67/115. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 5236 — Kindness and Permissible Amusement
The looking of a woman at the Ethiopians and the like
Aisha Watching the Ethiopians Play: Kindness and Care
Sahih Bukhari : 5236
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 5236
حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْحَنْظَلِيُّ، عَنْ عِيسَى، عَنِ الأَوْزَاعِيِّ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَسْتُرُنِي بِرِدَائِهِ، وَأَنَا أَنْظُرُ إِلَى الْحَبَشَةِ يَلْعَبُونَ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ، حَتَّى أَكُونَ أَنَا الَّذِي أَسْأَمُ، فَاقْدُرُوا قَدْرَ الْجَارِيَةِ الْحَدِيثَةِ السِّنِّ الْحَرِيصَةِ عَلَى اللَّهْوِ.
A'isha Narrated from:
The Prophet (ﷺ) was screening me with his Rida' (garment covering the upper part of the body) while I was looking at the Ethiopians who were playing in the courtyard of the mosque. (I continued watching) till I was satisfied. So you may deduce from this event how a little girl (who has not reached the age of puberty) who is eager to enjoy amusement should be treated in this respect.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5236In-book reference : Book 67, Hadith 169USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 62, Hadith 163
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 5236
This hadith shows the Prophet's kindness toward Aisha and his understanding of her age and interest. Aisha said that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) screened her with his upper garment while she watched the Ethiopians playing in the courtyard of the mosque. She continued watching until she was satisfied. Then she said that people may understand from this how a young girl who likes amusement should be treated in this respect. This hadith about Aisha watching the Ethiopians is not a general story about all forms of entertainment. It is about this specific event. The clear lesson is that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) showed patience, care, and consideration. He allowed her to watch while shielding her, and he did not rush her before she was satisfied.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) showed patience with Aisha's interest in watching.
- He screened her with his garment while she watched.
- Aisha herself pointed to the care due to a young girl who enjoys amusement.
- The hadith shows kindness within the specific event mentioned.
