rather, he complied in every respect.

Fourth: The Prophet ﷺ was merciful to his community. After ordering the three men to keep away from their wives, he granted Hilal ibn Umayyah an exemption because he depended on his wife’s service.

Fifth: It is allowed to describe one’s personal circumstances when seeking a legal ruling, giving testimony, or the like, even if the person concerned might prefer that others not know. Hilal’s wife, for example, stated that he had no desire whatsoever for women.

Sixth: If a person finds himself in a situation where he is boycotted, hurt by seeing people, and unable to bear their presence, he may stay away from the congregational prayer; this is a valid excuse. Were he to enter the mosque in such a state, his prayer would be distracted and unsettled. For that reason Kaʿb ibn Mālik—may Allah be pleased with him—performed the dawn prayer on the roof of one of his houses. We have already mentioned this point when discussing Hilal ibn Umayyah and Murarah ibn al-Rabiʿ.

Seventh: The Companions—may Allah be pleased with them—vied with one another to deliver glad tidings, for giving good news brings joy to a fellow Muslim, and bringing joy to a Muslim draws one near to Allah Almighty. It is an act of kindness, and Allah loves the doers of good and never lets their reward go to waste.

Therefore, whenever you learn of something that will please your brother—such as happy news, a pleasant dream, and the like—you should hasten to convey it to him, for by doing so you gladden his heart.

Eighth: One should reciprocate the bearer of good news with a gift suited to the occasion, for Kaʿb ibn Mālik—may Allah be pleased with him—gave the man who brought him the good news his two garments. This is similar to what is authentically