Hadith of Ka'b ibn Malik

Informed us Abu al-Hasan: Ali ibn Ahmad ibn Abdan reported to us, who said: Ahmad ibn Ubayd al-Saffar informed us, who narrated to us Ubayd ibn Shareek (may Allah be pleased with him). Narrated to us Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Abdullah al-Hafiz - regarding the wording and context of the Hadith - reported to us Abu Bakr ibn Ishaq who informed us Ubayd ibn Abd al-Wahid, meaning ibn Shareek, narrated to us Yahya ibn Bukayr, who informed us al-Laith, from uqayl, from ibn Shibab, from Abd al-Rahman ibn Abdullah ibn Ka'b ibn Malik, that Abdullah ibn Ka'b - the leader of Ka'b when he lost his eyesight from his sons - said: "I heard Ka'b ibn Malik narrate his Hadith when he fell behind the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in the Battle of Tabuk. Ka'b ibn Malik said: 'I have never fallen behind the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in any battle he fought except the Battle of Tabuk, except that I missed the Battle of Badr. Allah did not rebuke anyone for missing it as the Messenger of Allah went out desiring the caravan of Quraysh until Allah brought them together with their enemies at a time unexpected. I was present with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, at the night of al-Aqaba, and I wish I had been present at Badr, even though Badr is most memorable to people. And it was from my knowledge when I fell behind the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in the Battle of Tabuk that I have never been less strong or courageous than when I fell behind him in [ (1) ] months, meaning the most excellent amongst the people.'

The Expedition of Tabuk

In the name of Allah, this was an expedition where never before had two departures convened with me until they both assembled in this expedition. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, would never set out for an expedition without hinting at another, until that very expedition was engaged by the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in intense heat, facing a distant journey, battles, and many enemies. He unveiled their mission to the Muslims, urging them to prepare for their expedition. The Muslims, along with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, were numerous, not bound by a written charter, seeking a diwan. Ka'b said: 'A man is inclined to be absent when he thinks he will be assigned something in which there is no revelation from Allah.' The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, engaged in that expedition when the fruits and shades were pleasant. He and the Muslims with him were getting ready, and I, too, set out early morning to join them, having not prepared anything. I thought to myself that I could do so whenever I wanted. Yet, the seriousness of the situation escalated among the people. Morning came, and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and the Muslims with him set off. I had not made any preparations. So, I decided to get ready a day or two later to catch up with them. The following day, after they had prayed, I intended to prepare, but I returned without doing anything. This pattern continued until they hastened and the expedition set off. I had the urge to leave to catch up with them, but circumstances did not allow it. Whenever I went out among the people after the departure of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, I would involuntarily notice only a man worn down by hypocrisy or someone excused by Allah due to weakness. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, did not mention me until they reached Tabuk. Sitting among the people in Tabuk, he asked: 'What about Ka'b?' A man from the Banu Salimah responded: 'O Messenger of Allah! It is enough for him that he has the Book in which his account is recorded.' The Book here refers to the preserved records, and it is also suggested to refer to the Arabic language.

Dialogue between Mu'adh ibn Jabal and Ka'b ibn Malik

Mu'adh ibn Jabal observed the cloak of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and remarked, "What a terrible thing you've said!" Swearing by Allah, Mu'adh asserted that they had never learned anything but goodness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent.

Ka'b ibn Malik's Reflections

Ka'b ibn Malik narrates that upon hearing that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was coming back from Tabuk, his anxiety heightened, and he felt torn between concocting lies for an excuse and seeking counsel from his family members. However, when it was announced that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had arrived, all his futile plans dissipated, and Ka'b realized that honesty was his only recourse.

The Prophet's Return from Tabuk

The Prophet (peace be upon him) upon returning from a journey would first visit the mosque, perform two units of prayer, and then sit with the people. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) sat with them, those who made excuses to him came forward, expressing regret, swearing oaths, and seeking his forgiveness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) accepted their apologies openly, pledged allegiance, sought forgiveness for them, and entrusted their secrets to Allah.

