Fatima complained about the blisters on her hand because of using a mill-stone. She went to ask the
Prophet for servant, but she did not find him (at home) and had to inform `Aisha of her need. When he
came, `Aisha informed him about it. `Ali added: The Prophet (ﷺ) came to us when we had gone to our
beds. When I was going to get up, he said, "'Stay in your places," and sat between us, till I felt the
coolness of the feet on my chest. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said, "Shall I not tell you of a thing which is better
for you than a servant? When you (both) go to your beds, say 'Allahu Akbar' thirty-three times, and
'Subhan Allah' thirty-three times, 'Al hamdu 'illah' thirty-three times, for that is better for you than a
servant." Ibn Seereen said, "Subhan Allah' (is to be said for) thirty-four times."
Narrated by Narrated `Ali:
Context
This hadith describes an incident where Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), seeks help due to the physical strain from her daily chores. Instead of providing a servant, the Prophet (ﷺ) offers her a spiritual practice that is more beneficial. This highlights the balance between physical needs and spiritual growth.
Modern Application
In today's context, this hadith encourages individuals to seek spiritual fulfillment through practices such as dhikr (remembrance of Allah) rather than solely relying on material solutions. It promotes a holistic approach to well-being.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Spiritual Growth and Spiritual Purity because it emphasizes the importance of spiritual practices in achieving personal well-being and growth.
O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.
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.
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.