"A man from the Ansar disputed with Az-Zubair before the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about the canals of Harrah which they used to irrigate the date palms. The Ansari said: 'Let the water pass'. But he refused, So they brought their dispute to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to Az-Zubair: 'O Zubair! Irrigate (your land) then let the water pass to you neighbor.' The Ansari became angry and said:'[O Messenger of Allah!] Is this because he is your aunt's son?' The face of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) changed color. Then he said: 'O Zubair! Irrigate (your land) and then withhold the water until it reaches the walls.' Az-Zubair said: 'By Allah! I think that this Ayah was revealed about that: But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions and accept (them) with full submission.'"
The Chapters On Judgements From The Messenger of Allah - Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1363
This narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi presents a profound legal judgment concerning water rights and irrigation disputes, demonstrating the Prophet's wisdom in resolving conflicts between companions while establishing principles of Islamic jurisprudence.
Contextual Analysis
The dispute arose between Az-Zubair ibn al-Awwam (the Prophet's cousin) and an Ansari companion regarding irrigation canals in the Harrah area of Medina. The Ansari demanded immediate water access while Az-Zubair initially refused, leading them to seek the Prophet's judgment.
The Prophet's initial ruling favored equitable distribution: "Irrigate then let the water pass to your neighbor," establishing the principle of shared water resources for agricultural purposes.
Scholarly Commentary on the Judgment
Classical scholars note that the Prophet's first ruling reflected the Islamic principle of cooperation and neighborly rights. Water, being a essential resource, should be shared fairly among those whose lands depend on it.
When the Ansari questioned the judgment's impartiality due to familial relations, the Prophet modified his ruling to "withhold the water until it reaches the walls," granting Az-Zubair full control. Scholars explain this modification wasn't due to the accusation's validity but to demonstrate that questioning judicial integrity without evidence is unacceptable.
Imam al-Tirmidhi and other traditional scholars emphasize that the revised ruling maintained justice while teaching the importance of trusting Prophetic judgment without suspicion.
Legal Principles Derived
This hadith establishes that water sources must be managed to ensure all entitled parties receive their fair share, with upper landowners having priority in usage before passing water downstream.
It demonstrates that judicial rulings must be accepted without questioning the judge's motives or impartiality without valid proof.
The incident illustrates how Islamic law balances individual rights with communal welfare in resource distribution.
Connection to Quranic Revelation
Az-Zubair's reference to Quran 4:65 underscores the essential Islamic doctrine of complete submission to Prophetic judgments. The verse confirms that true faith requires accepting the Prophet's decisions without internal resistance, highlighting the spiritual dimension of legal obedience in Islam.