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 4241 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?

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#4240

#4241

Sahih Muslim

#4242

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Sahih Muslim #4241

Q: What is Sahih Muslim 4241 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 b. Munya reported on the authority of his father that there came to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) a person who had bitten the hand of another person and who had withdrawn his hand (and as a result thereof) his foreteeth had fallen (those which had bitten). The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) turned down his (claim), and said:, states: "Do you wish to bite 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.

حَدَّثَنَا شَيْبَانُ بْنُ فَرُّوخَ، حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَطَاءٌ، عَنْ صَفْوَانَ بْنِ يَعْلَى ابْنِ، مُنْيَةَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ أَتَى النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَجُلٌ وَقَدْ عَضَّ يَدَ رَجُلٍ فَانْتَزَعَ يَدَهُ فَسَقَطَتْ ثَنِيَّتَاهُ - يَعْنِي الَّذِي عَضَّهُ - قَالَ فَأَبْطَلَهَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَقَالَ ‏ "‏ أَرَدْتَ أَنْ تَقْضَمَهُ كَمَا يَقْضَمُ الْفَحْلُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Do you wish to bite as the camel bites?

Narrated by Safwan b. Ya'la b. Munya reported on the authority of his father that there came to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) a person who had bitten the hand of another person and who had withdrawn his hand (and as a result thereof) his foreteeth had fallen (those which had bitten). The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) turned down his (claim), and said:

Context

In this hadith, a man comes to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) after having bitten another person's hand, resulting in the loss of his own teeth. The Prophet (ﷺ) dismisses the man's claim for retribution, comparing his action to that of a camel biting. This situation highlights the importance of justice and proportionality in retribution, emphasizing that one should not inflict harm upon others recklessly.

Modern Application

Today, this principle reminds us of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully rather than resorting to violence. It encourages individuals to think before acting and to consider the consequences of their actions on others, promoting a culture of understanding and respect.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Qisas (Retribution) and Punishments (Hudud) because it addresses the concept of proportional justice in cases of harm inflicted upon others.

Qisas (Retribution)Punishments (Hudud)