Question

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“If you see a snake at your residence then say to it, we ask you by the covenant of Nuh (‘alayhis salam) and the covenant of Sulayman ibn Dawud (‘alayhimas salam) that you do not harm us. If it re appears then kill it.”

What was the covenant undertaken by Sulayman (‘alayhis salam) and Nuh (‘alayhis salam)?

 

Answer

Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith and has declared it sound (hasan).

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1485. See here)

 

The commentators explain that this was the covenant taken by Nuh (‘alayhis salam) when he boarded the animals onto his ship.

(Mirqatul Mafatih, Hadith: 4137, Tuhfatul Ahwadhi, Hadith: 1485)

 

Sulayman (‘alayhis salam) had control over animals and Jinn. These were probably covenants/pledges regarding them causing harm.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar