Different Hadiths on Causes of Revelation
Different Hadiths and Causes of Revelation
- When encountering different narrations for the same verse, identifying the actual cause of revelation can be difficult. Consider the historical context, the reliability of the narrators, and the overall coherence with other established Islamic teachings.
- Scholars have developed rules to navigate these difficulties. These rules provide a structured approach to assess and reconcile different narrations.
### Understanding Companion Narrations - Companions and followers sometimes explained verses by saying, "This verse was revealed about such and such matter." It's crucial to understand the intent behind these statements.
- This can create the wrong impression that the companion is specifying the cause of revelation. The statement might be about the general applicability of the verse rather than its specific historical context.
- Instead, they might be saying that the ruling or content of the ayah applies to a particular matter. This understanding helps in deriving broader legal and ethical principles from the Quran.
#### Example: Surah An-Nisa and Altering Allah's Creation - Surah An-Nisa mentions Iblis saying he will command people to alter Allah's creation (takhliq). This refers to acts that fundamentally change what Allah has created.
- Some companions stated this verse was revealed about castration. This illustrates how companions linked general principles to specific actions.
- This **doesn't** mean the verse was revealed because someone castrated themselves at that moment. Instead, it provides an example of altering Allah's creation.
- It means castration is one of Iblis's tactics to alter Allah's creation. This connects the specific act to a broader theological concept.
- Castration is included in the ayah's ruling as a devilish act. It falls under the prohibition of altering Allah's creation as instigated by Iblis.
#### Broader Implications of Altering Allah's Creation - Altering Allah's creation isn't limited to castration. It encompasses a wide range of actions that change the natural form or function of something.
- It includes surgeries like changing the nose or cheeks, which are considered haram. These are seen as unnecessary modifications of Allah's creation for cosmetic purposes.
- These actions are seen as obeying Shaitan's commandments. Such alterations are viewed as aligning with the desires and temptations promoted by Shaitan.
### Two Rules for Understanding Background of Revelation
- **Non-Contradictory Narrations**: If two narrations explain a verse using the phrase "This verse was revealed about such and such matter," there's no contradiction if both establish the same ruling. This indicates that the verse has a broad application.
Both are correct in their context. Both narrations provide valid interpretations or applications of the verse within different contexts.
Neither necessarily means the incident was the **cause** of revelation. The incidents might be examples or illustrations of the verse's meaning rather than the specific events that prompted its revelation.
It means the matter is governed by the verse's subject and injunctions. The verse's ruling applies to both matters described in the narrations.
*Example:<*Allah mentions pious people forsaking their beds<
*About this verse bin Malik states that this verse has also been revealed about those companions who kept themselves engaged in offering optional salah the nafal prayers between maghreb and isha. This highlights the dedication of the companions to worship.
*In another narration he has been quoted to have said that the verse has been revealed about those who kept themselves awake for the Isha Sala - And other companions consider that this verse to be talking about people who wake up for late night prayers which is the Tahajjud prayers - on the face of it the interpretations seem to be different but in fact that these various attributes are actually of this verse and it includes the virtuous deeds in its meaning so it includes all of them basically. These different interpretations show the comprehensive nature of the verse.
*So there can be multiple causes of revelation as well. This emphasizes that a verse can be relevant to several situations.
- **Specific vs. Non-Specific Narrations**: If one narration uses "This verse was revealed about such matter" and the other specifically mentions an incident as the cause, the latter is relied upon. This is because specific narrations offer greater clarity.
The former is taken as the narrator's interpretation. Non-specific narrations are considered general understandings of the verse.
*example*Your wives are a tillage for you so come to your tillage as you will. This verse addresses the permissibility of different positions during intercourse.
*The in the Bukhari Sharif he has quoted Ibn Umar saying that it has been revealed about the rectal cortis about women but Hazrat Jabir and Hazrat al Abnay Abbas specify the cause of its revelation to refute the prevalent Jewish conception that vaginal coitus with a woman in a lateral or postulate position will result in squint eyes offsprings. This refutes a superstitious belief with a clear legal ruling.
*Narrations of Jabir and Ibn Abbas are preferred as specific and detailed. Their accounts provide a precise historical context.
*Ibn Umar's narration is considered his own interpretation, prohibiting rectal coitus. This illustrates how companions sometimes offered their own legal interpretations.
Sound vs. Weak Transmissions
- If one narration has a sound transmission and the other is weak, the former is adopted. A sound transmission is more reliable due to its rigorously verified chain of narrators.
- A sound transmission (mutawatir) has a complete chain of narrators, each reliable and pious. This ensures the authenticity and integrity of the narration.
*All the ahadis that you will find mostly in Bukhari and Muslim they are all authentic ahadith they have a sound transmission and subhanallah these scholars have given their whole lives in finding out the authenticity of the hadith. This highlights the immense effort put into verifying Hadith.
*Example: Surah Ad-Duha*
*Initial verses discuss Allah not forsaking the Prophet. These verses offered reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad.
*Bukhari and Muslim narrate that Jundu Brazil Lao Tzu described it as being revealed after the Prophet couldn't offer Tahajjud due to some trouble. An unbeliever woman taunted Rasulallah and he used these words that it seems like your shaitan God forbid she was referring to Allah. These were like some big words and unrespectful and disgraceful words. This incident caused distress to the Prophet.
*Tabarani and Ibn Abi Shaiba quoted Haula about a puppy dying under the Prophet's cot, causing a delay in revelation. This narration is considered weak due to the unreliability of its chain.
*The first narration is preferred because it's mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim which have sound transmission vs unreliable chain. This illustrates the preference for narrations from highly reliable sources.
Both Narrations Authentic
- If both narrations are authentic, preference is given to: This situation requires careful evaluation to determine which narration is more reliable or applicable.
The more authentic narration. Even among authentic narrations, some may have stronger chains or more reliable narrators.
The narration where the narrator witnessed the incident. Eyewitness accounts are generally given more weight due to their direct observation of the events.
*Example: Surah Al-Isra**Verse discusses the spirit (ruh) being by Allah's command. This verse is part of a broader discussion on knowledge and divine wisdom.
*Ibn Masud said that he was with the Prophet and he walked past the Jews when the ayah was revealed. Hazrat al Ibn Masud was there when the incident happened he was there when the ayah was revealed. Ibn Masud's presence at the event makes his narration particularly valuable.
*Ibn Abbas said the Quraysh asked the Jews what they may ask the prophet, who suggested they ask him about the spirit. This account provides the context of the question being posed to the Prophet.
*The first version denotes that this verse was revealed in Madinah while the second one suggests that it was revealed in Makkah. This difference in location adds complexity to understanding the verse's background.
*Hazrat Abdullah ibn Masud was himself present at that particular incident so it is not clear from the second narration whether the narrator himself was present when the incident occurred. This reinforces the preference for Ibn Masud's account.
Multiple Causes of Revelation
Sometimes, several identical incidents occur, and a verse is revealed concerning all of them. This indicates that the verse addresses a recurring issue or theme.
Narrators cite different incidents as the background, but there's no contradiction. Each incident serves as an example of the verse's applicability.
*Example: Surah An-Nur and Lian (oath of condemnation)**Hilal bin Umayya accused his wife of adultery. This was a specific case that led to the revelation of verses about the procedure of Lian.
*Aweimar asked about indemnity if he killed a man found with his wife. This inquiry relates to the legal consequences of finding one's spouse in adultery.
*Abu Bakr and Umar discussed the matter. This consultation highlights the importance of seeking counsel in legal matters.
Multiple Verses for a Single Incident
Sometimes, several verses are revealed in the background of a single incident. This indicates that the incident had multiple facets or lessons.
Narrators cite the incident in relation to different verses, without contradiction. Each verse addresses a different aspect of the incident.
*Example: Umm Salama and the mention of women in the Quran*
*Umm Salama noted the lack of mention of women in relation to migration. This concern led to divine reassurance regarding the status of women in Islam.
*Allah revealed Surah Al Imran about accepting the prayers amongst you be he male or female for this statements of Hazrat Ummah Salam. This verse affirmed the equal spiritual standing of men and women.
*Hakim also quoted Ummis Salama noting that Quran references to mails but then it was said in Nal Muslim Enawal Muslim so both verses were revealed for the same event. Both verses emphasize the equal rewards for both genders in religious duties.
Repetition of a Verse
Sometimes, the same verse is revealed more than once, each time with a different background. This highlights the verse's importance and relevance across different situations.
Narrators describe different backgrounds, all being correct. Each background provides a unique context for understanding the verse.
*Example: Forgiveness for Polytheists**Prophet asked Abu Talib to say la ilaha illallah at his death, but Abu Jahl and Abdullah ibn Umayyah prevented him. This event illustrates the Prophet's concern for his uncle's salvation.
*Ibrahim asked forgiveness for his father Azer. Imam ibn Masud said When Hazrat Ali said that when I told this incident this verse was revealed to him. This refers to the Prophet Ibrahim's plea for his father, which was later restricted by divine command.
*Prophet went to his mother's grave and prayed for forgiveness but was not allowed. This shows the limits of intercession for those who died in a state of disbelief.
*Shah Waliullah Muhaddiz Dehil said that the actual revelation of the verse was just once. However when the incident which was similar in which the Hukam was given then Allah would actually send Hazrat Jibrail and He would just reveal the verse again. This perspective explains the repeated revelation in a more symbolic sense.
*The verse was recalled, serving as guidance, inspired in the Prophet's heart. This emphasizes the constant guidance provided to the Prophet.