What is Sunan Abu Dawud 3921 about?

This hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud (Book of Divination and Omens (Kitab Al-Kahanah Wa Al-Tatayyur)), narrated by Narrated Buraydah ibn al-Hasib:, states: "The Prophet (ﷺ) did not take omens from anything, but when he sent out an agent he asked about his name. If it pleased him, he was glad about it, and his cheerfulness on that account was visible in hi…"

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sunan Abu Dawud, which contains 5,276 hadiths across 43 books. It is hadith number 3921 in the Book of Divination and Omens (Kitab Al-Kahanah Wa Al-Tatayyur).

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#3920

#3921

Sunan Abu Dawud

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Sunan Abu Dawud #3921

Divination and Omens (Kitab Al-Kahanah Wa Al-Tatayyur)

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

حَدَّثَنَا مُسْلِمُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ لاَ يَتَطَيَّرُ مِنْ شَىْءٍ وَكَانَ إِذَا بَعَثَ عَامِلاً سَأَلَ عَنِ اسْمِهِ فَإِذَا أَعْجَبَهُ اسْمُهُ فَرِحَ بِهِ وَرُئِيَ بِشْرُ ذَلِكَ فِي وَجْهِهِ وَإِنْ كَرِهَ اسْمَهُ رُئِيَ كَرَاهِيَةُ ذَلِكَ فِي وَجْهِهِ وَإِذَا دَخَلَ قَرْيَةً سَأَلَ عَنِ اسْمِهَا فَإِنْ أَعْجَبَهُ اسْمُهَا فَرِحَ بِهَا وَرُئِيَ بِشْرُ ذَلِكَ فِي وَجْهِهِ وَإِنْ كَرِهَ اسْمَهَا رُئِيَ كَرَاهِيَةُ ذَلِكَ فِي وَجْهِهِ ‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) did not take omens from anything, but when he sent out an agent he asked about his name. If it pleased him, he was glad about it, and his cheerfulness on that account was visible in his face. If he disliked his name, his displeasure on that account was visible in his face. When he entered a village, he asked about its name, and if it pleased him, he was glad about it, and his cheerfulness on that account was visible in his face. But if he disliked its name, his displeasure on that account was visible in his face.

Narrated by Narrated Buraydah ibn al-Hasib:

Context

This hadith illustrates the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) approach to omens and names. He did not believe in superstitions but showed a preference for names that brought him joy. His reactions to names reflected his feelings, indicating the significance of positivity and how names can influence perceptions. The takeaway is the importance of a positive outlook and the impact of names in social interactions.

Modern Application

In daily life, this principle encourages individuals to foster positivity in their interactions by appreciating names and identities. Acknowledging and valuing the names of others can enhance relationships and create a more uplifting environment.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Conduct and Respectful Communication because it highlights the Prophet's (ﷺ) demeanor towards names and his preference for positivity, reflecting the importance of respectful and uplifting communication.

Prophetic Conduct Respectful Communication