"O Salmaan, what dates are these?"

He replied:

"This is sadaqah for you and your companions"

Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam replied:

"We do not eat Sadaqah. Remove it from me."

(The 'ulama differ in their opinions as to the meaning of the word "we". Some say it is Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam himself, and the plural is used as a mark of respect. Others explain that it is the ambiyaa (prophets). According to some it is Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam and his relatives, for whom it is not permissible to accept zakaah. According to this humble servant the third ihtimaal (supposition) is superior and more acceptable. Allaamah Munaawi's criticism of the third explanation is not forceful and weighty). On the next day this happened again. Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu brought a tray of fresh dates, and in reply to the question of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, he replied: "O messenger of Allah, it is a present for you".

Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said to the Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum "Help yourselves". (Sayyidina Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam himself ate from it. Bayjuri explains this thus: Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu bringing the dates on both days in this manner was to investigate, and to make Sayyidina Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam his master. Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu was an 'Aalim (learned) of the old days. He lived for a hundred and fifty years and according to some, he lived three hundred years. He had seen the signs of Sayyidina Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam in the kitaabs of previous prophets, that he will not accept sadaqah, but shall accept presents and gifts, and the seal of Prophethood will be between his two shoulders after witnessing the first two signs).

He then saw the seal of Prophethood on the back of Sayyidina Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam and embraced Islam. (At that time Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu was a slave of a Jew from the tribe of Banu Qurayzah.

Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam purchased him(this is figuratively speaking. The fact is that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam made him a Mukaatab - One who buys One's freedom for any agreed sum.) and paid Dirhams for him to become a Mukaatab, and also agreed that he(Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu should plant for the Jew date palms,(the amount of three hundred palms) and until these bore fruit to tend them. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam planted the palms with his mubaarak hands and it was his mu'jizah(miracle) that all the palms bore fruit in the same year. One tree among these did not bear fruit. Upon investigating it was found that Umar Radiyallahu 'Anhu had planted this tree, and that it was not planted by Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam removed this palm and replanted it. Another mu'jizah Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam is that he planted the palms out of season and they bore fruit the same year.

Commentary.
The Ulama have made thorough research on this Hadith. For example Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu was a slave, was his sadaqah and hadiyyah(gift) permissible or not? Also what was the difference between Hadiyyah and Sadaqah etcetera? Due to the discussion being lengthy, it has been omitted to keep the subject short.

From this hadith we learn some of the special habits Sayyidina Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, that he included the servants and those present, in the gifts he received. This was one of the special habits of Sayyidina Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. There are thousands of similar instances mentioned in the ahadith. In this hadith Sayyidina Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam also enjoined us to share presents. Those who are present should also be included. According to the Muhadditheen there is a variation in the words of this hadith and that this hadith is weak, but according to the subject matter, the incidence strengthen it. What type of presents are meant and what is meant by those that are sitting together? (near).

These need an explanation. Mullah Ali Qaari writes that person brought a present to a pious Shaykh of that time. A person sitting in his assembly said: "Presents are shared". The Shaykh replied :"We do not make shirk(ascribe partners onto Allah) and believe in one creator. All these(presents) are for you". The presents were so many that that person could not carry all of them. The Shaykh instructed his servant to deliver it to that persons home. In the same manner, this happened in the assembly of Imam Abu Yusuf Rahmatullahi alayih. A person presented him a monetary gift. One from among those present said "Presents are shared". The Imam replied that those are special types of presents and instructed his servant to put away the present. The Ulama say that both instances are correct and well balanced. What the pious Suffi did was proper and befitting, and what the Fakih(Jurist) did was also proper and befitting, and this is true.

