finds no place to land, it goes back to the one who was cursed: if he deserves it, it settles upon him; if not, it returns to the person who uttered it. Related by Abū Dāwūd.

1557 – ʿImrān ibn Ḥuṣayn (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: While the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was on a journey, a woman from the Anṣār was riding a she-camel. She became exasperated and cursed the animal. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ heard her and said, “Unload her and let her go, for she is now accursed.” ʿImrān added, “It is as though I can still see that camel walking among the people—no one taking any notice of her.” Reported by Muslim.

1558 – Abū Barzah Naḍlah ibn ʿUbayd al-Aslamī (may Allah be pleased with him) said: A young girl was riding a she-camel that was carrying some of the people’s baggage. When she caught sight of the Prophet ﷺ and the mountain pass grew tight around them, she exclaimed, “Ḥal! O Allah, curse her!” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “A she-camel that carries a curse is not to travel with us.” Reported by Muslim.

He said: The word ḥal—opening the ḥāʾ and keeping the lām silent—is an expression used to spur on camels. Know that the meaning of this ḥadīth may at first seem problematic, but in fact it is perfectly clear: the Prophet’s intent was simply to forbid that particular camel from accompanying them. He did not prohibit its sale, slaughter, or riding.