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 Muslim, which contains 7,459 hadiths across 57 books. It is hadith number 4239 in the Book of The Book of Oaths, Muharibin, Qasas (Retaliation), and Diyat (Blood Money).

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.

‹

#4238

#4239

Sahih Muslim

#4240

›

Sahih Muslim #4239

Q: What is Sahih Muslim 4239 about?

This hadith from Sahih Muslim (Book of The Book of Oaths, Muharibin, Qasas (Retaliation), and Diyat (Blood Money)), narrated by Safwan b. Ya'la reported that a person bit the arm of the servant of Ya'la b. Munya. He pulled it and his foretooth fell. The matter was referred to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) and he turned it down and said:, states: "Did you intend to bite his hand, as the camel bites?"

The Book of Oaths, Muharibin, Qasas (Retaliation), and Diyat (Blood Money)

Sahih

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

حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو غَسَّانَ الْمِسْمَعِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاذُ بْنُ هِشَامٍ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ بُدَيْلٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ أَبِي رَبَاحٍ، عَنْ صَفْوَانَ بْنِ يَعْلَى، أَنَّ أَجِيرًا، لِيَعْلَى ابْنِ مُنْيَةَ عَضَّ رَجُلٌ ذِرَاعَهُ فَجَذَبَهَا فَسَقَطَتْ ثَنِيَّتُهُ فَرُفِعَ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَأَبْطَلَهَا وَقَالَ ‏ " أَرَدْتَ أَنْ تَقْضَمَهَا كَمَا يَقْضَمُ الْفَحْلُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Did you intend to bite his hand, as the camel bites?

Narrated by Safwan b. Ya'la reported that a person bit the arm of the servant of Ya'la b. Munya. He pulled it and his foretooth fell. The matter was referred to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) and he turned it down and said:

Context

This hadith recounts an incident where a dispute arose from a physical altercation, leading to a legal matter being brought before the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Prophet's response emphasizes the importance of justice and the principle that one should not seek excessive retribution for harm done. His ruling reflects a balanced approach to justice, considering the circumstances of the incident.

Modern Application

In contemporary society, this principle can be seen in the legal systems that aim to provide fair resolutions without encouraging revenge. It highlights the importance of seeking justice through proper channels rather than taking matters into one's own hands, fostering a more peaceful community.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Blood Money because it addresses the legal implications of physical harm and the pursuit of justice.

Blood Money