. J '-Ɵ  (cont.)

Is The Hadith Mutawaatir? On the other hand, there are some people who claim that this hadith is mutawaatir. This is also not correct, as is clear from studying the authentic narrations of this hadith. They revolve around Yahya from Ibraaheem from Alqama from Umar. Hence, one cannot claim that this hadith is mutawaatir. However, if what is meant by this is "mutawaatir in its meaning,"5 then this is plausible. There are many proofs from the Quran and sunnah that demonstrate that "actions are but by intention". 1 lbn Taimiya, Majmoo, vol. 18, pp. 247-248. 2 Al-Ashqar, Muqaasid, p. 526. 3 Quoted in al-Ashqar, Muqaasid, p. 526. 4 Al-Ashqar, Muqaasid, p. 526. 5 "Mutawaatir in its meaning" means that the concept or meaning the hadith states is supported by many other narrations. "Mutawaatir in wording" means that the exact wording of a particular hadith has been transmitted in mutawaatir form. Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi General Comments On This Hadith This is one of the most comprehensive hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It touches upon almost every deed of Islam. Abu Ubaid said, "The Prophet (peace be upon him) encompassed all of the affairs of this world in one sentence, 'Whoever enters anything into this religion of ours that does not belong, will have it rejected.' And he encompassed all of the affairs of the Hereafter in one sentence, 'Every action is based on its intention."' Imam Abu Dawood stated that this hadith is one-half of Islam; that is, Islam comprises what is apparent, the deeds of Islam, as well as what is not apparent, the intention behind the deeds. Al-Shafi'ee also said that it encompasses half of knowledge, meaning that the religion concerns both what is external and what is internal. The deeds are the external aspect and the intention behind them is the internal aspect. Both Ahmad and al-Shafi'ee said that this hadith covers one-third of knowledge. Al-Baihaqi explained this statement by saying, "This is so because the person earns rewards with his heart, tongue and body. Thus, intention is involved in one of these three components."1 Al-Shafi'ee also said that this hadith is applied in seventy topics of fiqh.2 He meant by that, obviously, numerous, if not every topic of fiqh. Imam Ahmad stated that the foundation of Islam revolves around three hadith: "Actions are but by intention," "Whoever introduces anything into this affair of ours that is not from it shall have it rejected," and, "The permissible is clear and the forbidden is clear."3 Abu Dawood stated that fiqh revolves around five hadith: "Actions are but by intentions," "The religion is sincere advice," "The permissible is clear and the forbidden is clear," "There is no harming or reciprocating of harm," "Whatever I forbid you, remain away from. Whatever I order you to do, fulfill as much as you can." Abu Ubaid4 said about this hadith, "There is no report of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that is more comprehensive, self-sufficient and having more important points to it than this hadith."5 The basis of any good deed is sincerity to Allah as Allah revealed His books, sent His messengers and created this creation for the purpose of His worship. Therefore, the pious forefathers preferred to begin all their meetings and gatherings with this hadith. Similarly, many scholars preferred to begin their works or collections with this hadith, such as al-Bukhari in Sahih al­ al-Bukhari. Abdul Rahmaan ibn Mahdi said, "It is a must for everyone who is to 1 See ibn Hajr, Fath, vol. 1 , p. 1 1. 2 Quoted in al-Nawawi, Sharh sahih, vol. 13, p. 53; ibn Rajab, Jaami, p. 5. 3 Quoted in ibn Rajab, Jaami, p. 5. 4 In some cases, this is mentioned as a quote from Abu Ubaid while in other cases it is mentioned as a statement of Abu Abdullah. The latter would imply al-Bukhari. 5 Quoted by ibn Hajr, Fath, vol. 1 , p. 1 7. l l l Hadith #1 : All Actions are but by Intentions . . . write a book to begin with this hadith in order to instill within the student the need for proper intention."1 The Circumstances Behind the Hadith In the same way that there is the science of asbaab al-nuzool (circumstances surrounding the revelation of particular verses of the Quran), there is also the science of asbaab wurood al-hadith (circumstances surrounding particular speech of the Prophet, peace be upon him).2 Many times, it is by knowing the circumstances surrounding a Quranic revelation or a statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that one understands the correct meaning of said verse or hadith. The events surrounding a verse or hadith shed a great deal of light on the correct interpretation of that statement.