Another takeaway from this hadith is the keen concern that the Commander of the Believers ʿUmar, may Allah be pleased with him, showed for his subjects, together with his deep sense of responsibility toward them. Because of this, he became famous for his justice and for his sound management of every affair—military and civilian, religious and worldly. In truth he was the finest of the caliphs after Abū Bakr, and in fact represents one of Abū Bakr’s own outstanding merits, for it was Abū Bakr who appointed him over the Muslims. In short, this hadith offers many insights, and we have contented ourselves with what has been mentioned.

(And Allah is the One who grants success.)

1506 – ʿUrwah ibn al-Zubayr narrates that Saʿīd ibn Zayd ibn ʿAmr ibn Nufayl, may Allah be pleased with him, was taken to court by Arwā bint Aws before Marwān ibn al-Ḥakam; she claimed that he had appropriated part of her land. Saʿīd said, “Would I seize anything from her land after what I heard from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him?” Marwān asked, “What did you hear from the Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “I heard the Messenger of Allah say, ‘Whoever unlawfully takes a handspan of land will have it hung around his neck down to the seven earths.’” Marwān then said to him, “I have no need for further proof after this.” Saʿīd supplicated, “O Allah, if she is lying, take away her sight and cause her to die on her own land.” She did not die until she had gone blind; while walking on her property she fell into a pit and died. Agreed upon.

In another narration Muslim transmits from Muḥammad ibn Zayd ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿUmar the same account, stating that he