Hadith 17 of Imam An-Nawawi’s Collection – JSS3 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

The 40 Hadith of Imam An-Nawawi is one of the most important collections of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These hadith were carefully chosen by Imam An-Nawawi because they contain essential teachings about Islam. Hadith 17 focuses on kindness and good behavior toward all living things. This lesson will help us understand this important hadith and how to apply it in our daily lives.

The Text of Hadith 17

On the authority of Abu Ya’la Shaddad bin Aws, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence (ihsan) in all things. So if you kill, kill well; and if you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.”

This hadith was reported by Muslim.

Word Meanings

Let us understand some important words in this hadith:

– Prescribed: Made something a rule or law

– Excellence (Ihsan): Doing something in the best possible way

– Slaughter: To kill animals for food in the Islamic way

– Sharpen: To make a knife or blade very sharp

– Spare: To save someone from experiencing something bad

– Suffering: Pain or discomfort

The Chain of Narration

This hadith comes to us through a reliable chain of narrators:

1. Abu Ya’la Shaddad bin Aws heard it directly from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
2. Shaddad bin Aws was a companion of the Prophet and known for his truthfulness
3. The famous scholar Imam Muslim included this hadith in his collection, which is one of the most trusted books of hadith

Detailed Explanation of Hadith 17

The Principle of Excellence (Ihsan)

The first part of the hadith states, “Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence (ihsan) in all things.” This means that Allah wants us to do everything in the best possible way. This applies to:

1. Our worship (prayers, fasting, charity)
2. Our work and studies
3. How we treat other people
4. How we treat animals
5. Even simple daily tasks like cleaning or cooking

Islam teaches that we should try our best in everything we do. This is not just about doing things correctly, but doing them excellently with care and attention.

Kindness to Animals

The second part of the hadith focuses on how we should treat animals, especially when they are slaughtered for food. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that even in this necessary act, we must show kindness:

1. Use a sharp knife to make the process quick
2. Avoid causing unnecessary pain
3. Treat the animal with respect
4. Do not slaughter an animal in front of other animals
5. Give the animal water before slaughter
6. Say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before slaughtering

This shows the deep compassion that Islam has for all living creatures. Even when animals are used for food, they must be treated with kindness and respect.

Practical Applications of Hadith 17

In Our Personal Lives

– Do our best in everything, big or small

– Complete tasks properly rather than rushing through them

– Be kind to pets and all animals we encounter

– Show excellence in our character and behavior

In Our Family

– Treat family members with kindness and respect

– Do household chores with care and attention

– Teach children to be careful and kind with animals

– Show excellence in how we speak to and care for our parents, spouses, and children

In School or Work

– Study or work with full effort and attention

– Help others to do things in the best way

– Not take shortcuts that reduce quality

– Show excellence in teamwork and cooperation

In Society

– Build and maintain things properly

– Treat public property with care

– Follow rules that protect animals and nature

– Show kindness to all people, even strangers

 Stories Related to This Hadith

The Prophet’s Compassion for Animals

Once, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw a man who had laid a sheep on its side and was sharpening his knife in front of it. The Prophet said, “Do you want to kill it twice? Should you not have sharpened your knife before laying it down?”

This story shows how concerned the Prophet was about the feelings of animals and how he wanted to minimize their suffering.

The Woman and the Cat

The Prophet (peace be upon him) told a story about a woman who kept a cat locked up without food or water until it died. Because of this cruelty, she was punished. He also told about a person who gave water to a thirsty dog and was rewarded with Paradise for this act of kindness.

These stories teach us that how we treat animals matters greatly to Allah.

Lessons from Hadith 17

1. Excellence is an Islamic duty: Islam asks us to do things well, not just to do them.
2. Kindness extends to all creatures: Our good behavior should include how we treat animals.
3. Small details matter: Even something like sharpening a knife is important in Islam.
4. Mercy is central to Islamic teaching: Being merciful to all living things is part of our faith
5. Our actions reflect our character: How we treat those weaker than us (like animals) shows what kind of person we really are.

Questions for Reflection

1. How can you show excellence (ihsan) in your daily prayers
2. Think about your schoolwork or job. Are you doing it with excellence?
3. How do you treat animals in your neighborhood? Could you be kinder to them?
4. What are some ways we can reduce suffering of animals in our modern world
5. How does this hadith change how you think about seemingly small tasks?

Conclusion

Hadith 17 of Imam Nawawi’s collection teaches us the important principle of ihsan (excellence) in all aspects of life. It reminds us that Islam is not just about following rules, but about doing things in the best possible way with kindness and care. The specific example about treating animals with mercy shows the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings.

This hadith encourages us to be mindful and excellent in everything we do, from the biggest tasks to the smallest details. When we practice ihsan, we are fulfilling Allah’s command and following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

By applying the lessons from this hadith, we can improve our character, earn Allah’s pleasure, and make the world a better place for all of Allah’s creation.