Imam Abu Yusuf Rahmatullahi alayih was a celebrated and famous Imam. If he did not do as he had done, it might have become Shar'Ee Mas-alah that presents should be shared, and this would have made it difficult for the Umma. Shah Waliyullah Dehlawy wrote in one of his kitabs "Dreams and Glad Tiding". Many admirable incidence, one of which is his Father. He wrote :"In my young days I loved to fast. After seeing all the different opinions of the Ulama, I began hesitating to fast. I saw Sayyidina Rasullullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam in my dream in which he gave me a loaf of bread. Sayyidina Abubaker Siddique Radiyallahu 'Anhu was also sitting there and said "Presents are shared". I presented thje bread to him and he ate a piece from it. There after Sayyidina Umar Radiyallahu 'Anhu said "Presents are shared" I presented the bread to him also, and he took a piece from it. Sayyidina Uthmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu then also said : "Presents are shared".

I then said "If all of you will devide this bread amongst yourselves only, what will be left for me?". Sayyidina Salman Faarisi Radiyallahu 'Anhu is from among the great Sahaabah. It is stated in the Hadith that when this Aayah was revealed :"If you turn away, He will substitute another people instead of you."

"O Messenger of Allah, who are those people who will take our place ?" Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallhu alaihe wasallam) then patted Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) on his back and said: "I swear by the Name of the Being in Whose Hands lie my life, if Imaan was suspended on Thurayya (Pleiades),the people of Faaris would have taken it from there also."

The ulama have written that this was a glad tiding in favour of Imaam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alaihe). Sayyidina Salaam (radiallahu anhu) stated in detail how he had accepted Islam (Imaan). This detail is given in the books of hadith. Therein are mentioned the signs which prompted Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) to investigate Islam. Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) says that he was a resident in the province of Asbahaan, at a place called Jay. Sayyidina Salmaan narrates: "My father was a headman and a leader of the locality. He loved me very much. I tried very hard to become a success in my old religion of Zorastrianism (fire worship), and thus became a caretaker of the temple. Once my father sent me on an errand for him. On the way I passed a CHRISTIAN church. I went inside, and saw the CHRISTIANs praying there. I liked what I saw there. I was attracted to this religion and remained in the Church till the evening. I enquired from CHRISTIANs them where their headquarters were? They replied that it was in Shaam (Syria).

When I returned home in the evening, my family asked where I had been the whole day. I related to them what had happened. My father said: "That religion is not good. Your religion and the religion of your forefathers is the best." I replied : "Never, that religion (CHRISTIANity) is the best." My father, fearing that I would leave home, fastened a chain to my leg and locked me up in the house. I sent a message to the CHRISTIANs that when the merchants from Shaam, who often came to trade, arrived, I should be informed. When the merchants arrived, they sent a message to me. At the time of their departure I cut loose the chains, ran away and joined the caravan to Shaam.

When I reached Shaam I enquired who was the best and most learned in this religion of CHRISTIANity. The people directed me to bishop. I went to him and informed him that I would like to become a CHRISTIAN and stay in his company. He agreed. I began living with him but found him to be dishonest. He persuaded the people to give charity (tithe) and whatever he collected, he put into his personal treasure. He did not give the poor anything. After his death, another bishop was appointed in his place. He was a pious man, and did not care for material things. I began living with him and started to love him. When his end came near I asked him, who should I go to after his death. He replied that there was only one person in this world following the same path, and there was no one else besides him. He said: He lives in Mosul and you must go to him. After the bishop's death I went to the person in Mosul and related my story to him. He allowed me to stay in his service. He was a very good person. When his end came near I asked him that after his death, who should I go to? He replied that I should go to a person in Naseebayn.

After his death I went to Naseebayn. Where I related my story to the resident bishop who agreed to keep me in his service. He was a good man. Again, when his end came near, I asked him the same question. He replied that I should go to a certain place in Ghamurya. I went to Ghamurya and began living with the bishop there. Here I worked and learned too. As a result I owned some cattle and sheep. When the Bishop of Ghamurya's end came near, I asked: "Now what should I do?" He took an oath and said: "There is no learned person anymore who follows our path". The time has come near when the last of all Prophets will appear, who will follow the religion of Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam). He will be born in `Arabia'. He will migrate to such a place where many dates grow and on both sides of this place the soil is stony. The Prophet will accept gifts, but will not eat from Sadaqah. The Seal of Prophethood will be between his two shoulders. (This is the sign of Prophethood and for this reason Sayyidina Salmaan radiallahu anhu looked for the seal). If you can go to this place, try to do so."

