23  Al-Muminun (continued)

Page 343 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 343 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Page 343 of the standard Uthmani codex continues Surah Al-Muminun (Chapter 23), spanning verses 18 through 27.

This page transitions from the abstract structural creation of the universe into tangible earthly provisions—specifically the regulation of fresh water, vegetation, and livestock (Verses 18–22). It then shifts into historical narrative, introducing the mission of Prophet Nuh (Noah) and the stubborn resistance he faced from his people's elite (Verses 23–27).

The Sunnah and Hadith literature offer direct practical insights, dietary principles, and historical clarity for these passages.

1. Hadiths Related to Verse 20: The Blessed Olive Tree

Verse 20 highlights a very specific, highly prized plant species native to the Mediterranean basin:

"And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food [seasoning] for those who eat." (Quran 23:20).

The Prophetic Recommendation of Olive Oil

While the Quran defines the olive tree as a sign of divine craftsmanship, the Sunnah translates this into a daily health and dietary practice. The Prophet ﷺ routinely praised olive oil for both internal consumption and external skin health.

• The Narration: Umar ibn al-Khattab and Abu Asid reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Eat olive oil and use it as an ointment (apply it to your hair and skin), for it comes from a blessed tree."

• The Linguistic Tie: The text uses the Arabic phrase sibghin lil-akilin (translated as condiment or seasoning for those who eat). In the Sunnah, the Prophet ﷺ strongly favored simple, natural dips and condiments—such as vinegar and olive oil—over heavily over-processed foods, calling them the finest of household provisions.

Source Citations:

• Sunan At-Tirmidhi: Book 27, Hadith 1851 (Book of Food).

• Sunan Ibn Majah: Book 29, Hadith 3319.

• Grading: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani.

2. Hadiths Related to Verses 21–22: The Benefits of Livestock and Milk

Verses 21 and 22 expand on the utility of domesticated animals:

"And indeed, for you in the livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from that which is in their bellies, and for you in them are many benefits, and from them you eat. And upon them and upon ships you are carried." (Quran 23:21-22).

The Complete Blessing of Cattle Milk

The Sunnah directly expands on the phrase "We give you drink from that which is in their bellies." The Prophet ﷺ identified milk as a unique beverage that is completely self-sufficient.

• The Comprehensive Drink: Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever is given milk to drink by Allah, let him say: 'O Allah, bless it for us and give us more of it.' For I do not know of any food or drink that suffices in place of both food and drink except milk."

• Medical Treatment: The Sunnah also covers the therapeutic uses of livestock bi-products. In Sahih al-Bukhari, a group of travelers fell severely ill with abdominal bloating in Madinah. The Prophet ﷺ instructed them to track down a herd of dairy camels belonging to the charity department and drink a mixture of their milk and urine as a natural remedy, which fully restored their health.

Source Citations:

• The Sufficiency of Milk: Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 27, Hadith 3730; Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3455. (Graded Hasan).

• The Camels of Climate: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 4, Hadith 234 (Book of Ablution).

3. Hadiths Related to Verses 23–27: The Preaching of Prophet Nuh

The final half of page 343 initiates the story of Nuh confronting the political elite (Al-Mala') of his society:

"And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him...' But the eminent among those who disbelieved... said, 'This is not but a man like yourselves who wishes to assert superiority over you...'" (Quran 23:23-24).

The Length of Nuh's Struggles

The Sunnah contextualizes the profound emotional toll and absolute resilience required by Nuh to endure centuries of this psychological abuse and public mockery.

• The Intercession Hadith: In the famous, lengthy Hadith of Intercession (Shafa'ah) found in both major authentic collections, humanity will rush from prophet to prophet on the Day of Judgment looking for someone to plead their case to Allah.

• When they approach Nuh, they will explicitly address him using a title that mirrors his foundational status on this page: "O Noah, you are the very first of the messengers sent to the inhabitants of the earth, and Allah named you a grateful servant." The Hadith underscores that Nuh's centuries-long patience set the historical precedent for all prophetic movements that followed him.

The Specific Meaning of Verse 27: "Before Our Eyes"

In verse 27, Allah tells Nuh: "Construct the Ark under Our eyes and Our inspiration..."

• The Sunnah Clarification on Divine Attributes: The Prophet ﷺ referenced the wording of this verse and similar verses (like those tracking Prophet Musa) to establish a core theological tenet regarding the sight of Allah. In a sermon warning against the False Messiah (Dajjal), the Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah is not hidden from you. Indeed, Allah is not one-eyed," and he pointed to his own eyes, emphasizing that expressions like "under Our eyes" (bi-a'yunina) confirm Allah's complete, flawless, and perfect sight over His creation.

Source Citations:

• The First Messenger: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 60, Hadith 236 (Book of the Prophets); Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 327.

• The Attribute of Sight: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 97, Hadith 53 (Book of Tawhid).