Page:Selections from Muhammadan Traditions - tr. William Goldsack (1923).djvu/178

 158 man came to the Prophet and mentioned the matter to him. Then the Prophet requested him (Samurah)to sell to him; but he refused. Then he requested him to exchange them for others; but he refused. Then the Prophet said, "Then give them to him, and thou wilt obtain such-and-such a reward," inspiring him with a desire for it. But he refused. Then the Apostle of God said, "Thou art a troublesome fellow." After that he said to the helper, "Go and cut down his date trees."—Abú Dáud.

It is related from Ibn ʿOmar that he obtained some land in Khaibár. And he came to the Prophet and said, 'O Apostle of God, I have obtained some land in Khaibár, more valuable property than which I have never possessed. Then what dost thou command me with respect to it?' He replied, 'Thou mayest endow its principal in the name of religion and give in alms of its produce.' Then ʿOmar gave it in alms, so that its principal should not be sold, and should not be given away or inherited. And he gave its produce in alms to the poor, and to his relations, and for the emancipation of slaves, and in the road of God, and for travellers and guests. (And he proclaimed) that it should be no fault in those whom he had thus made participators in the produce if they ate of it in a reasonable manner or gave others to eat when in want. Ibn Sírín said, 'And provided they did not hoard up wealth.'—Muslim, Al Bukhárí.

It is related from Al Nuʿmán bin Bashír that his father brought him to the Apostle of God and said, 'Verily I have given this son of mine as a slave.' He said, 'Hast thou made presents of all thy sons in this manner?' He replied, 'No.' The Prophet said, 'Take him back.' And in another tradition it runs, 'He said, "Would it please thee that they should be equal before thee in righteousness?' He replied, "Yes." He said, "Then do not give him as a slave."' And in another tradition it runs, 'He said, "My father gave me away as a present. And ʿUmrah bint Rawáḥah said, 'I shall not be satisfied until thou make the Apostle of God a witness.' Then he came to the Apostle of God and said, 'Verily I have given my son, born of ʿUmrah bint Rawáḥah, as a present, and she