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Textual Studies of the Hadith - National Open University of Nigeria

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ISL222 TEXTUAL STUDIES OF THE HADITH<br />

barefooted ones, <strong>the</strong> naked, and <strong>the</strong> destitute (<strong>the</strong> poor ones) <strong>the</strong><br />

herdsmen <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sheep building arrogantly high houses”.<br />

There upon he (<strong>the</strong> man) went <strong>of</strong>f (vanished, disappeared). I waited a<br />

while, and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> Prophet said “O ‘Umar, do you know who that<br />

was?” I replied: “God and His Apostle know better”, he said “that was<br />

Angel Jubril (Gabriel): he came to teach you your religion.” Muslim<br />

relates this.<br />

Commentary<br />

This hadith discusses <strong>the</strong> interaction between <strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet<br />

Muhammad and Arch Angel Jubril. The interaction which took place in<br />

<strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prophet’s companions deals essentially with <strong>the</strong><br />

fundamentals <strong>of</strong> Islam covering three major areas viz: Imān (faith)<br />

Ibādah (worship) and Ihsān (good deed). The reconfirmation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />

fundamentals which have already been expressed in <strong>the</strong> Holy Qur’an<br />

shows <strong>the</strong> importance attached to <strong>the</strong>m by Allah. The importance is also<br />

reflected in <strong>the</strong> appearance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arch Angel in human form. This<br />

appearance also indicates <strong>the</strong> divine power <strong>of</strong> Allah to use various<br />

means in sending his message to mankind. In addition, confirmation <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Prophet’s response by Jubril is also a divine teaching.<br />

Lessons<br />

Following are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lessons derivable from <strong>the</strong> hadith<br />

1. Goodness (Ihsān), which is <strong>the</strong> complete submission to Allah, is<br />

essential in any form <strong>of</strong> worship.<br />

2. Cleanliness in <strong>the</strong> body and appearance is highly essential in our<br />

daily activities.<br />

3. Knowledge <strong>of</strong> Islamic Religion can be acquired from those who<br />

know it well.<br />

4. It shows <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> five Islamic principles o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />

known as <strong>the</strong> five pillars <strong>of</strong> Islam.<br />

5. A human being should not be elevated to <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> divinity.<br />

6. One should only ask good and relevant questions.<br />

7. One should only answer <strong>the</strong> questions within his knowledge.<br />

8. It teaches some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> signs indicating <strong>the</strong> closeness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong><br />

life<br />

9. It teaches that visitors should be accorded respect and honour as<br />

<strong>the</strong>y may be <strong>of</strong> help and source <strong>of</strong> blessing.<br />

10. The visit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Angel in <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> companions,<br />

comfirmed <strong>the</strong> Prophethood <strong>of</strong> Prophet Muhammad.<br />

11. Obedience and patience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> companion <strong>of</strong> Prophet during <strong>the</strong><br />

dialogue between him (Muhammad) and Angel Jubril should be<br />

emulated.<br />

9

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