among the Emigrants, and you will end up loading some of them onto the shoulders of others.”
Both al-Bukhārī and Muslim relate—on the authority of Abū Saʿīd (may Allah be pleased with him)—that he said: “The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, once sat upon the pulpit and we gathered around him. He said: ‘Among the things I fear for you after I am gone is that the blossoms and adornment of this world will be opened up for you.’ A man asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, can good bring forth evil?’ The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, remained silent. People said to the man: ‘What is the matter? You speak to the Messenger of Allah and he does not answer you.’ We realized that revelation was descending upon him. When he regained composure he wiped the perspiration from his brow and said, ‘Where is the questioner?’—and it was as though he thanked him—then he said: ‘Good does not bring about evil.’
In another narration he said: ‘Where is the one who questioned a moment ago? Was it good that was mentioned?—three times. Truly, good produces only good. And among the vegetation that the spring causes to grow is that which kills by bloat…’
(1) Muslim’s version reads fatajaʿalun (“you then appoint”).
(2) The preposition ʿala (“over”) is absent from manuscript A.
(3) See Sahih Muslim, Book of Asceticism and Heart-Softening Narrations, no. 2962 (4/2274). The expression “you carry some of them on the necks of others” means that you make some of them rulers over others; cf. al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, 18:97.
(4) The eminent Companion is Saʿd ibn Malik ibn Thalabah al-Ansari al-Khazraji, a jurist among the Companions and a prolific transmitter of hadith. Because of his youth his first battle was the Trench; he thereafter fought in all subsequent campaigns. Renowned for learning and distinction, he died in 74 AH. Sources: Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-ghabah, 5:211; Ibn Kathir, al-Bidayah wa-l-nihayah, 9:3–4.
(5) Manuscript A reads warawayna, which is a copyist’s error.
(6) Copies A and J add the blessing, “peace and blessings be upon him and his family.”
(7) al-Rahdaʾ: perspiration (sweat).
(8) Copy At omits the particle ma.
(9) al-Habat refers to abdominal swelling caused by overeating or unsuitable fodder; certain grasses and shrubs, when livestock consume them excessively, distend the stomach and trap the food until the animal dies. See: al-Qamus al-Muhit, s.v. habat, 2:366; al-Muʿjam al-Wasit, 1:153.