Abu Bakr went to a lady from the Ahmas tribe called Zainab bint Al-Muhajir and found that she
refused to speak. He asked, "Why does she not speak." The people said, "She has intended to perform
Hajj without speaking." He said to her, "Speak, for it is illegal not to speak, as it is an action of the
pre-islamic period of ignorance. So she spoke and said, "Who are you?" He said, "A man from the
Emigrants." She asked, "Which Emigrants?" He replied, "From Quraish." She asked, "From what
branch of Quraish are you?" He said, "You ask too many questions; I am Abu Bakr." She said, "How
long shall we enjoy this good order (i.e. Islamic religion) which Allah has brought after the period of
ignorance?" He said, "You will enjoy it as long as your Imams keep on abiding by its rules and
regulations." She asked, "What are the Imams?" He said, "Were there not heads and chiefs of your
nation who used to order the people and they used to obey them?" She said, "Yes." He said, "So they
(i.e. the Imams) are those whom I meant."
Narrated by Narrated Qais bin Abi Hazim:
Context
Abu Bakr visited a woman from the Ahmas tribe who had taken a vow of silence during her pilgrimage. He encouraged her to speak, asserting that such silence was a remnant of pre-Islamic practices. This encounter emphasizes the importance of communication and the need to adhere to Islamic principles over cultural practices.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder that cultural practices should not override Islamic teachings. In our daily interactions, we should prioritize open communication and ensure that our actions align with our faith, fostering a supportive community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Community and Leadership and Authority because it highlights the role of leadership in guiding community practices according to Islamic teachings.
And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allah," while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.
Certainly has Allah heard the speech of the one who argues with you, [O Muhammad], concerning her husband and directs her complaint to Allah. And Allah hears your dialogue; indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing.
Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.
And [remember] when the Prophet confided to one of his wives a statement; and when she informed [another] of it and Allah showed it to him, he made known part of it and ignored a part. And when he informed her about it, she said, "Who told you this?" He said, "I was informed by the Knowing, the Acquainted."
This hadith is #3671 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Qais bin Abi Hazim:.