After the bishop's death a few traders from the tribe of Banu Kalb passed Ghamurya. I said to them:"If you take me with you to Arabia, I will give you in return these cattle and sheep". They accepted and brought me to Wadi al Qura (Mecca Mukarramah). I gave them the cattle and sheep but they oppressed me. They said I was a slave and sold me. A jew from the tribe of Banu Qurayzah bought me and took me to Madinah. I recognized the signs that the bishop of Ghamurya had explained to me. I said to myself, ` This is that place'. I lived there till Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) migrated from Mecca Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) was in Quba at that time. When I heard of of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihe wasallam, whatever I owned I took with and presented it to him and said: "This is from Sadaqah." Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) did not partake any of it. I said to myself that one sign has been fulfilled and I returned to Madinah and collected a few things. In the meantime Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) came to live in Madinah. I presented something’s (dates, food etc) and said: "This a gift." Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) accepted the gift, I said to myself that the second sign has also been fulfilled. Thereafter I attended his noble assembly. Sayyidina Rasulallah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) was at the Baqi (attending a Sahabi's funeral). I greeted him and made an attempt to look at his back. Sayyidina Rasulallah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) understood what I was doing and lifted his sheet. I saw the Seal of the Prophet and in zeal bowed towards it. I kissed it and cried. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said: "Come in front of me." I came before him and related the whole story. After that I continued serving my Jewish master in slavery. Once Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said: "Make an agreement with your master to make you a mukaatab (one who purchases his own freedom)." I made an agreement with my master he made two conditions. The first was that I should pay forty uqqiyyah cash in gold. (One uqqiyyah is forty dirhams and a dirham is 3 to 4 maashaa, 3g to 4g). The second condition was that I should plant 300 date palms and tend them till they bear fruit. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) planted the date palms with his own hands (as is mentioned above). It happened that some gold arrived from somewhere for Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam). He gave this to Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) and told him to go and pay it his master. Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) asked : "Will this gold be enough as the amount is much more. "Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) replied: "It will not be surprising if Allah Ta'aala fulfils the need with this gold." I took the gold and weighing it paid the amount of forty uqqiyyah. (Jamul Fawaaid)

Commentary.
Kisra is the title of the Persian kings. Qaysar (Ceasar) that of the Romans and Najaashi that of the Abyssinian kings. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam sent a letter to Kisra with Sayyidina Abdullah bin Hudhaa-fah Radiyallahu 'Anhu. Kisra tore the letter of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu- 'Alayhi Wasallam to pieces. When Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam heard this he said. 'May Allah tear his kingdom to pieces', and so did it happen. The letter to the king of the Romans was sent with Sayyidina Dihyah bin Khalifah Kalbi Radiyallahu 'Anhu. Although accepting the prophethood of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, he did not accept Islaam. The letter to Najaashi, the king of Abyssinia was sent with Sayyidina 'Amr bin Urnayyah Damri Radiyallahu 'Anhu, as is mentioned in 'Mawaahib Ladunniyyah' and other kitaabs. This is not the Najaashi that has been mentioned previously, and for whom Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam had performed janaazah salaah. This was another Najaashi. It is not known whether he had accepted Islaam or not, as Mulla'Ali Qaari has written in his kitaab. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam wrote many letters which have been discussed in detail in the books of hadith and history. Special books have been written on this subject. In the above hadith, three letters are mentioned, of which a brief account seems appropriate here. One letter was written to Kisra, which is the title of the kings of Persia. The name of this Kisra was Aparvez, who was the grandson of Naw-sherwaan. The contents of the letter to him were as follows: In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful From Muhammad, Allah's Messenger, to the great ruler of Persia. Peace be upon the one who follows (accepts) righteousness and reposes a faith (imaan) in Allah and His Rasul, and bears witness that none is to be worshipped besides Allah, Who has no partners and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. I call you towards Allah, for I am Allah's true Messenger, who has been sent to the whole world to warn those whose hearts are alive (because they have a little understanding-a man without sense is like a dead person), and complete the proof of Allah (Allah's existence) to non-believers (so that they may not say on the day of qiyaamah that we did not know). Accept Islaam so that you may live in peace. If you reject then the sin of all the fire-worshippers will be upon you, for they will be led astray by following you.

