A Companion who asked permission to commit adultery

In Khasaais-e-Kubra, there is a Hadith on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Umama (May Allah be well pleased with him).  He says that a young man came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and said:  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  Permit me to commit adultery.

 

On this, voices were raised from every corner.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) asked that person to come closer.  He did so.  Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told him to sit.  He did so.  Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told him:  Would you like it if somebody fornicates with your mother? That young man said:  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  I would sacrifice my father and mother for you, by Allah!  I would never like it.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Similarly, others will also not like anybody fornicating with their mothers.

 

Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Would you like if somebody fornicates with your daughter?  He said:  Never!  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Others will similarly not like anybody fornicating with their sisters.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Would you like it if somebody fornicates with your sister?  That young man said:  Never.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  In the same way, others will not like anybody fornicating with their sisters.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Would you like it if somebody fornicates with your paternal aunt?  He said:  No, never.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Others will similarly dislike anybody fornicating with their paternal aunts.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Would you like it if somebody fornicates with your maternal aunt?  He said:  No, never.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Others will similarly dislike anybody fornicating with their maternal aunts.

 

Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) placed His hand on that young man’s chest and said:  O Allah!  Forgive hi sins and purify his heart and save him from adultery.  The narrator says that after this that young man’s condition was such that he would not even gaze at anybody.

 

It seems that he had fallen in love with a woman and even their union was decided.  However, because of his fear and consciousness of Allah Most High, he did not like to indulge in this act without permission from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Even though he knew the ills of adultery and how vile this act is considered by Muslims so much so that the punishment for this was death by stoning.  But his honesty and the perfection of his faith persuaded him to make a request at the least.  Maybe that he would be given special permission.  For this reason, putting aside all modesty, he asked this right in the middle of a gathering.  This dirty question infuriated the Companions so much that from every corner, there were shouts of indignation and condemnation from all around.  If it were not for the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), most probably he would have been dealt with severely.  When the Companions were affected like this, how distressing this question should have been to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), but praise be to Allah!  This is called as wisdom and fine invitation and exhortation.  How finely and gently did the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) answer him and unfastened the answer from his own lips.  It is a simple thing to confess.  Human beings do accept something that is logical.  However, acting upon it is difficult.  That’s the reason, the scholars and speakers keep relating Hadith, but if checked, those who actually act upon them are few.  What more can one say when a great Prophet like Hadhrat Yousuf (May peace be upon him) says: 

 

And I do not (claim) absolution of my self. Certainly, the self commands much evil except the one on whom my Lord bestows mercy.  Surah Yousuf (12:53)

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) arranged for acting upon this as well that that eagerness which had come close being an obsession was calmed and the effect of the blessed hand of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was such that for the rest of his life, he didn’t even cast a glance at any woman.

[Excerpted from Maqasid Ul Islam, Vol. 9, Pg No. 15-17]