Question
What is the explanation of the following part of the Hadith?
فقال له: أنزلت في إبلك وغنمك، وتركت الناس يتنازعون الملك بينهم؟
The complete Hadith is as follows:
حدثني عامر بن سعد، قال: كان سعد بن أبي وقاص في إبله، فجاءه ابنه عمر، فلما رآه سعد قال: أعوذ بالله من شر هذا الراكب، فنزل فقال له: أنزلت في إبلك وغنمك، وتركت الناس يتنازعون الملك بينهم؟ فضرب سعد في صدره، فقال: اسكت، سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، يقول: إن الله يحب العبد التقي، الغني، الخفي
Answer
Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith.
This narration is regarding Sayyiduna Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) who chose to remain aloof during the time of fitnah. His son ‘Umar, came to him and said: (The part in question has been translated below and has been underlined)
“You settled among your camels and sheep and left the people quarrelling regarding kingship [in Madinah].” Sa’d (radiyallahu ‘anhu) struck him on his chest and said, ‘Keep silent! I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say, ‘Certainly Allah loves those who adopt Taqwa, those who are independent/content and those who are hidden [i.e. those who remain aloof from people and engage in their own ‘ibadah during times of fitnah].’
‘Umar ibn Sa’d (rahimahullah) questioned his father’s decision of remaining aloof whereas there was fitnah in Madinah Munawwarah. He was of the opinion that Sa’d (radiyallahu ‘anhu) should be in Madinah offering support to those who were on the truth or that Sa’d (radiyallahu ‘anhu) himself should be taking up the leadership role. However, Sayyiduna Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) chose to remain aloof and away from the fitnah due to the Hadith he heard from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
(Refer: Takmilah Fathul Mulhim, Hadith: 7392)
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And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar