Chapter 51

باب 51

(51) باب حَدِيثُ أَبْرَصَ وَأَعْمَى وَأَقْرَعَ فِي بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ

(51) Chapter: The tale of three Israelites, a leper, a bald man and a blind man (TH)
131
حَدَّثَنِي أَحْمَدُ بْنُ إِسْحَاقَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَاصِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي عَمْرَةَ، أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، حَدَّثَهُ أَنَّهُ، سَمِعَ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ح وَحَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ رَجَاءٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا هَمَّامٌ، عَنْ إِسْحَاقَ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي عَمْرَةَ، أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ حَدَّثَهُ أَنَّهُ، سَمِعَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " إِنَّ ثَلاَثَةً فِي بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَبْرَصَ وَأَقْرَعَ وَأَعْمَى بَدَا لِلَّهِ أَنْ يَبْتَلِيَهُمْ، فَبَعَثَ إِلَيْهِمْ مَلَكًا، فَأَتَى الأَبْرَصَ. فَقَالَ أَىُّ شَىْءٍ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ لَوْنٌ حَسَنٌ وَجِلْدٌ حَسَنٌ، قَدْ قَذِرَنِي النَّاسُ. قَالَ فَمَسَحَهُ، فَذَهَبَ عَنْهُ، فَأُعْطِيَ لَوْنًا حَسَنًا وَجِلْدًا حَسَنًا. فَقَالَ أَىُّ الْمَالِ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ الإِبِلُ ـ أَوْ قَالَ الْبَقَرُ هُوَ شَكَّ فِي ذَلِكَ، إِنَّ الأَبْرَصَ وَالأَقْرَعَ، قَالَ أَحَدُهُمَا الإِبِلُ، وَقَالَ الآخَرُ الْبَقَرُ ـ فَأُعْطِيَ نَاقَةً عُشَرَاءَ. فَقَالَ يُبَارَكُ لَكَ فِيهَا. وَأَتَى الأَقْرَعَ فَقَالَ أَىُّ شَىْءٍ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ شَعَرٌ حَسَنٌ، وَيَذْهَبُ عَنِّي هَذَا، قَدْ قَذِرَنِي النَّاسُ. قَالَ فَمَسَحَهُ فَذَهَبَ، وَأُعْطِيَ شَعَرًا حَسَنًا. قَالَ فَأَىُّ الْمَالِ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ الْبَقَرُ. قَالَ فَأَعْطَاهُ بَقَرَةً حَامِلاً، وَقَالَ يُبَارَكُ لَكَ فِيهَا. وَأَتَى الأَعْمَى فَقَالَ أَىُّ شَىْءٍ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ يَرُدُّ اللَّهُ إِلَىَّ بَصَرِي، فَأُبْصِرُ بِهِ النَّاسَ. قَالَ فَمَسَحَهُ، فَرَدَّ اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ بَصَرَهُ. قَالَ فَأَىُّ الْمَالِ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ الْغَنَمُ. فَأَعْطَاهُ شَاةً وَالِدًا، فَأُنْتِجَ هَذَانِ، وَوَلَّدَ هَذَا، فَكَانَ لِهَذَا وَادٍ مِنْ إِبِلٍ، وَلِهَذَا وَادٍ مِنْ بَقَرٍ، وَلِهَذَا وَادٍ مِنَ الْغَنَمِ. ثُمَّ إِنَّهُ أَتَى الأَبْرَصَ فِي صُورَتِهِ وَهَيْئَتِهِ فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ مِسْكِينٌ، تَقَطَّعَتْ بِيَ الْحِبَالُ فِي سَفَرِي، فَلاَ بَلاَغَ الْيَوْمَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ ثُمَّ بِكَ، أَسْأَلُكَ بِالَّذِي أَعْطَاكَ اللَّوْنَ الْحَسَنَ وَالْجِلْدَ الْحَسَنَ وَالْمَالَ بَعِيرًا أَتَبَلَّغُ عَلَيْهِ فِي سَفَرِي. فَقَالَ لَهُ إِنَّ الْحُقُوقَ كَثِيرَةٌ. فَقَالَ لَهُ كَأَنِّي أَعْرِفُكَ، أَلَمْ تَكُنْ أَبْرَصَ يَقْذَرُكَ النَّاسُ فَقِيرًا فَأَعْطَاكَ اللَّهُ فَقَالَ لَقَدْ وَرِثْتُ لِكَابِرٍ عَنْ كَابِرٍ. فَقَالَ إِنْ كُنْتَ كَاذِبًا فَصَيَّرَكَ اللَّهُ إِلَى مَا كُنْتَ، وَأَتَى الأَقْرَعَ فِي صُورَتِهِ وَهَيْئَتِهِ، فَقَالَ لَهُ مِثْلَ مَا قَالَ لِهَذَا، فَرَدَّ عَلَيْهِ مِثْلَ مَا رَدَّ عَلَيْهِ هَذَا فَقَالَ إِنْ كُنْتَ كَاذِبًا فَصَيَّرَكَ اللَّهُ إِلَى مَا كُنْتَ. وَأَتَى الأَعْمَى فِي صُورَتِهِ فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ مِسْكِينٌ وَابْنُ سَبِيلٍ وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِيَ الْحِبَالُ فِي سَفَرِي، فَلاَ بَلاَغَ الْيَوْمَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ، ثُمَّ بِكَ أَسْأَلُكَ بِالَّذِي رَدَّ عَلَيْكَ بَصَرَكَ شَاةً أَتَبَلَّغُ بِهَا فِي سَفَرِي. فَقَالَ قَدْ كُنْتُ أَعْمَى فَرَدَّ اللَّهُ بَصَرِي، وَفَقِيرًا فَقَدْ أَغْنَانِي، فَخُذْ مَا شِئْتَ، فَوَاللَّهِ لاَ أَجْهَدُكَ الْيَوْمَ بِشَىْءٍ أَخَذْتَهُ لِلَّهِ. فَقَالَ أَمْسِكْ مَالَكَ، فَإِنَّمَا ابْتُلِيتُمْ، فَقَدْ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْكَ وَسَخِطَ عَلَى صَاحِبَيْكَ ".

