The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ، أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ إِدْرِيسَ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَاصِمُ بْنُ كُلَيْبٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ رَجُلٍ، مِنَ الأَنْصَارِ قَالَ خَرَجْنَا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي جَنَازَةٍ فَرَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَهُوَ عَلَى الْقَبْرِ يُوصِي الْحَافِرَ " أَوْسِعْ مِنْ قِبَلِ رِجْلَيْهِ أَوْسِعْ مِنْ قِبَلِ رَأْسِهِ " . فَلَمَّا رَجَعَ اسْتَقْبَلَهُ دَاعِيَ امْرَأَةٍ فَجَاءَ وَجِيءَ بِالطَّعَامِ فَوَضَعَ يَدَهُ ثُمَّ وَضَعَ الْقَوْمُ فَأَكَلُوا فَنَظَرَ آبَاؤُنَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَلُوكُ لُقْمَةً فِي فَمِهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ " أَجِدُ لَحْمَ شَاةٍ أُخِذَتْ بِغَيْرِ إِذْنِ أَهْلِهَا " . فَأَرْسَلَتِ الْمَرْأَةُ قَالَتْ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي أَرْسَلْتُ إِلَى الْبَقِيعِ يَشْتَرِي لِي شَاةً فَلَمْ أَجِدْ فَأَرْسَلْتُ إِلَى جَارٍ لِي قَدِ اشْتَرَى شَاةً أَنْ أَرْسِلْ إِلَىَّ بِهَا بِثَمَنِهَا فَلَمْ يُوجَدْ فَأَرْسَلْتُ إِلَى امْرَأَتِهِ فَأَرْسَلَتْ إِلَىَّ بِهَا . فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " أَطْعِمِيهِ الأَسَارَى " .
We went out with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to a funeral, and I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) at the grave giving this instruction to the grave-digger:
Make it wide on the side of his feet, and make it wide on the side of his head. When he came back, he was received by a man who conveyed an invitation from a woman. So he came (to her), to it food was brought, and he put his hand (i.e. took a morsel in his hand); the people did the same and they ate. Our fathers noticed that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was moving a morsel around his mouth.
He then said: I find the flesh of a sheep which has been taken without its owner's permission.
The woman sent a message to say: Messenger of Allah, I sent (someone) to an-Naqi' to have a sheep bought for me, but there was none; so I sent (a message) to my neighbour who had bought a sheep, asking him to send it to me for the price (he had paid), but he could not be found. I, therefore, sent (a message) to his wife and she sent it to me.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Give this food to the prisoners.
Narrated by Asim ibn Kulayb quoted his father's authority for the following statement by one of the Ansar:
Context
This hadith recounts an incident where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed a grave-digger during a funeral, emphasizing the importance of proper burial practices. It also highlights a moment where he addressed an issue of food that was taken without permission, showcasing his concern for ethical behavior. The Prophet's actions reflect a balance between mourning and social etiquette.
Modern Application
In contemporary life, this principle can be applied by ensuring that we respect the deceased and their families during funerals. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to be ethical in our dealings, especially regarding food and property, fostering a sense of community and respect.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Eating Etiquette and Hospitality in Islam because it discusses the ethical considerations surrounding food and the importance of hospitality in social interactions.
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.
That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.
And We did not send before you, [O Muhammad], any of the messengers except that they ate food and walked in the markets. And We have made some of you [people] as trial for others - will you have patience? And ever is your Lord, Seeing.
And do not pray [the funeral prayer, O Muhammad], over any of them who has died - ever - or stand at his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.
O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.
This hadith is #3333 from Sunan Abu Dawud, in the Book of Commercial Transactions (Kitab Al-Buyu). It is graded Da'if and narrated by Asim ibn Kulayb quoted his father's authority for the following statement by one of the Ansar:.