Ka'b ibn Malik's Account

When Ka'b approached the Prophet (peace be upon him) and greeted him, the Prophet smiled slightly, then asked him to come forward. Ka'b sat before him and confessed his mistake. The Prophet acknowledged his honesty and instructed Ka'b to wait for Allah's decree regarding him.

Repentance and Resolution

After seeking forgiveness from the Prophet (peace be upon him), Ka'b faced criticism from some men of Banu Salimah for not offering similar repentance earlier. Despite feeling tempted to lie to them and escape further condemnation, Ka'b reflected on his earlier dishonesty and chose to speak the truth, seeking Allah's forgiveness with sincerity.

Encounter with the Prophet (peace be upon him)

During my journey to meet with the Prophet (peace be upon him), people avoided us and turned away, until even the earth beneath me seemed unrecognizable. This continued for fifty nights, during which my companions stayed home in sadness while I wandered the markets, unnoticed and silent.

Meeting the Prophet (peace be upon him)

One day, I gathered the courage to approach the Prophet (peace be upon him) while he was in his gathering after prayers. As I greeted him, I wondered if he would respond. Observing me closely, he acknowledged my presence when I prayed, but turned away when I looked at him, causing me distress. Feeling isolated, I sought solace in a wall, belonging to my beloved uncle, Abu Qatadah.

Seeking Advice from Abu Qatadah

Desperate for reassurance, I approached Abu Qatadah repeatedly, asking if he thought I truly loved Allah and His Messenger. After a moment of contemplation, Abu Qatadah affirmed that only Allah and His Messenger truly knew. Overwhelmed by emotion, I turned away, seeking comfort in the solid familiarity of the wall.

Guided by a Stranger

Lost in thought one day in the city's market, a stranger seeking Ka'b ibn Malik approached me. He handed me a letter from the King of Ghassan, informing me that someone close had betrayed me. This unexpected message plunged me into uncertainty and reflection.

Translation of the Classical Arabic Text

Key Points: Ka'b ibn Malik narrates his experience during the period of boycott by the Prophet Muhammad.

Boycott and Isolation

When the command of the Prophet came to isolate from their wives, Ka'b pondered this hardship. The Prophet advised him to maintain distance from his wife and conveyed a similar message to others. Ka'b chose to isolate himself from his wife, aligning with Divine decree.

A Testing Time

During the period of isolation, a woman approached the Prophet seeking permission to serve a destitute elderly man, Hilal ibn Umayyah. The Prophet allowed her but advised her to keep her distance. The woman attested to Hilal's piety and humility.

Personal Struggles and Resolution

Despite pressure from family members, Ka'b refused to seek the Prophet's permission to approach his wife. Fifty nights passed as he upheld the isolation, deep in contemplation and prayer. Eventually, a voice proclaimed the relief from isolation, signaling Divine acceptance of their repentance.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

In the morning prayer, people came to give us glad tidings, and the companion bringing the good news went towards me. A man rode a horse and hurried to me as fast as it could. When the man arrived, who I heard the voice of giving me glad tidings, I took off my two garments and gave them to him, for I had nothing else with me on that day. I put on two other garments and set out to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. I was greeted by groups of people congratulating me on my repentance until I entered the mosque. Talhah ibn Ubayd Allah came to me, keeping pushing until he shook my hand and congratulated me, which no other man from the immigrants did. I will never forget this gesture from Talhah.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, while his face radiating with joy, said, "Rejoice for a day that has passed over you from the day your mother gave birth to you." I asked, "Is this from you, O Messenger of Allah, or from Allah (Exalted and Glorified)?" He replied, "No, rather it is from Allah, the Blessed, and Exalted." Whenever the Prophet was given good news, his face would shine brightly, like a piece of the moon.

When I was sitting in front of him, I said, "O Messenger of Allah, part of my repentance is to give charity from my wealth to Allah, the Almighty and to you, the Messenger." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, advised me to keep some of my wealth, telling me it would be better for me. When I insisted on giving my share from the wealth of Khaybar, I also told him that I would speak only the truth from then on. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, acknowledged this and praised me, saying that he hoped Allah would protect me in what remained.

Allah, the Exalted, revealed concerning the Prophet, the Emigrants, and the Helpers who followed him during the tough times, after their hearts nearly strayed: "And He also forgave the three who had lagged behind." (Quran 9:118)

Reflections on Faith and Repentance

There is no refuge from God except to Him. Then He turned towards them so they could repent. Indeed, Allah is the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful. O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with the truthful. By Allah, the favor that Allah bestowed upon me after guiding me to Islam was greater in my eyes than my truthfulness to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, on that day. I resolved not to ever belie him, lest I perish like those who belied him. Indeed, Allah Almighty said about those who belied him when the revelation descended, the worst of what one could say to another.

Exhortation to Uphold Truthfulness and Steadfastness

They will surely swear by Allah to you when you return to them so you would turn away from them. So turn away from them. Indeed, they are impure, and their refuge is Hell as recompense for what they have been earning. They swear to please you, but if you are pleased by them, Allah will not be pleased with the defiantly disobedient people.

Story of Ka'b ibn Malik

Ka'b ibn Malik narrated: We lagged behind, the three of us, from responding to the call of duty to accompany those whom the Messenger of Allah had accepted their pledge when they swore to him and sought forgiveness for them. The Messenger of Allah delayed our matter until Allah decreed in our regard. On that, Allah revealed: "Upon the three who stayed behind" referring to our lagging behind, not as Allah described it in relation to not joining the expedition. It was solely due to our procrastination and the Messenger's deferral of our matter by overlooking those who swore and sought forgiveness. The Messenger of Allah accepted his apology. Narrated by al-Bukhari. May Allah have mercy on him.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz informed us, saying: Abu Ja'far Al-Baghdadi narrated to us, saying:

Abu Ulatha informed us, saying: My father told us, saying: Ibn Lahia narrated from Abu Al-Aswad, from 'Urwah (may Allah be pleased with him).

Abu Al-Husayn ibn Al-Fadl Al-Qattan informed us, saying: Abu Bakr ibn 'Attab Al-Abdi narrated to us, saying: Al-Qasim ibn Abdullah ibn Al-Mughira narrated to us, saying: Ibn Abi Uways narrated to us, saying: Isma'il ibn Ibrahim ibn 'Uqbah narrated from Musa ibn 'Uqbah, saying: Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) advanced with his caravan until, as they approached Medina, those who stayed behind met him. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to his companions, "Do not speak to any of them or sit with them until I give you permission." So the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the believers turned away from them until the man would turn away even from his father and brother, and the woman would turn away from her husband. They stayed like this for days until those who stayed behind were distressed, started apologizing to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and sought his forgiveness with effort and illness. They swore to him, so he showed mercy to them, accepted their allegiance, sought forgiveness for them."

Musa ibn 'Uqbah added in his narration: Ibn Shihab said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) reached Tabuk in that expedition, stayed there for about ten nights. He mentioned that the hypocrites who lagged behind were eighty-three men. It is narrated that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was leaving, three men were among those who stayed behind: Ka'b ibn Malik As-Sulami, Hilal ibn Umayyah Al-Waqifi, and Murarah ibn Ar-Rabi' Al-'Amri. Then they mentioned a detailed story about Ka'b ibn Malik' which fluctuated in its details. From what was added, is the mention of Malik Gassanah in the area of Banu Al-Ayham. They mentioned that they left their families and went to the wilderness, staying in caves at night, worshipping Allah in the sun during the day, until they resembled monks. Then they mentioned Ka'b's return to a settlement called Sal'."

Story of Ka'b ibn Malik

In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Ka'b ibn Malik stayed fasting during the day and would return to his home at night. Once, two men rushed towards him, giving him the good news of Allah's acceptance of his repentance and mentioning that Abu Bakr and Umar were ahead of him. They recounted the story of Ka'b.

Lesson from the Qur'an

Reflecting on those who lagged behind the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and made false excuses, the Qur'an advises believers to remain truthful and sincere, for Allah rewards them for their deeds.