Sayyidina 'Abdullah bin Hudhaa-fah Radiyallahu 'Anhu was given this letter and instructed to give it to a governor of Kisra who was living in Bahrain. The letter was to be sent to Kisra through him. It was then delivered to Kisra with the governor's assistance. Kisra had this letter read out to him where after he tore it to pieces and threw it away. When Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam was informed of this he cursed Kisra. Later the son of Kisra, Sherwiyyah, killed him in a very brutal manner. This incident is written in the books of history. The second letter mentioned in the hadith was sent to Qaysar (Ceasar), the king of the Romans. According to historians his name was Hiraql. This letter was sent with Sayyidina Dihyah Kalbi Radiyallahu 'Anhu. Although the Qaysar did not accept Islaam, he respected the letter and kept it safely. When Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam heard of this he said: 'Kisra tore his country to pieces, and Qaysar guarded his'. The contents of the letter were as follows: In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful From Muhammad, Allah's servant and Messenger, to Hiraql, the great (ruler) of the Romans. Peace be upon the one that follows righteousness. After praise and salutations, I call you towards the Kalimah (Laa liaha illlallah Muhamamdur Rasulullah) of Islaam. Accept Islaam that you may live in peace. Allah will grant you a double reward, (because the Ahlul-Kitaab will receive double reward if they accept Islaam, as is mentioned in the Qur-aan at the end of Surah Hadid), and if you reject then the sin of the tillers of the land (farmers) who are under you, will be upon you. Oh People of the Book, come towards the kalimah, that is the same between us and you, and that is tauheed (the oneness of Allah), that we shall not worship anyone besides Allah and shall not make any partner unto Him, and that we shall not make anyone from among ourselves a god besides Allah (like the monks and priests are made gods) and if they reject (Oh you Muslims) then say to them that bear witness that we are Muslims (we openly proclaim our religion and now you are responsible for yourselves). -Bukhaari, I'laamus Saa-i-leen. The portion from, 'Oh People of the Book, come towards ... to the end, is an aayah of the Qur-aan in Surah Aali 'Imraan.

When Sayyidina Dihyah Kalbi Radiyallahu 'Anhu delivered this letter and it was read before the Qaysar, his nephew who was present, became very angry, and began saying, give this letter to me. The uncle (Qaysar) asked: 'What will you do with it?" He replied: 'This letter is not worth reading, your name was not mentioned first in the letter, but that of his (Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam). Instead of emperor he addresses you as a ruler etc. etc'. The Qaysar replied: 'You are stupid. Do you want me to throw away such a letter from a person to whom the Great Jibra-eel ('Alayhis Salaam) comes. If he is a prophet then he should write like this'. Sayyidina Dibyah Radiyallahu 'Anhu was accommodated with great honour and respect. The Qaysar was on a tour there at that time. When he was returning he called all the ministers of his kingdom, and said to them that, "I wish to bring your, attention to such a thing that is full of goodness and prosperity. And is a means to keep your country for long. Verily this person (i.e. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) is a prophet, follow him and pay allegiance to him". He delivered this long speech in a room where all the doors and windows were closed and locked. The ministers and others became so rash with anger that they caused a commotion and began jumping about violently, trying to run out. Since all the doors and windows were locked, this situation carried on for a while. The Qaysar calmed all those present and delivered another speech, and said: 'A person who has claimed prophethood has appeared. I was 'testing your reaction that how firm are you on you religion, and now I have gauged it'. As was normal all began prostrating before him. Thereafter he praised them and let them leave. In some narrations it is stated that he kissed the letter and put it on his head. He then covered it with silk and put it safely away. He sent for the pope and discussed this matter with him. The pope said: 'Verily this is the last of the Prophets, the good news of which has been mentioned in our Holy Books'. The Qaysar said: 'I also believe this, but there is one problem, if I become a Muslim these people will kill me, and I will lose my kingdom'. I'laamus Saa-i leen.

