Likewise, the consensus of the Companions is among the strongest forms of evidence in Islamic law. To deny that something is recommended merely because one particular piece of evidence is absent, without considering the remaining evidence, is a grave error. For Allah says:

“And He apportioned therein its sustenance.”

Allah Most High also says:

“It is He who created for you all that is on earth.”

And He says:

“He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth—all from Him.”

And He says:

“And horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and for adornment. And He creates what you do not know.”

Mules were not found in the land of the Arabs, and the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, rode no mule other than the one sent to him as a gift by al-Muqawqis from Egypt after the Treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah. Yet this verse was revealed in Mecca.

There are similar passages in the Quran in which Allah reminds His servants of His blessings that were not found in the Hijāz, such as His words, Most High:

“Let man consider his food: how We poured down water abundantly, then split the earth open, and caused grain to grow therein, and grapes and green fodder, and olives and date palms, and gardens of dense growth, and fruit and pasture.”

There were no olives in the Hijāz, nor is it reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, ate olives. Olive oil, however, may have been brought to them.

Allah Most High also says:

“By the fig and the olive.”

Neither was found in their land, nor is it reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, ate either of them. Likewise, He says:

“And a tree that grows out of Mount Sinai, producing oil and a relish for those who eat.”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, also said: “Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves