Download PDF: [S] Instructed not to Whip his Slave

The famous companion who also took part in Badr, Hadrat Sayyiduna ibn Masud – may Allah be pleased with him, was one day punishing his slave in a fit of anger with a whip. He narrates, “Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me declaring, ‘O Aba Masud! Understand that as much power and control you have over this slave, even more power and control Allah Almighty has over you.’

 

“Since I was in extreme anger, I did not understand or fathom these words very well, however, when I turned around, I saw that it was Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. I then approached him with utmost respect and threw the whip on the ground and then said, ‘O Prophet of Allah! For the sake of Allah this slave is now free from my side.’”

 

In another report, it is mentioned that he also made a promise to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – which was that in future he will never punish any slave. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – also mentioned to him, “If you had not freed this slave, then the Fire of Hell would have singed or touched you.” (Muslim Hadith no. 1659)

 

From this incident, we also come to realise that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – always encouraged Muslims to free their slaves and to always behave kindly with those under their control. This is a universal Muslim trait, but sadly, there are many people in the present time, who do not practise on this important message.