On the authority of her father: My father asked the Prophet (ﷺ) for permission (to kiss his body). (When he was given permission), lifting his shirt he approached his body, and began to kiss and stick to him. He then asked: Prophet of Allah, what is the thing withholding of which is not lawful ? He replied: Water. He asked: Prophet of Allah, what is the thing withholding of which is not lawful ? He replied: Salt. He again asked: Prophet of Allah, what is the thing withholding of which is not lawful ? He said: That you do a good work is better for you.
Narrated by Narrated Buhaisah:
Context
In this hadith, a woman named Buhaisah recounts her father's interaction with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, where he seeks permission to express affection towards him. During this encounter, he inquires about things that should not be withheld from others. The Prophet responds by emphasizing the importance of sharing essential resources like water and salt, and ultimately highlights that doing good deeds is the most valuable action.
Modern Application
This teaching encourages individuals to be generous and to share resources that are vital for community well-being. In everyday life, this can manifest as sharing food, water, and kindness, fostering a spirit of cooperation and support among neighbors and friends.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Hospitality in Islam and Respectful Communication because it emphasizes the importance of sharing essential resources and the value of kindness in interactions.
O Prophet, why do you prohibit [yourself from] what Allah has made lawful for you, seeking the approval of your wives? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, "Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us." So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, "Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people."
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.
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And 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 find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
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.