sahih.

A second report from Ibn Mas‘ud through Abu ‘Ubaydah gives similar wording and adds: ‘Convey our greetings to our Prophet and tell him that we are pleased and that He is pleased with us.’ Abu ‘Isa graded this report hasan.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Abu Wa’il reported from ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas‘ud, attributing it to the Prophet: ‘Anyone who fails to pay the zakat due on his wealth will have a bald-headed serpent placed around his neck on the Day of Resurrection.’ Then he recited as confirmation from Allah’s Book, “Let not those who withhold what Allah has given them from His bounty think…” (Qur’an 3:180). Another version says that the Messenger of Allah recited, “On the Day of Resurrection, what they withheld will be put around their necks” (Qur’an 3:180). The Prophet also said, ‘Whoever takes his Muslim brother’s property by swearing an oath will meet Allah while He is angry with him.’ Then the Messenger of Allah recited in confirmation, “Those who sell Allah’s covenant…” (Qur’an 3:77). Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan sahih and explained that a shuja‘ is a snake.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah said: ‘A space in Paradise no bigger than the place occupied by a whip is better than the world and all it contains. Recite, if you wish: “Whoever is kept away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has truly succeeded. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of delusion”’ (Qur’an 3:185). Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan sahih.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Ibn Abi Mulaykah reported that Humayd ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf told him that Marwan ibn al-Hakam said, ‘Rafi‘, my gatekeeper, go to Ibn ‘Abbas and tell him: “If everyone who rejoices in what he has done and likes to be praised for what he has not done will be punished, then we will all be punished.”’ Ibn ‘Abbas replied, ‘What have you to do with this verse? It was revealed only about the People of the Book.’ He recited, “When Allah took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture, [saying], ‘You must make it clear to the people and not conceal it’…” (Qur’an 3:187), and, “Do not think that those who rejoice in what they have done and love to be praised for what they have not done…” (Qur’an 3:188). Ibn ‘Abbas explained: ‘The Prophet asked them about something, but they concealed it and told him something else. They left, making him think they had told him what he had asked, and seeking his praise for it. They rejoiced both in what they had concealed and in being asked about it.’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan sahih gharib.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir reported that he heard Jabir ibn ‘Abd Allah say: ‘I became ill, and the Messenger of Allah came to visit me while I was unconscious. When I regained consciousness, I asked, “How should my property be distributed?” He did not answer me until the verse was revealed: “Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, a share equal to that of two females” (Qur’an 4:11).’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan sahih and noted that more than one narrator reported it from Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir.

Al-Fadl ibn al-Sabbah also narrated a similar report from Jabir, directly attributing it to the Prophet; his version contains additional wording.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri reported: ‘On the day of Awtas, we captured women who had husbands among the polytheists. Some of the men felt uneasy about them, so Allah revealed, “And [also forbidden to you are] married women, except those whom your right hands possess…” (Qur’an 4:24).’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri reported: ‘We captured women at Awtas who had husbands among their people. This was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah, and the verse was revealed: “And [also forbidden to you are] married women, except those whom your right hands possess…” (Qur’an 4:24).’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan. Al-Thawri also narrated similar wording from ‘Uthman al-Batti, from Abu al-Khalil, from Abu Sa‘id, from the Prophet. This chain does not include Abu ‘Alqamah; Abu ‘Isa knew of no one who included him except Hammam’s report from Qatadah. Abu al-Khalil was named Salih ibn Abi Maryam.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Anas reported that the Prophet listed the major sins: ‘Associating partners with Allah, mistreating one’s parents, taking a life, and false testimony.’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan gharib sahih. Ruh ibn ‘Ubadah also narrated it from Shu‘bah, saying “from ‘Abd Allah ibn Abi Bakr”; Abu ‘Isa said that version is not sound.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakrah reported from his father that the Messenger of Allah said: ‘Shall I tell you about the gravest of the major sins?’ They said, ‘Yes, Messenger of Allah.’ He said, ‘Associating partners with Allah and mistreating one’s parents.’ He sat up after having been reclining and said, ‘And false testimony’—or, ‘false speech.’ He kept repeating this until we said to ourselves, ‘If only he would stop.’’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan gharib sahih.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Abu Umamah al-Ansari reported from ‘Abd Allah ibn Unays al-Juhani that the Messenger of Allah said: ‘Among the gravest major sins are associating partners with Allah, mistreating one’s parents, and a knowingly false oath. Whoever insists on an oath binding another and includes in it even a lie as small as a mosquito’s wing will have a mark placed in his heart until the Day of Resurrection.’ Abu ‘Isa identified Abu Umamah al-Ansari as Ibn Tha‘labah, though his personal name was unknown; he had narrated hadiths from the Prophet. Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan gharib.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Amr reported that the Prophet said: ‘The major sins are associating partners with Allah, mistreating one’s parents’—or he said, ‘the knowingly false oath.’ Shu‘bah was uncertain about the wording. Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan sahih.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Mujahid reported that Umm Salamah said: ‘Men go out to fight, while women do not, and we receive only half the inheritance.’ Then Allah revealed, “Do not covet what Allah has given some of you over others” (Qur’an 4:32). Mujahid said that the verse “Indeed, Muslim men and Muslim women…” (Qur’an 33:35) was also revealed concerning this. Umm Salamah was the first woman to arrive in Medina as an emigrant by camel. Abu ‘Isa said this report is mursal. Some narrators also transmitted it from Ibn Abi Najih, from Mujahid, disconnected, with Umm Salamah saying similar words.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Amr ibn Dinar reported from an unnamed descendant of Umm Salamah, from Umm Salamah: ‘She said, “Messenger of Allah, I do not hear Allah mention women in connection with emigration.” Then Allah Most High revealed, “I will not let the work of any worker among you be lost, whether male or female; you are members one of another” (Qur’an 3:195).’