The Qaysar was on a pilgrimage to Baytul Muqaddas when this letter, reached him. A trading caravan from Makkah was also there at that time. To investigate this matter the Qaysar called the leader of the Makkan traders. Details of this event are mentioned in Bukhaari. This incident took place at the time when Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'alayhi, Wasallam had signed a peace treaty for a few years with the Makaans at Hudaybiyyah. An agreement was drawn up that there would be no war, between the Muslims and the Makkans. Abu Sufyaan, who had not yet; accepted Islaam, said: 'I once went to Shaam (Syria) during this period, of peace. At that time Hiraql received Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's letter inviting him to accept Islaam. Upon receiving, this letter, which was delivered by Dihyah' Kalbi, he asked the local people if there was anybody in the town who knew this person claiming prophethood. They said: 'Yes, there are some people who have recently, arrived'. Thereupon we were asked to appear before the king. A few of my companions and myself from the Quraysh went to the king. He made us all sit near him and then asked: 'Who of you is the nearest in relationship to the person that has claimed prophethood?' I replied that I was the most closely related. He asked me to come nearer to him motioning my companions to sit behind me, and said to them: 'I am to ask him some questions. If he gives false information, inform me. Abu Sufyaan had not yet accepted Islaam and was a staunch enemy of Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam. He said: 'I swear that if I had not been afraid that the people would later say that I was a liar, and disgrace me, then I would have surely given false information, but fear of disgrace made me speak the truth'. He then began asking me through his interpreter the following questions:

Q. The person who has claimed prophethood, how is he regarded amongst you according to his family lineage?

A. He hails from a great family and is of a noble lineage amongst us.

Q. Was anyone amongst his ancestors a king?

A. There was none.

Q. Before claiming prophethood, was he ever accused of falsehood?

A. Never.

Q. Those who follow him, are they from the elite, or are they from the ordinary people?

A. From the ordinary people.

Q. Are his followers increasing or decreasing?

A. They are increasing.

Q. Those who adopt his religion, does anyone among them become frustrated and turn away?

A. No.

Q. Did you go to war with him?

A. Yes.

Q. What were the results of the war?

A. Sometimes they were victorious, at other times we were victorious.

Q. Does he ever break his promises?

A. No. These days we have an agreement between us. We do not know if he will fulfil it or not. Abu Sufyaan said: 'I did not have a chance to say anything from my own side besides this sentence'.

