Al-Risala (English) · On hearing the Hereafter mentioned, he waived his claim

On hearing the Hereafter mentioned, he waived his claim

Al-Risala (English), July 1994, p. 7

By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.

On hearing the Hereafter mentioned, he waived his claim

1994 7 July 7 On hearing the Hereafter mentioned, he waived his claim (216) Umm Salama tells of how two Jo’ the Ansar brought a dispute before the Prophet about a long-standing issue of inheritance for which neither party could produce a witness. “You bring me your disputes,” the Prophet said to them, “and, when no proper evidence is brought forward, I judge them according to my own way of thinking. I might, on the basis of partial evidence, make a settlement in favour of one of the parties, but in so doing, it may be that I take away from the other what is his rightful due. In that case, the one is whose favour I pass judgement should not accept what has been apportioned to him, for that would be like his accepting a firebrand which, on the Day of Resurrection, would stick on his neck.” At these words, both the Ansar broke down and wept. “Prophet of God!” they both cried out, “he can have my rightful share!” “The Prophet then told them that in view of their changed attitude they should go and, seeking to do what was just and right, should divide the inheritance into two parts. Then they should draw lots as to who should have which part. In this way, each would have the other’s approval of the share he received.

(Kanz al-Umma)

The printed page

‹ Previous page Next page › About this issue Open in the reader

Printed page