Hadith 8 Of An-Nawawi’s Collection JSS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

 HADITH 8 OF AN-NAWAWIS COLLECTION

 Hadith are the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They are very important in Islam because they teach Muslims how to live their lives according to Islamic teachings. Imam An-Nawawi was a great Muslim scholar who lived about 800 years ago. He collected 40 very important hadith that cover the main teachings of Islam. These are called “An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith” or “Arba’een An-Nawawi.”

The Eighth Hadith: Respect for Muslims and Human Rights

The eighth hadith in An-Nawawi’s collection teaches us about how Muslims should treat other people. It shows the importance of respecting others and their rights.

The Text of the Hadith

Abdullah ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“I have been commanded to fight against people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and until they perform the prayers and pay the zakat, and if they do so, they will have protection of their blood and property from me except by the right of Islam, and their reckoning will be with Allah.”

(Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

Understanding the Words of the Hadith

Before we understand the meaning, let’s look at some important words:

• Commanded: This means Allah ordered the Prophet to do something.
• Fight: This refers to fighting in self-defense or when attacked.
• Testify: To say something that you believe is true.
• Prayers: The five daily prayers Muslims perform.
• Zakat: The giving of a portion of one’s wealth to the poor.
• Protection: Safety and security.
• Blood and property: A person’s life and belongings.
• Reckoning: Being judged for one’s actions.

Historical Context of the Hadith

To understand this hadith correctly, we need to know when and why it was said. This hadith was spoken during a time when:

• The early Muslim community was under attack from many enemies.
• People were fighting against Islam and Muslims.
• The Prophet was the leader of the Muslim state in Medina.
• There were clear rules about when fighting was allowed.

This hadith does not mean Muslims should fight everyone who is not Muslim. Islam teaches peace and respect for all people.

The Correct Understanding of the Hadith

Islamic scholars explain that this hadith is about:

• Self-defense: Muslims are allowed to defend themselves when attacked.
• State Authority: Only the leader of an Islamic state can declare war, not individual Muslims.
• Protection of Rights: Once someone becomes Muslim or lives peacefully under Islamic rule, their life and property must be protected.
• Justice: Even in times of conflict, Muslims must follow strict rules about fighting.

The Three Fundamental Rights

This hadith teaches that everyone has three fundamental rights that must be protected:

• Right to Life: No one should be harmed or killed unjustly.
• Right to Property: No one’s belongings should be taken or damaged without right.
• Right to Dignity: Everyone should be treated with respect and honor.

When Protection Can Be Removed

The hadith mentions “except by the right of Islam.” This means that protection can only be removed in very specific situations:

• In case of murder: If someone kills another person unjustly, they may face punishment after a fair trial.
• In case of theft: If someone steals, they may face punishment after a fair trial.
• In case of rebellion: If someone fights against the state and harms others.

These exceptions are only applied by proper authorities after a fair trial, not by individuals.

The Meaning of “Their Reckoning Will Be With Allah”

This part of the hadith teaches us a very important lesson. It means:

We Cannot Judge Hearts: We cannot know what is in someone’s heart or mind.

Allah Knows All: Only Allah knows if someone truly believes or not.

Judgment Belongs to Allah: Final judgment of people’s faith belongs to Allah alone.

This teaches Muslims not to judge others based on what they think is in their hearts. We should accept what people say and show through their actions, and leave the rest to Allah.

Misunderstandings About This Hadith

Some people misunderstand this hadith in dangerous ways:

• Thinking it allows fighting non-Muslims: This is wrong. Islam teaches peace and respect for all people. Fighting is only allowed in self-defense.
• Using it to justify violence: This hadith does not allow any Muslim to harm others. Only a proper Islamic state can use force, and only in very specific situations.
• Ignoring the historical context: This hadith was spoken during a time of war when Muslims were defending themselves.

Broader Lessons from This Hadith

Beyond its specific meaning, this hadith teaches us:

Religious Freedom

Islam respects people’s right to choose their beliefs. The Quran clearly states: “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256).

The Importance of Worship

The hadith mentions prayer and zakat, showing that faith must be expressed through actions.

Community Responsibility

Muslims have a duty to protect each other and all people living in their community.

Justice and Fairness

Even in times of conflict, Muslims must be just and fair to all people.

The Role of the State

The state has a responsibility to protect people’s rights and ensure justice.

How to Apply This Hadith Today

Today, Muslims can apply the lessons of this hadith by:

Conclusion

Hadith 8 of An-Nawawi’s collection teaches us about respecting human rights and treating others with dignity. It does not promote violence or aggression against non-Muslims. Instead, it shows that Islam values peace, justice, and protection of all people’s rights.

When properly understood in its historical context, this hadith helps Muslims know how to live peacefully in society while practicing their faith. It reminds us that Allah knows what is in people’s hearts, and our job is to treat others with kindness and respect.

By following the true meaning of this hadith, Muslims can contribute positively to their communities and help build a world of peace and understanding.