12/46. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1062a — Justice and Prophetic Patience
Giving to those whose hearts have been inclined (towards Islam) and urging those whose faith is strong to show patience
Hadith About Justice in Distribution and Patience
Sahih Muslim : 1062a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1062a
حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، وَعُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَإِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ إِسْحَاقُ أَخْبَرَنَا وَقَالَ الآخَرَانِ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ لَمَّا كَانَ يَوْمُ حُنَيْنٍ آثَرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَاسًا فِي الْقِسْمَةِ فَأَعْطَى الأَقْرَعَ بْنَ حَابِسٍ مِائَةً مِنَ الإِبِلِ وَأَعْطَى عُيَيْنَةَ مِثْلَ ذَلِكَ وَأَعْطَى أُنَاسًا مِنْ أَشْرَافِ الْعَرَبِ وَآثَرَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ فِي الْقِسْمَةِ فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ وَاللَّهِ إِنَّ هَذِهِ لَقِسْمَةٌ مَا عُدِلَ فِيهَا وَمَا أُرِيدَ فِيهَا وَجْهُ اللَّهِ . قَالَ فَقُلْتُ وَاللَّهِ لأُخْبِرَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم - قَالَ - فَأَتَيْتُهُ فَأَخْبَرْتُهُ بِمَا قَالَ - قَالَ - فَتَغَيَّرَ وَجْهُهُ حَتَّى كَانَ كَالصِّرْفِ ثُمَّ قَالَ " فَمَنْ يَعْدِلُ إِنْ لَمْ يَعْدِلِ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ " . قَالَ ثُمَّ قَالَ " يَرْحَمُ اللَّهُ مُوسَى قَدْ أُوذِيَ بِأَكْثَرَ مِنْ هَذَا فَصَبَرَ " . قَالَ قُلْتُ لاَ جَرَمَ لاَ أَرْفَعُ إِلَيْهِ بَعْدَهَا حَدِيثًا .
Abdullah reported: On the day of Hunain, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) showed preference (to some) people in the distribution of the spoils. He bestowed on Aqra' b. Habis one hundred camels, and bestowed an equal (number) upon 'Uyaina, and bestowed on people among the elites of Arabia, and preferred them (to others) on that day, in the distribution (of spoils). Upon this a person said: By Allah, neither justice has been done in this distribution (of spoils), nor has the pleasure of Allah been sought in it. I (the narrator ) said: By Allah, I will certainly inform the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about it. I came to him and informed him about what he had said. The colour of his (the Prophet's) face changed red like blood and he then said: "Who would do justice, if Allah and His Messenger do not do justice?" He further said: "May Allah have mercy upon Moses; he was tormented more than this, but he showed patience." I said: Never would I convey him (the Holy Prophet) after this (unpleasant) narration.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1062aIn-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 184USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 5, Hadith 2314
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1062a
This hadith about justice in distribution shows a hard moment after the day of Hunain. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم gave some people more from the spoils, including leaders from Arabia. A man then accused the distribution of lacking justice and not seeking Allah’s pleasure. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم became visibly upset and replied, “Who would do justice, if Allah and His Messenger do not do justice?” The main lesson is clear: a believer should be careful before judging the actions of Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. The hadith also highlights prophetic patience. Instead of answering with harsh revenge, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم remembered Musa, who was hurt more than this and remained patient.
What we learn from this hadith
- Do not make careless accusations about justice, especially in serious religious matters.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم strongly rejected the claim that his distribution was unjust.
- Patience is needed when facing hurtful words and unfair criticism.
- Remembering the patience of earlier prophets can help a believer stay firm.
