Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 914 [Read full issue]
Lofty Truths and Disciplining
[continued from issue 913]
10. Teaching high and lofty truths (talim al-haqaiq al-aliyah)
As far as the capacity of teaching lofty notions and higher truths is concerned, this pertained to the high ranks of God's Messenger and his closest Companions. An example of it is the report of Abu Dharr, who said: "My beloved said to me: 'O Abu Dharr! Do you see [the mountain of] Uhud?' I said: 'I do!' He said: 'I do not wish that I have the like of Uhud in gold to spend all except for three pieces of gold'." Abu Dharr thought that this was a general command applying to the entire Muslim community, and he therefore warned against accumulating wealth. As we shall see, Uthman, may God be pleased with him, rejected his understanding. [Muslim]
11. Disciplining (tadib)
As for the capacity of disciplining people (tadib), it should be carefully considered, for statements flowing from it might be couched as hyperboles aimed at provoking awe and fear. The jurist ought therefore to distinguish between what is appropriate to be specifically intended as legislation and what is appropriate to be specifically meant as a rebuke and threat, but which none the less falls under legislation by genre, that is, by a general consideration of the idea of disciplining.
This can be illustrated by the Tradition narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari from Abu Shurayh who said: "God's Messenger said: 'By God! He does not believe! By God! He does not believe!' It was said, 'Who is that, O Messenger of God?' He said: 'The one whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil.'" Here, the statement is formulated in a threatening manner regarding anyone who causes harm to his neighbour, to the extent that it is feared he would not be among the believers. What is really meant, however, is that such a person is not a true believer.
..... [to be continued]
Compiled From:
"Treatise on Maqasid Al-Shariah" - Ibn Ashur, pp. 46, 47