Categories of People

The text distinguishes between those with valid excuses and those without. The weak and ill were pardoned, as Allah is forgiving and merciful. However, those with no valid excuses were criticized for their insincerity.

Response to Hypocrisy

Upon hearing the revelation concerning hypocrites, Julas ibn Suwayd remarked that if Muhammad is truthful, they are worse than donkeys.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Accusation Against Muhammad and Response

"His cousin, by Allah, Muhammad is truthful and you are more foolish than donkeys. Woe to you, you have deviated from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and shown hypocrisy, and I cannot remain silent about this matter."

The Story of Swaid ibn Samit and Aamir ibn Qais

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had granted Swaid ibn Samit intelligence and given him from the charity. Amir ibn Qais went to the Prophet and narrated to him what was being talked about in the gathering. The Prophet sent for him and he swore by Allah that he had never spoken those words. Amir bin Qais lied about the Prophet and later repented and confessed his sin. This incident took place during the Tabuk campaign, which was the last expedition of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Narration of Moses ibn Uqba

Moses ibn Uqba's hadith, narrated with the same meaning by Uruwa, was reported to us by Ali ibn Ahmad ibn Abdan, who said: Ahmad ibn Ubaid al-Saffar informed us, who said: Ibn Salman narrated to us, who said: Amr ibn Khalid informed us, who said: Zuhair told us, who said: Simak ibn Harb narrated to me from Sa'id ibn Jubayr, from Ibn Abbas, who said: While the Messenger of Allah was sitting in the shade of one of his rooms and a group of Muslims were with him, a man will come to you looking like a devil with a squint in one eye. Do not speak to him. A man entered, appearing with a pale complexion, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him why he and others were cursing such and such people."

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Surah Al-Mujadila (58:28-31)

They think that they are on something, but indeed, they are [only] lying.

Narrated by Israel from Simak from Ikrimah from Ibn Abbas:

Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz and Abu Saeed Ibn Abi Amr informed us, saying: Abu Al-Abbas informed us that Muhammad Ibn Ya'qub narrated to us that Umayyah narrated to us that Yahya Ibn Abi Bukayr Al-Kirmani narrated to us from Israel from Simak from Ikrimah from Ibn Abbas, who said: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was sitting in the shade that was about to move away from him. He then mentioned the meaning of this.

Narrated by Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz (Ibrahim) that Ahmad Ibn Ishaq Al-Faqih narrated to us, who said: Muhammad Ibn Ghalib narrated to us that Abu Hudhayfah narrated to us that Sufyan reported. And narrated to us Abu Al-Hasan Ali Ibn Muhammad Al-Muqri, who said: Hasan Ibn Muhammad Ibn Ishaq narrated to us that Yusuf Ibn Ya'qub narrated to us that Muhammad Ibn Bakr and Nasr Ibn Ali, with the wording of Nasr, said that Abu Ahmad informed us, Sufyan narrated from Salamah Ibn Kuhayl, from Iyad Ibn Iyad, from his father, from Abu Mas'ud who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, delivered a sermon and mentioned what Allah willed [to be mentioned] in that sermon.

He then said: "O people, among you there are hypocrites. Whoever I name, let him stand up." So, Fulan, stand up, stand up, O [mention of a noble verse (58:18) from Surah Al-Mujadila].

It was reported by Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak (2:482) and he said: "This hadith is authentic according to the conditions of Muslim, and they did not record it." Also narrated by As-Suyuti in Ad-Durr Al-Munthur (6:186) from Imam Ahmad, Al-Bazzar, At-Tabarani, Ibn Mandah, Ibn Abi Hatim, and Ibn Mardawayah, as well as Al-Hakim, (30) from (k), and the same in all chains. The addition is from (k).

Explanation of Seeking Well-being

Once, a person kept counting until he reached thirty-six, then said: "Indeed, there is either a source of goodness among you, or one of you is a source of evil. Therefore, ask Allah for well-being." Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) then came across a person who appeared respectable, and whom he recognized. He asked him: "What is your condition?" The person informed him of the statement made by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Omar replied: "Be away from me for the rest of the day." (Reported by Ibn Kathir in Al-Tarikh, 5:27)