Narrated Abu Huraira:
that he heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "Allah willed to test three Israelis who were a Leper, a blind man and a bald-headed man. So, he sent them an angel who came to the leper and said, 'What thing do you like most?' He replied, 'Good color and good skin, for the people have a strong aversion to me.' The angel touched him and his illness was cured, and he was given a good color and beautiful skin. The angel asked him, 'What kind of property do you like best?' He replied, 'Camels (or cows).' (The narrator is in doubt, for either the leper or the bald-headed man demanded camels and the other demanded cows). So he (i.e. the leper) was given a pregnant she-camel, and the angel said (to him), 'May Allah bless you in it.' The angel then went to the bald-headed man and said, 'What thing do you like most?' He said, 'I like good hair and wish to be cured of this disease, for the people feel repulsion for me.' The angel touched him and his illness was cured, and he was given good hair. The angel asked (him), 'What kind of property do you like best?' He replied, 'Cows,' The angel gave him a pregnant cow and said, 'May Allah bless you in it.' The angel went to the blind man and asked, 'What thing do you like best?' He said, '(I like) that Allah may restore my eye-sight to me so that I may see the people.' The angel touched his eyes and Allah gave him back his eye-sight. The angel asked him, 'What kind of property do you like best?' He replied, 'Sheep.' The angel gave him a pregnant sheep. Afterwards, all the three pregnant animals gave birth to young ones, and multiplied and brought forth so much that one of the (three) men had a herd of camels filling a valley, and one had a herd of cows filling a valley, and one had a flock of sheep filling a valley. Then the angel, disguised in the shape and appearance of a leper, went to the leper and said, I am a poor man, who has lost all means of livelihood while on a journey. So none will satisfy my need except Allah and then you. In the Name of Him Who has given you such nice color and beautiful skin, and so much property, I ask you to give me a camel so that I may reach my destination. The man replied, 'I have many obligations (so I cannot give you).' The angel said, 'I think I know you; were you not a leper to whom the people had a strong aversion? Weren't you a poor man, and then Allah gave you (all this property).' He replied, '(This is all wrong), I got this property through inheritance from my fore-fathers.' The angel said, 'If you are telling a lie, then let Allah make you as you were before. ' Then the angel, disguised in the shape and appearance of a bald man, went to the bald man and said to him the same as he told the first one, and he too answered the same as the first one did. The angel said, 'If you are telling a lie, then let Allah make you as you were before.' The angel, disguised in the shape of a blind man, went to the blind man and said, 'I am a poor man and a traveler, whose means of livelihood have been exhausted while on a journey. I have nobody to help me except Allah, and after Him, you yourself. I ask you in the Name of Him Who has given you back your eye-sight to give me a sheep, so that with its help, I may complete my journey.' The man said, 'No doubt, I was blind and Allah gave me back my eye-sight; I was poor and Allah made me rich; so take anything you wish from my property. By Allah, I will not stop you for taking anything (you need) of my property which you may take for Allah's sake.' The angel replied, 'Keep your property with you. You (i.e the three men) have been tested, and Allah is pleased with you and is angry with your two companions." (TH)

