Question

Please cite the narration where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and a few companions went to visit a sick companion. Many of them did not have shoes, socks or even hats?

Answer

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports: ‘We were once seated with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) when an Ansari came, said salam on Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and proceeded. Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wa sallam) enquired: ‘O brother of the Ansar! How is your brother Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah?’

He replied: ‘He is fine.’

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked: ‘Who among you will visit him?’ He then stood up. We all stood with him. We were more than ten, we didn’t have sandals, leather socks, hats or even shirts. We walked in those salty marshes [in this condition] until we reached him. His family made way and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his companions came near to him.’

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2135)

Note: This narration illustrates that not wearing a hat was abnormal and involuntary [as a result of their poverty], just like walking with no shirts or footwear.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar