and 314, 358, 362, 391, 395, 396, and 399). Some of these chains were also reported by Abu Dawud, and they are documented in Sahih Abi Dawud (8480–8482).

I say: This hadith teaches a refined etiquette, which the great majority of husbands—except those whom Allah wills—have neglected. When they return from a journey at night, they surprise their wives without any prior notice. They should observe this refined etiquette by informing their wives, by some means, that they will arrive at night after the ‘isha’ prayer—for example, through someone who precedes them to the town, or by telephone. Allah is the Granter of success.

Distinguishing, in Matters of Obedience, Between Religious Affairs and Purely Worldly Affairs

3977—“If it is something concerning your worldly affairs, you know best about it; but if it concerns your religion, then refer it to me.”

Ahmad (3/152) reported it through Hammad, from Thabit, from Anas, who said:

The Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—heard some voices and asked, “What is this?” They replied, “They are pollinating the date palms.” He said, “If they were to leave them alone and not pollinate them, they would turn out well.” So they left them and did not pollinate them, but they produced inferior dates. The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—then asked, “What is wrong with you?” They said, “They left them because of what you said.” The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—then said: ... and he mentioned it.

Muslim (7/95), Ibn Majah (2471), and Ibn Hibban (1/112/22) also reported it through other chains from Hammad ibn Salamah: from Hisham ibn ‘Urwah, from his father, from ‘A’ishah; and from Thabit, from Anas, with the same wording. Muslim’s wording is: “You know best about the affairs of your worldly life.”

It has two corroborating reports. The first is from Rafi‘ ibn Khadij, reported by Muslim and Ibn Hibban.