3/3. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 297a — I'tikaf and Household Needs
It is permissible for a menstruating woman to wash her husband’s head, and comb his hair; her leftovers are pure (tahir); and regarding reclining in her lap and reciting Qur’an
I'tikaf Hadith: Combing the Prophet’s Hair and Leaving Only for Need
Sahih Muslim : 297a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 297a
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَمْرَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا اعْتَكَفَ يُدْنِي إِلَىَّ رَأْسَهُ فَأُرَجِّلُهُ وَكَانَ لاَ يَدْخُلُ الْبَيْتَ إِلاَّ لِحَاجَةِ الإِنْسَانِ .
A'isha Narrated from:
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was in I'tikaf, he inclined his head towards me and I combed his hair, and he did not enter the house but for the natural calls (for relieving himself).
Reference : Sahih Muslim 297aIn-book reference : Book 3, Hadith 6USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 3, Hadith 582
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 297a
This hadith about I'tikaf records a careful practice from A’isha. When the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was in I'tikaf, he would incline his head toward her, and she would comb his hair. The report also says he did not enter the house except for the natural call, meaning relieving himself. The core topic is I'tikaf rules and simple personal care while staying devoted in worship. The narration does not turn I'tikaf into isolation from every basic need. It shows that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) remained in his place of I'tikaf, while necessary needs and basic care were handled in the way described.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) inclined his head for A’isha to comb his hair.
- This took place while he was in I'tikaf.
- He did not enter the house except for natural needs.
- The report shows worship along with necessary personal care.
