Foreword

According to ‘Abdullah ibn al-’Abbas, the Prophet forbade the staging of fights between animals. HADITH OF AT-TIRMIDHI. 164 According to ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar, the Prophet forbade not only indulgence in slander and backbiting, but even listening to such talk. MISHKAT AL-MASABIH. 165 When a man makes a promise with the intention of fulfilling it, but for some valid reason is unable to do so, he does not thereby commit a sin. HADITH OF ABU DAWUD ON THE AUTHORITY OF ZAYD IBN ARQAM.