Q. Did anyone claim prophethood before him?

A. No.

In some narrations it stated that Hiraql asked Abu Sufyaan: 'Why do you fear that he will dishonour the treaty?' Abu Sufyaan replied: 'My People have helped our allies against their allies'. Hiraql said you have been dishonest'. Thereafter Hiraql continued the conversation and said: 'I asked you about his lineage. You replied that he was of noble lineage. The prophets are from the noble families of their people. I asked if any of his ancestors were kings? You said: 'No'. I thought that he wanted to regain the control of kingship. I asked if his followers were from the high class or common and weak people. All those who followed the earlier prophets, were from among such people (The high class felt it a shame to follow others). I asked if he was ever accused of falsehood before he claimed prophethood. You' denied it. I thought that by lying to people he would begin to lie about Allah (Na'udhu billah). (The person who does not lie to people, how can he lie about Allah). I asked if anyone accepted his message and thereafter became disillusioned and turned away from it (became a murtad-apostate). You replied in the negative. This is a peculiarity of imaan, that the love and happiness of it enters the heart. I enquired if their number increased or decreased? You replied that they were increasing. The peculiarity of good imaan is this till its completion. I asked about war against him? You said sometimes he gained victory, sometimes you. This was the case with all the prophets, but the best results were always in favour of them. I queried about his breaking promises? You said no. This is the quality of a prophet, for, he does not break promises. I asked did anyone claim, prophethood before him? You denied it. I thought if someone had claimed prophethood before, then he might be trying to imitate them. Hiraql thereafter asked these people: 'What are his teachings?' The people replied: 'To perform salaah, give zakaah and to uphold relationship with one's relatives. To keep one's chastity and modesty'. Hiraql said: 'If all that you have said is true, then verily he is a nabi (prophet). I was certain that he was to be born shortly, but not certain that he would be amongst you. If I were sure that I could go to him, I would surely have gone to meet him. (But cannot go because of the fear that I will lose my kingdom and my life). If I were in his presence I would have washed his feet. There is no doubt that his rule will reach till where I am'. There are many other incidents about Hiraql related in the books of hadith. He was well versed in their holy books and was also an expert in astronomy. He therefore thought on these lines, and did some research on it too. In some narrations it is related that he kept the letter of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam very carefully with respect in a golden case. This was kept safely by his children and then their offspring for many generations. The third letter which is mentioned in the above hadith was sent to Najaashi.

It has already been stated that the Abyssinian kings were called. Najaashi. in the lifetime of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam there were two kings of Abyssinia. The name of the first was As-hamah who accepted Islaam. The Muslims had migrated to Abyssinia under his rule. At that time he had not yet accepted Islaam. This incident has been briefly narrated in the first chapter of 'Stories of the Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhu'. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam sent a letter to the second Najaashi with Sayyidina 'Amr bin Umayyah Damri Radiyallahu 'Anhu. The contents of the letter reads as follows: In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful. From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah to Najaashi, the king of Abyssinia. You love peace. I convey to you the praises of that Allah, besides whom there is none worthy of worship. He is the King, and is free from all faults. He is free from all shortcomings (or the creation is safe from His oppression). He grants peace; He guards (He saves the creation from all calamities); And I bear witness that 'Eesa 'Alayhis Salaam is one of Allah's Ruhs, and was the Kalimah of Allah which was sent to the pure, clean and virgin Maryam, thus she conceived. Allah Ta'aala created 'Eesa'Alayhis Salaam from one of his special ruh's, and put life into him, as he had created Sayyidina Aadam 'Alayhis Salaam with His hands (without a father). I call you towards the worship of the One Who is alone and has no partner and call you to assist in obeying His commands. I invite you to accept imaan (faith), and follow the shari'ah with which I am sent. Without doubt I am the Messenger of Allah. I invite you and your army towards Allah. I have conveyed the truth to you and have advised you. Accept my advice. Peace be on the one who follows the right path. A group among the muhadditheen have ascertained that this Najaashi had already accepted Islaam. After receiving this letter of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam he publicly declared that he was a Muslim. Some are of the opinion that he accepted Islaam after receiving the letter. He replied to the letter confirming that he had accepted Islaam, and that whatever was written of Sayyidina 'Eesa 'Alayhis Salaam was word for word, true. He sent the reply with his son, accompanied by a group of seventy people, to Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam, but unfortunately the boat that they were travelling in sank in the sea and none among them reached Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Najaashi passed away during the life-time of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi wasallam. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam performed janaazah salaah for him. (To perform janaazah salaah for an absent person is a fiqhi mas-alah. Due to many reasons it had its peculiarities according to the Hanafis).

Commentary.
Sayyidina Yunus Radiyallahu 'Anhu and Sayyidina Qataadah Radiyallahu 'Anhu who are mentioned in the translation are two narrators in the chain of this hadith. 'Allaamah Munaawi and Mulla 'Ali Qaari say that it has always been the custom of proud people to eat on a table. It has been stated in the 'Kaukabe Durri' that in our times because it is also an imitation of the CHRISTIANs, therefore it is rnakruh tahreermi.