Reference (TH): Sahih al-Bukhari 3464 (TH)

In-book reference (TH): Book 60, Hadith 131 (TH)

USC-MSA web (English) reference(deprecated numbering scheme): Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 670 (TH)

FAQs: (TH)

Zakat is not accumulated on income or your monthly wage. It's the value of assets you've had for a year that determines your zakat obligation.
The new Islamic year is set to begin on [date]. The new Islamic year begins on the 1st of Muharram. The Gregorian date may vary.
The most important Kalma is the first Kalma (Kalma Tayyab) since it is essential for a Muslim to be a true believer.
The names of the six Kalmas are Kalma Tayyab, Kalma Shahadat, Kalma Tamjeed, Kalma Tauheed, Kalma Astaghfaar, and Kalma Radd-e-Kufr.
Reciting and memorizing the six Kalmas strengthens faith, invokes spiritual purity and tranquility, and washes away sins.
A part of the second Kalma (Kalma Shahadat) is recited during Tashahud in Namaz to reaffirm our belief in the oneness of Allah and in the Prophet being His last messenger.
Every Muslim is bound to pay zakat annually. The amount of money you give will be based on your accumulated wealth over the hijri year.
The shortest answer is yes. However, calculating business zakat can contain a lot of complexities, such as business expenses, inventory, and debts. It is best to consult with scholars or experts to ensure accurate calculations.
Yes, your zakat calculation is considered confidential between you and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). There is no obligation to disclose the exact amount of your zakat to others.
Yes, zakat is payable on the gold you wear.
Personal residences, regardless of their value, are not counted as part of zakat calculations.
Unsettled loans are deducted from your assets when calculating zakat. If you owe money to others, it diminishes the overall value of your wealth, potentially affecting your zakat obligation.
The 12th and last month of the Hijri calendar is Dhu’l-Hijjah.
Yes, you can choose to pay your calculated zakat every month.
Certain categories of people, such as wealthy individuals whose wealth exceeds the nisab threshold, are not eligible to receive zakat. Additionally, close relatives and dependents are generally not eligible to receive zakat from you.
Zakat recipients generally include the needy, those who are working to establish themselves, those in debt, those who are engaged in the distribution and collection of zakat, and travelers.
Zakat is not directly calculated on income. Instead, it's based on accumulated wealth over a lunar year. Income taxes are not a direct factor in zakat's calculations.
No, it is not necessary to disclose the amount of zakat you give to those in need. On the other hand, sharing your purpose behind giving zakat can encourage others to fulfil their charitable obligations and foster a beautiful culture of giving.
Salah is the second pillar of Islam and obligatory for every mature and sane Muslim. Muslims offer Salah to praise Allah, talk to Him, ask for forgiveness and mercy, and to connect with Him.
Closing one's eyes during Salah is considered Makruh (undesirable) because Muslims are essentially commanded to look at the place of prostration while praying. However, it may be permissible and even prioritized if one feels that keeping his eyes closed helps focus and concentrate during prayer.
While praying, Muslims should look at the place of prostration (during Qiyam), at their feet (during Ruku), the tip of their nose (during Sujood), at their lap (during Qu’ood), and at their shoulders (while performing Salah).
Yes. Although men must ideally offer prayers in the mosque, they can be offered anywhere except rubbish dumps, bathrooms, and graveyards.
Yes. You can wear gloves while offering prayers since it is not mandatory for your hand to touch the ground directly during Sujood (prostration).
Al-Ghani (The Rich, The Independent, The Wealthy) and Al-Razzaq (The All-Provider) should be recited for barakah and abundance in rizq and wealth.
Books, essays, and videos are just some of the many options for digging more into tasbihat's history and philosophy. Islamic scholars and websites often guide Dhikr practices and tasbihat.
Tasbihat are considered optional acts of worship in Islam. While not obligatory, engaging in Dhikr and tasbihat is highly recommended and carries excellent spiritual rewards.
Before performing any act of worship, including tasbihat, it is important to have a definite intention, also known as a niyyah. It is important to have a pure intention, with the end goal of remembering and glorifying Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
The practice of tasbihat is not restricted to the period in which a person is praying but can be done at any time. No matter if they are sitting at a desk, in a queue, or on the road. Islam requires its followers to constantly keep Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى in mind.
The number of times one should recite tasbihat is not set in stone. Even though it is customary to say the tasbihat (SubhanAllah سُبْحَانَ الله, Alhamdulillah الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ, and Allahu Akbar اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ ) 33 times after prayers, Muslims are free to do it as often as they like.
The most common tasbihat are phrases glorifying and remembering Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى , including "SubhanAllah (سُبْحَانَ الله)" (Glory be to Allah ), "Alhamdulillah (الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ)" (Praise be to Allah), "Allahu Akbar (اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ)" (Allah is the Greatest), and "La ilaha illallah (لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ)" (There is no god but Allah). Other common phrases include Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and Darood Sharif (blessings on the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
The most mentioned name of Allah in the Holy Quran is Al-Ghafur (The Ever-Forgiving). It occurs 91 times.
The 13 attributes of Allah are Oneness, Existence, Everlastingness, Eternity, Power, Will, Non-neediness of others, Knowledge, Sight, Hearing, Speech, Life, and Non-resemblance to His creation.
Yes. The 99 names of Allah have been revealed to Muslims in the Holy Quran.
Al-Muhaymin (The Protector) should be recited to seek protection from all evils.
Yes, tasbihat can be done in a group setting. Gatherings of Muslims for Dhikr include reciting tasbihat, praising Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and showering blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Ash-Shafee (The Healer) should be recited for good health.
Islamic media helps in the dissemination of authentic facts and knowledge about Islam and its teachings with the help of lectures, talk shows, podcasts, and Q&A sessions.
One should make sure before making any Islamic content that it is within the bounds of Islamic rules and regulations and is 100% authentic and genuine.
Those who aspire to become Muslim speakers and scholars must acquire a great deal of knowledge in Islam, the Holy Quran, and Sunnah, in addition to Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence, from authentic circles of knowledge.
Hajj {year} is set to begin from the evening of [Date] until the evening of [Date]. Hajj is performed from the 8th to the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. The Gregorian dates vary each year.
Ramadan {year} will start on [Date] and will continue for 29 or 30 days based on the moon’s sighting. Fasting starts from 1st Ramadan and lasts till the moon of Shawwal is sighted.
Rabi ul Awal {year} is expected to begin on [date]. Rabi ul Awal is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad was born. This month is marked with celebrations, acts of charity, and goodwill.
The month of Safar {year} is to commence on [date]. The Prophet Muhammad suffered many hardships during the month of Safar. He recommended engaging in ibadah and saying astaghfar in this month to remain in Allah's protection and favor.
Ashura {year} is on [date]. Ashura means the 10th. Specifically, it refers to the 10th of Muharram, which is an important date in Islamic theology.
Muharram marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar, and so it is the 1st month.