Fatima complained of what she suffered from the hand mill and from grinding, when she got the news
that some slave girls of the booty had been brought to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). She went to him to ask for a
maid-servant, but she could not find him, and told `Aisha of her need. When the Prophet (ﷺ) came, Aisha
informed him of that. The Prophet (ﷺ) came to our house when we had gone to our beds. (On seeing the
Prophet) we were going to get up, but he said, 'Keep at your places,' I felt the coolness of the Prophet's
feet on my chest. Then he said, "Shall I tell you a thing which is better than what you asked me for?
When you go to your beds, say: 'Allahu Akbar (i.e. Allah is Greater)' for 34 times, and 'Al hamdu Li llah
(i.e. all the praises are for Allah)' for 33 times, and Subhan Allah (i.e. Glorified be Allah) for 33
times. This is better for you than what you have requested."
Narrated by Narrated `Ali:
Context
In this hadith, Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), expressed her difficulties with household chores and sought assistance from her father. Instead of providing a servant, the Prophet (ﷺ) offered her a spiritual remedy, teaching her a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that would be more beneficial than what she initially requested. This highlights the importance of spiritual practices in alleviating worldly burdens.
Modern Application
In modern life, this hadith emphasizes the value of spiritual practices such as dhikr in managing stress and finding peace. When faced with challenges, individuals can turn to remembrance of Allah as a source of comfort and strength, enhancing their mental and emotional well-being.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Conduct and Spousal Rights because it illustrates the Prophet's (ﷺ) approach to addressing family needs and promoting spiritual well-being.
But let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, "Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us." So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, "Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people."
This hadith is #2985 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of One-fifth of Booty to the Cause of Allah (Khumus). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated `Ali:.