What is Sahih al-Bukhari 2297 about?

This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Loans, Payment of Loans, Freezing of Property, Bankruptcy), narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:, states: "A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and demanded a camel (the Prophet (ﷺ) owed him). Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) told his companions to give him (a camel). They said, "We do not find except an older camel (than…"

Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Sahih. Sahih hadiths are considered the most authentic grade in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sahih al-Bukhari, which contains 7,277 hadiths across 97 books. It is hadith number 2297 in the Book of Loans, Payment of Loans, Freezing of Property, Bankruptcy.

I searched for a different number — is this the right hadith?

Hadith numbering varies across editions and translations (USC-MSA, Dar as-Salam, Fath al-Bari, and others). If you followed a link citing a different number but landed here, you may have been redirected to the canonical version in our library. If you were looking for a different hadith entirely, use the search bar to find it by text.

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#2296

#2297

Sahih al-Bukhari

#2298

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Sahih al-Bukhari #2297

Loans, Payment of Loans, Freezing of Property, Bankruptcy

Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، عَنْ يَحْيَى، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي سَلَمَةُ بْنُ كُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَجُلاً، أَتَى النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَتَقَاضَاهُ بَعِيرًا، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ أَعْطُوهُ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقَالُوا مَا نَجِدُ إِلاَّ سِنًّا أَفْضَلَ مِنْ سِنِّهِ‏.‏ فَقَالَ الرَّجُلُ أَوْفَيْتَنِي أَوْفَاكَ اللَّهُ‏.‏ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ أَعْطُوهُ فَإِنَّ مِنْ خِيَارِ النَّاسِ أَحْسَنَهُمْ قَضَاءً ‏"‏‏.‏

A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and demanded a camel (the Prophet (ﷺ) owed him). Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) told his companions to give him (a camel). They said, "We do not find except an older camel (than what he demands). (The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered them to give him that camel). The man said, "You have paid me in full and may Allah also pay you in full." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Give him, for the best amongst the people is he who repays his debts in the most handsome manner."

Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:

Context

This hadith recounts an encounter where a man approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) seeking repayment for a camel he was owed. Despite the companions suggesting that only an older camel was available, the Prophet (ﷺ) insisted on fulfilling the debt with the best available option. He emphasized that the best among people are those who repay their debts in a gracious manner, highlighting the importance of integrity and kindness in financial dealings.

Modern Application

In modern life, this hadith reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our financial obligations with grace and respect. Whether it's paying debts or settling accounts, approaching these responsibilities with integrity fosters trust and strengthens relationships.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Wages and Labor and Debts and Loans because it underscores the value of repaying debts in a commendable manner, reflecting ethical financial conduct.

Wages and Labor Debts and Loans