Question

1) Please relate the incident where a Sahabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) looks at another Sahabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) in admiration and that resulted in the Sahabi falling unconscious, and its reference.

2) Please explain as to whether a person, who casts an evil gaze, performs wudu or ghusl and is this water, that is used, then poured over the one afflicted by the bad eye.

Answer

Both your questions are answered in the following narration:

Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Sayyiduna ‘Amir ibn Rabi’ah saw Sayyiduna Sahl ibn Hunayf’s (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) body and commented: ‘By Allah! I haven’t seen such an attractive body. Sayyiduna Sahl then fell to the ground. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was dismayed and said:

‘Why do you’ll kill your fellow brothers. Why didn’t you make du’a for him to be blessed. Take a bath for him.’

So Sayyiduna Amir ibn Rabi’ah -who was the one who cast the gaze of admiration which had this effect- washed his face, hands, elbows, knees, feet and the inner part of his pants. The water was collected in a bowl which was poured on Sayyiduna Sahl (radiyallahu ‘anhu) after which he [regained consciousness and] was able to walk again.’

(Muwatta Imam Malik, vol. 2, pg. 258 and ‘Amalul Yawmi wal Laylah of Nasai, Hadith: 208. Also see Zadul Ma’ad, vol. 4, pg. 149-150)

Some narrations mention other parts also to be washed.

This narration illustrates that like the envious eye, the eye of admiration too has an ill-effect.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar