Messenger of Allah, only this man has appropriated my land which belonged to my father. The one who had came from Kinda contended. This is my land and is in my possession: I cultivate it. There is no right for him in it. The Messenger of Allah said to the Hadramite: Have you any evidence (to support you)? He replied in the negative. He (the Messenger of Allah) said: Then your case is to be decided on his oath. He (the Hadramite) said: Messenger of Allah, he is a liar and cares not what he swears and has no regard for anything. Upon this he (the Messenger of Allah) remarked: For you then there is no other help to it. He (the man from Kinda) set out to take an oath. When he turned his back the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed: If he took an oath on his property with a view to usurping it, he would certainly meet his Lord in a state that He would turn away from him.
Narrated by It is narrated on the authority of Wa'il that there came a person from Hadramaut and another one from Kinda to the Apostle (ﷺ). One who had come from Hadramaut said:
Context
In this hadith, a dispute arises between two men regarding land ownership. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes the need for evidence in resolving disputes and indicates that without proof, the case will be decided based on the oath of the accused. This scenario illustrates the importance of justice and fairness in property rights, as well as the consequences of dishonesty.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in our dealings, especially concerning property and rights. In everyday life, it encourages individuals to maintain transparency and fairness in their transactions and relationships.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Oaths and Vows and Property Rights because it deals with the resolution of a property dispute and the significance of oaths in legal matters.
Say, "Indeed, I am on clear evidence from my Lord, and you have denied it. I do not have that for which you are impatient. The decision is only for Allah. He relates the truth, and He is the best of deciders."
O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest - [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allah if you doubt [their testimony, saying], "We will not exchange our oath for a price, even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of Allah. Indeed, we would then be of the sinful."
[The Prophet] has said, "My Lord, judge [between us] in truth. And our Lord is the Most Merciful, the one whose help is sought against that which you describe."
And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
This hadith is #265 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Faith. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It is narrated on the authority of Wa'il that there came a person from Hadramaut and another one from Kinda to the Apostle (ﷺ). One who had come from Hadramaut said:.