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Alqamah reported that ‘Abd Allah said: ‘The Messenger of Allah asked me to recite to him while he was on the pulpit. I recited Surat al-Nisa’ until I reached, “How will it be when We bring a witness from every community and bring you as a witness against these people?” (Qur’an 4:41). The Messenger of Allah gestured to me with his hand. I looked at him, and his eyes were filled with tears.’ Abu ‘Isa noted that Abu al-Ahwas transmitted it from al-A‘mash, from Ibrahim, from ‘Alqamah, from ‘Abd Allah, but the correct chain is Ibrahim, from ‘Abidah, from ‘Abd Allah.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Abidah reported from ‘Abd Allah: ‘The Messenger of Allah said to me, “Recite to me.” I said, “Messenger of Allah, should I recite to you when it was revealed to you?” He replied, “I love to hear it from someone else.” I recited Surat al-Nisa’ until I reached, “And bring you as a witness against these people” (Qur’an 4:41). I saw the Prophet’s eyes overflowing with tears.’ Abu ‘Isa said this version is more sound than the report of Abu al-Ahwas.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

A chain through Ibn al-Mubarak from Sufyan reports wording similar to the preceding account of Ibn Mas‘ud reciting Surat al-Nisa’ to the Prophet.

Abu ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami reported from ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib: ‘“Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf prepared food for us, invited us, and gave us wine to drink. The wine affected us, and when prayer time came, they asked me to lead. I recited, ‘Say: O disbelievers! I do not worship what you worship, and we worship what you worship.’” Then Allah Most High revealed, “Believers, do not approach prayer while intoxicated until you know what you are saying” (Qur’an 4:43).’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan sahih gharib.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr reported from ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr: ‘A man from the Ansar disputed with al-Zubayr over a stream in al-Harrah used to irrigate their date palms. The Ansari said, “Let the water flow through,” but al-Zubayr refused. They brought the dispute to the Messenger of Allah, who said to al-Zubayr, “Water your land, Zubayr, then let the water flow to your neighbor.” The Ansari became angry and said, “Is it because he is your cousin?” The Messenger of Allah’s expression changed, and he said, “Water your land, Zubayr, then hold the water until it reaches the embankment.” Al-Zubayr said, “By Allah, I think this verse was revealed concerning that: ‘No, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you judge in their disputes…’” (Qur’an 4:65).’ Abu ‘Isa reported that Muhammad said Ibn Wahb narrated a similar account from al-Layth and Yunus, from al-Zuhri, from ‘Urwah, from ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr. Shu‘ayb ibn Abi Hamzah narrated it from al-Zuhri, from ‘Urwah, from al-Zubayr, omitting ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr.

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Abd Allah ibn Yazid reported from Zayd ibn Thabit concerning the verse, “What is the matter with you that you have become two groups regarding the hypocrites?” (Qur’an 4:88): ‘Some of the Messenger of Allah’s Companions turned back on the day of Uhud, and the people split into two groups about them. One group said, “Kill them,” while another said, “No.” Then this verse was revealed.’ He said, ‘Medina is good; it drives away the wicked just as fire removes impurities from iron.’ Abu ‘Isa graded this hadith hasan sahih and identified ‘Abd Allah ibn Yazid as al-Ansari al-Khatmi, a Companion.