The Prophet Described (Part-3)
Selections of the ahadith below are from Shama’il Tirmidhi by Imam al-Tirmidhi, commentary by Muhammad Zakariyyah Kandhelwi, translated by Muhammad ibn-‘Abdur-Rahman Ibraheem, published by Islamic Book Service, New Delhi – 110 002, India. Notes are by the compiler and the numbers at the end of the hadith are those in the original.
1. Salma says that Hasan ibn-‘Ali, ‘Abdullah ibn-‘Abbas and ‘Abdullah ibn-Ja’far went to her and said: “Cook for us the food that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, liked and ate with pleasure.” She replied: “O my children, you will not like it now.”1 They replied: “Yes, we will surely like it.” She got up and took some barley, (pounded it) and put it in a pot, and poured a little olive oil over it, then crushed some chillies and spices and added it to the pot and served it, saying, “this is what the Prophet loved (and ate with pleasure).” [169]
Commentary
1. Since, the value of food can only be properly appreciated when in famine-like situations.
2. Jabir says, “The Prophet once went to the house of a woman from among the Helpers. I also accompanied him. The hostess slaughtered a goat. He ate some meat from it. She then served a tray of fresh dates. The Prophet ate from it too. He then performed ablution for the afternoon prayer (zhu-hr) and performed it. After returning from the prayer she served him the remaining meat. The Prophet ate it. He did not perform fresh ablution for the “tea-time prayer” (‘asr) (and performed it with the previous ablution).” [171]
Commentary
This hadith brings into account that woman can slaughter.
3. Umm-Mundhir says: “The Prophet visited me. ‘Ali was with him. We had some bunches of dates hanging. The Prophet began eating from them. ‘Ali also began eating with him. The Prophet stopped him saying, ‘You have just recovered from your illness (convalescence) and should not eat this.’ He (‘Ali) stopped and the Prophet continued eating. Umm-Mundhir says: ‘I then cooked some barley and beetroot.’ The Prophet said to ‘Ali, ‘Eat from this, it is suitable for you’.” [172]
Commentary
Once the Prophet said of ‘Ali, he is to me as Harun was to Musa.
4. Anas relates from the Prophet that, “Allah is pleased with that servant who eats one morsel (bite) or drinks one sip and gives thanks to Him.” [185]
Commentary
Although, Allah is Independent and is not in need of anything, yet, we need Him, His Independent nature does not affect in any way by our either thanking Him or not. But, we are stressed to thank Him, because we are subservient to Him.
5. Anas ibn-Malik relates that, ‘the Prophet drank water in three gulps/sips and used to say: “It is more pleasing and satisfying in this manner’.” [201]
Commentary
Ask your doctor, “why?”
