If, then, Allah praised the Ansar in such terms for preferring a guest over themselves for one night, while the preference shown in the story of the Household was greater than that, it should have received even greater praise—if it was indeed something praiseworthy. If it was not praiseworthy, however, it cannot be counted among their virtues.

Eighth:

This story contains something that should not be attributed to Ali and Fātimah—may Allah be pleased with them both—for it is contrary to what the revealed law commands: leaving the children hungry for three days and having them fast continuously for three days. Hunger of this severity may harm a person’s intellect, body, and religious commitment.

This is unlike the story of the Ansari, for that man (1) made them go without supper for only one night, which children may be able to bear, unlike three full days and nights.

Ninth:

According to this story, the orphan said:

“My father was martyred on the day of al-Aqabah.”

This is an obvious lie, for no fighting took place on the Night of al-Aqabah. Rather, the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—received the Ansar’s pledge of allegiance on the Night of al-Aqabah, before the Hijrah and before he was commanded to fight.

This shows that the hadith, besides being false, is one of the lies fabricated by those most ignorant of the circumstances of the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Had he said:

“My father was martyred on the day of Uhud,”

that would have been more plausible.

Tenth:

It may be said that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—provided for the children of those slain alongside him. Thus, when Fātimah asked him for a servant, he said:

“I will not neglect the orphans of Badr in order to give you a servant.”