. J ; ; ;J; : ,;I•; (cont.)

- "upon" ढ़ - "five" 1 In their translation of this hadith, Ibrahim and Johnson-Davies make the following comment, "The word 'pillars' does not appear in the Arabic but has been supplied for clarity of meaning. Pillars (arkan) is the generally accepted term in this context." Ibrahim and Johnson-Davies, p. 34, fn. 1 . The narration from Abdul Razzaaq explicitly mentions "supports" or "props". In the narration in Sahih Muslim, five is in the feminine form, which would imply arkaan or pillars. Cf., lbn Hajr, Fath, vol. 1, p. 72. Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi Takhreej This hadith has been narrated through numerous chains from Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattaab. It was recorded by al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, al­ Nasaai, al-Tirmidhi, al-Baihaqi (in three different works), ibn Khuzaima in his Sahih, ibn Hibbaan in his Sahih, al-Tabaraani in his al-Kabeer and numerous others. The hadith has also been narrated from the Companion Jareer ibn Abdullah al-Bajali. Through Jareer it was recorded by al-Tabaraani with a sahih chain. 1 General Comments On This Hadith This hadith is of extreme importance, for it lays down the fundamental aspects of outward submission to Allah. This submission is based on some foundations, in a way similar to a structure. If the person fulfills these aspects, he has laid down a solid ground or foundation for his religion as a whole. The other acts of Islam are completions or finishing touches to this excellent foundation. However, if a person is lacking in any of these pillars, then the entire structure may be threatened, as shall be discussed in the commentary. About The Narrator: Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattaab Abdullah ibn 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab (10 Before Hijra/613 C.E.-73 A.H./692 C.E.) was the eldest son of Umar ibn al-Khattaab. He was one of the most outstanding younger Companions. He embraced Islam with his father. He was too young for the battle of Badr but he participated in all battles of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) after that. He was an extremely pious man. He avoided all of the political strife of his time. He was a learned scholar, known for his piety and strict imitation of prophetic precepts. His religious rulings and example had a great influence over the Madinan school of Imam Malik ibn Anas. He was known as one of the "four Abdullahs" who spread a great deal of knowledge in the early years of Islam. (The other three were Abdullah ibn Abbaas, Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As and Abdullah ibn al-Zubair.) He also participated in the jihad in North Africa. He was known for having tears in his eyes while narrating hadith. He distinguished himself as a narrator of hadith, second only to the most prolific narrator Abu Hurairah. Some 2,630 hadith have been attributed to his authority. Some of his students included Saeed ibn al-Musayyab, al-Hasan al-Basri, al­ Zuhri, Muhammad ibn Sireen, Naafi and many others. Near the end of his life, he lost his eyesight. He is considered to be the last of the Companions to die in Makkah. 1 See ibn Muhammad, pp. 57-59. Hadith #3: Islam Has Been Built Upon Five [Pillars) "Islam is built upon five [pillars]" Here, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has given a parable in which he gives a picture of Islam like that of a house. The foundations or pillars of the house are five. If the house is missing these five, then, in reality, it does not exist at all. The other acts of Islam are like complementary parts or parts that add to the completeness of the house. If any of the complementary parts are missing, the house is still standing but it has a deficiency; it is not complete or perfect. However, if all of the pillars are missing, the house will not be standing or in existence at all. In particular, if the main pillar is missing', the house cannot stand or be said to exist. This aspect is agreed upon by all scholars.2 This hadith could lead to some confusion because the four acts mentioned are all founded upon the first pillar of the shahaadah, as was just mentioned. Obviously, no deed will be of any worth unless the first pillar is fulfilled. But then the question arises: How can a foundation also be a foundation for the other foundations? The reply is that it is permissible to build one thing upon another and, in the end, they all make up one essential structure with more than one pillar. The scholars give an example of a type of house, which may be similar to a tent of leather or fur. This house is built upon five pillars. The main pillar or prop is in the middle while the remaining four pillars are around it and give support to it. However, as long as that middle pillar is there and standing, the house is considered to be existing and standing. If that middle pillar should fall, even if the other pillars are still present, the house would no longer be considered standing.