44/34. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2489a — Careful Defence
The Virtues Of Hassan Bin Thabit (RA)
Hassan Satire Hadith: Protecting the Prophet’s Lineage
Sahih Muslim : 2489a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2489a
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، أَخْبَرَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ زَكَرِيَّاءَ، عَنْ هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ قَالَ حَسَّانُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ائْذَنْ لِي فِي أَبِي سُفْيَانَ قَالَ " كَيْفَ بِقَرَابَتِي مِنْهُ " . قَالَ وَالَّذِي أَكْرَمَكَ لأَسُلَّنَّكَ مِنْهُمْ كَمَا تُسَلُّ الشَّعَرَةُ مِنَ الْخَمِيرِ . فَقَالَ حَسَّانُ وَإِنَّ سَنَامَ الْمَجْدِ مِنْ آلِ هَاشِمٍ بَنُو بِنْتِ مَخْزُومٍ وَوَالِدُكَ الْعَبْدُ قَصِيدَتَهُ هَذِهِ .
A'isha Narrated from:
Hassin said: Allah's Messenger, permit me to write satire against Abu Sufyan, whereupon he said: How can it be because I am also related to him? Thereupon he (Hassan) said: By Him Who has honoured you. I shall draw you out from them (their family) just as hair is drawn out from the fermented (flour). Thereupon Hassan said: The dignity and greatness belongs to the tribe of Bint Makhzum from amongst the tribe of Hisham, whereas your father was a slave.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2489aIn-book reference : Book 44, Hadith 223USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 31, Hadith 6079
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2489a
This hadith about Hassan’s satire against Abu Sufyan shows that even strong speech needed care. Hassan asked the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم for permission to write satire against Abu Sufyan. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم did not answer with hurry. He asked how that would be, since he was also related to him. Hassan then promised that he would separate the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم from them as a hair is drawn from fermented flour. The report then mentions part of Hassan’s poem. The main lesson is not only that Hassan used poetry in defense. It is also that the honor and family link of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had to be protected. The hadith teaches careful speech, even when replying to opponents.
What we learn from this hadith
- Strong words should be used with care and permission.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was mindful of family ties even in a hostile setting.
- Hassan promised to avoid harming the Prophet’s lineage.
- Defense of truth should not become careless speech.
