The hadith concerning the delegation of ʿAbd al-Qays is among the best-known and most authentic hadiths. Some versions in al-Bukhārī do not mention fasting, but it is mentioned in many of his versions and in Muslim’s collection. It is also mentioned in the hadith of Abū Saʿīd recounting the visit of the delegation of ʿAbd al-Qays, which Muslim narrated from him in his Sahīh. Both al-Bukhārī and Muslim narrated the hadith of Ibn ʿAbbās, which states that he commanded them to give one-fifth of the spoils. The obligation to pay this fifth was not instituted until the Battle of Badr, whereas fasting Ramadan had been made obligatory before that.

The delegation of ʿAbd al-Qays was among the finest delegations to visit the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Their visit took place before the pilgrimage became obligatory. It has been said that they came in the Year of Delegations, the ninth year, but the correct view is that they came earlier. They said, “Between us and you is this group of unbelievers from Mudar”—meaning the people of Najd—“and we can only reach you during a sacred month.” By the ninth year, however, the Arabs had been subdued and had abandoned warfare. They were either Muslims or apprehensive parties to treaties, after Allah had granted the conquest of Mecca and the Muslims had defeated Hawāzin at Hunayn. They had merely been waiting for the conquest of Mecca before embracing Islam.

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, sent Abū Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, to lead the pilgrimage in the ninth year. He then sent ʿAlī ibn Abī Tālib, may Allah be pleased with him, after him to give effect to the treaties between the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and the Arabs. However, he granted them a respite of four months from the time of Abū Bakr’s pilgrimage, which took place in Dhū al-Qaʿdah.

Allah Most High said:

“Then, when the sacred months have passed, kill the polytheists”—to the end of the verse.

These four months for which they granted a respite are the four sacred months.