Question

What is the authenticity of the following Hadith?

Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrated that the climate of Madinah did not suit some people, so Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered them to follow his shepherd, i.e., his camels, and drink their milk and urine. So they followed the shepherd and drank the camels’ milk and urine till their bodies became healthy. Then they killed the shepherd and drove away the camels. When the news reached Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) he sent some people in their pursuit and they were brought. He then cut their hands and feet and their eyes were branded with heated pieces of iron.”

Answer

Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration in his Sahih. The Hadith is therefore authentic.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5686)

Other narrations (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6899) explain that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) branded their eyes as that is what they had done to the shepherd. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) therefore punished them in the same manner. Some commentators have explained that this was before the laws of retribution were revealed.

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 233, 5685)

See here for more regarding using camel urine for medicinal use.

Note: I have merely answered your question regarding the authenticity of the Hadith in question. This should therefore not be viewed as a Fiqh ruling/fatwa. Kindly contact a Mufti/Darul Ifta for a fatwa on this matter.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar