Hadith

Cleaning the utensils with one's finger after eating

Q: Is the statement below correct:

UTENSIL SEEKS FORGIVENESS

It was the practice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that after eating he would lick the utensil clean with his finger and not leave behind even a tiny speck of food and drink. He would even lick his fingers clean of any food particles. Rasulullaah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam ordered his followers to also do the same, as has been mentioned in many Ahadith. In fact, great virtues have been mentioned for this.

In a narration of Tirmizi it has been mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The one who eats in a plate, then licks it clean (with his finger), the utensil seeks forgiveness for him."

In another narration it is mentioned that the utensil prays for him in the words: " May Allah free you from the fire as you have freed me from shaitaan (by not leaving any food behind for shaitaan)" (Mishkaat).

One should therefore always wipe the utensil clean and not leave behind anything for shaitaan.

Hadith question

Q:

1. Volume 1, Book 12, Number 802 (Sahih Bukhari): Narrated by Abu Ma'bad (the freed slave of Ibn 'Abbas) Ibn 'Abbas told me, "In the lifetime of the Prophet it was the custom to celebrate Allah's praises aloud after the compulsory congregational prayers." Ibn 'Abbas further said, "When I heard the Dhikr, I would learn that the compulsory congregational prayer had ended."

Why don't people do loud zikr after prayer, and most people think that Barelvis do it and they think it is bidah. So what is the correct Islamic view?

2. Volume 1, Book 12, Number 747 (Sahih Bukhari): Narrated by Abu Huraira The Prophet said, "Say Amin" when the Imam says it and if the Amin of any one of you coincides with that of the angels then all his past sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab said, "Allah's Apostle used to Say "Amin."

How can we know that the imam has said amin after prayer if he does not say it aloud. So to follow this hadith the imam needs to say amin for us to say amin. So many imaams in Pakistan don't say the amin out aloud, and say it quietly. So why don't they say it aloud when the hadith clearly explains to say it aloud for the imam.

The story of a Sahaabi who could not recite the kalimah at the time of death

Q: I would like to ask Mufti Saheb regarding this story. What is the status of this story? Can we use it for targheeb and tarheeb?

 There is a story narrated in the hadith that there was a youngster in the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) who was in his dying moments. It was told to Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) that this youngster cannot recite the Kalimah Tayyibah. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) came to him and asked as to what the problem was. He said, “O Rasul of Allah, there is something like a lock upon my heart.” When they enquired on his condition, it was found that his mother was displeased with him. 

Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) called for his mother and said to her that if someone had to light a huge fire and wants to throw her son into it, will you intercede on his behalf? She said, “Yes, O Rasul of Allah, I will.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "If this is so, then forgive his mistake." She forgave all that he did. He was then told to recite the Kalimah Tayyibah, which he immediately did. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) thanked Allah Ta’ala that through him a person was saved from the fire.

Making wudhu with cold water

Q: I came across a hadith in which making a complete wudu under difficult circumstances is praiseworthy ("إسباغ الوضوء على المكاره"); one interpretation being when the water is cold. Can we choose to make wudu with cold tap water with the intention of earning this extra reward, even though warm water is also available? Or is the reward only when no warm alternative is available at all?

Protecting one's family and wealth

Q: From the hadith below it is revealed that Muslims should protect what is theirs, their wealth, property, family etc. My question is what should one do when being hijacked or robbed and you have two young children with you? Should you fight off the thieves and risk that they might hurt the children or just give in and let them take your wealth?

Hadith: "Dying whilst defending ones wealth is martyrdom. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever is killed whilst defending his wealth is a martyr”. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported: “A man came to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, and asked: “O Messenger of Allaah! What shall I do if someone comes to me with the intention of taking away my property?’’ He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, replied: “Do not hand it over to him.” The man asked: “What shall I do if he fights me?’’ The Messenger of Allaah , sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Then fight him.” The man asked: “What will be my position in the Hereafter if he has killed me?’’ The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, replied: “In that case you are a martyr.” The man again asked: “What if I killed him?’’ The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, replied, “He will be in the Hell-fire.” [Muslim]."