Mishkat al-Masabih
Abu Huraira reported God's Messenger as saying, “He who obeys me has obeyed God and he who disobeys me has disobeyed God; he who obeys the commander has obeyed me and he who disobeys the commander has disobeyed me. The imam is only a shield behind whom fighting is engaged in and by whom protection is sought; so if he commands piety and acts justly he will have a reward for that, but if he holds another view he will on that account be held guilty.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3661
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 1
Umm al-Husain reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If a slave who has been mutilated is made your commander and leads you in accordance with God’s Book, listen to him and obey.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3662
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 2
Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave with a head like a raisin* is made governor over you.” Bukhari transmitted it. * This is said to refer to the head being small, or to the hair being crisp and curly, or short.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3663
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 3
Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Hearing and obeying are the duty of a Muslim man both regarding what he likes and what he dislikes, as long as he is not commanded to perform an act of disobedience to God, in which case he must neither hear nor obey.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3664
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 4
‘Ali reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No obedience is to be given in the case of an act of disobedience to God, obedience is to be given only regarding what is reputable.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3665
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 5
‘Ubada b. as-Samit said: We swore allegiance to God’s Messenger agreeing to hear and obey in time of difficulty and time of ease, in what we liked and what we disliked, to give way to others’ interests, not to dispute about government with those in power, and to say what was right wherever we were, not fearing for God’s sake what anyone who blamed us might say. A version has, “Not to dispute about government with those in power unless you see evident infidelity regarding which you have a proof from God.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3666
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 6
Ibn ‘Umar told that when they swore allegiance to God’s Messenger to hear and obey he was saying to them, “In what you are able.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3667
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 7
Ibn ‘Abbas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone sees in his commander what he dislikes he should show patience, for no one separates a span's distance from the community and dies without dying like those of pre-Islamic times.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3668
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 8
Abu Huraira told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “He who abandons obedience and separates from the community and then dies, will die like those of pre-Islamic times; he who fights under a banner of ignorance* showing anger in support of party spirit, or summoning people to party spirit, or helping party spirit, and then is killed will be killed like those of pre-Islamic times; and he who goes out against my people with his sword smiting the virtuous and the reprobate, not keeping away from those who are believers or observing covenants which have been made, has nothing to do with me and I have nothing to do with him.” Muslim transmitted it. *'Immiya, or 'ummiya, meaning either pride or error. I have translated it as ‘‘ignorance, for it is explained as being here used of people who fight without considering whether they are in the right or not.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3669
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 9
‘Auf b. Malik al-Ashja‘i reported God's Messenger as saying, “Your best imams are those whom you like and who like you, on whom you invoke blessings and who invoke blessings on you; and your worst imams are those whom you hate and who hate you, whom you curse and who curse you.” They asked God's Messenger whether in that event they should not depose them, but he replied, “No, as long as they observe the prayer among you; no, as long as they observe the prayer among you. If anyone has a governor whom he sees doing anything which is an act of disobedience to God, he must disapprove of the disobedience to God which he commits, but must never withdraw from obedience.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3670
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 10
Umm Salama reported God’s Messenger as saying, “You will have commanders some of whom you will approve and some of whom you will disapprove. He who expresses disapproval is guiltless and he who feels disapproval is safe, but he who is pleased and follows them ...” His hearers interrupted, “Shall we not fight with them?” but he replied, “No, as long as they pray; no, as long as they pray.” It means one who feels disapproval in his heart and expresses disapproval in his heart. Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3671
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 11
‘Abdallah b. Mas'ud told that God’s Messenger said to them, “After my death you will see [rulers] appropriating the best things for themselves and other matters which you will disapprove.” He was asked what he commanded them to do and replied, “Give them what is due to them and ask God for what is due to you.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3672
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 12
Wa’il b. Hujr told that Salama b. Yazid al-Ju‘fi questioned God’s Messenger saying, “Prophet of God, tell us what you command us to do if commanders arise over us who demand of us what is due to them and refuse us what is due to us.” He replied, “Listen and obey, for they are responsible only for what has been laid on them (cf. Al-Qur’an, 24:54) and you for what has been laid on you.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3673
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 13
‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar told that he heard God's Messenger say, “He who throws off obedience will meet God on the day of resurrection without possessing any plea, and he who dies without having taken an oath of allegiance will die like a pagan.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3674
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 14
Abu Huraira reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “The B. Isra’il were governed by the prophets, as often as one died another taking his place. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be numerous caliphs.” He was asked what command he had to give and replied, “Fulfil the oath of allegiance to each and give them their due for God will question them about what He asked them to guard.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3675
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 15
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported God’s Messenger as saying, “When allegiance is sworn to two caliphs kill the second of them.* Muslim transmitted it. * Some interpret ‘kill’ here as meaning to fight with. The tradition is directed against the possibility of two Caliphs holding power at the same time, even though the areas might be quite distinct.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3676
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 16
‘Arfaja told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “Various corruptions will arise, so strike with the sword him who tries to cause separation in this people when they are united, whoever he be.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3677
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 17
He told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “If anyone comes to you when you are united under one man desiring to split you or cause parties in your community, kill him.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3678
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 18
‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone swears allegiance to an imam, giving him his hand in ratification and sincere agreement in his heart, he must obey him if he can. Then if another comes and contends with him, cut off that other one’s head.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3679
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 19
‘Abd ar-Rahman b. Samura told that God’s Messenger said to him, “Do not ask for the position of commander, for if you are given it after asking you will be left to discharge it yourself; but if you are given it without asking you will be helped to discharge it.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3680
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 20
Abu Huraira reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “You will be eager for the office of commander, but it will become a cause of regret on the day of resurrection. It is a good suckler but an evil weaner.”* Bukhari transmitted it. *In the beginning it causes pleasure, but later such pleasures are cut off. The idea is that one gladly undertakes high office, but later finds it to be a cause of grief.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3681
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 21
Abu Dharr told that he asked God’s Messenger to make him a governor, but he struck him on his shoulder with his hand and said, “You are weak, Abu Dharr, and it is a trust which will be a cause of shame and regret on the day of resurrection except for him who undertakes it as it ought to be undertaken and fulfils his duty in it.” In a version he said to him, “I see that you are weak, Abu Dharr, and I wish for you what I wish for myself. Do not accept rule over two people and do not become guardian of an orphan’s property.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3682
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 22
Abu Musa said: Two of my cousins on my father’s side and I went in to see the Prophet (ﷺ) and one of them said, “Messenger of God, put us in command of part of what God has put in your charge,” the other also saying the same. He replied, “I swear by God that I will not put in charge, of this work anyone who asks for it, or anyone who is eager for it.” In a version he said, “We will not employ in our work one who wants it.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3683
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 23
Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “You will find among the best people those who have the strongest dislike of this command till they fall into it.”* (Bukhari and Muslim.) *This is explained as meaning either they cease to dislike having authority and so cease to be among the best people, or they find that God helps them. Preference is given to the first explanation, but the remark is made that whichever explanation is correct, in the end these people do not object to having authority.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3684
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 24
‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The imam who is over the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherdess in charge of her husband’s house and children and she is responsible for them; and a man’s slave is a shepherd in charge of his master’s property and he is responsible for it. So each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3685
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 25
Ma'qil b. Yasar told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “Any governor in charge of Muslim subjects who dies while acting dishonestly towards them will be excluded by God from paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3686
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 26
He told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “Anyone who is asked by God to take charge of subjects and does not protect them with good counsel will not smell the fragrance of paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3687
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 27
‘A’idh b. ‘Amr told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “The worst shepherds are those who are ungentle.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3688
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 28
‘A’isha reported God’s Messenger as saying, “O God, cause distress to him who has any charge over my people and causes them distress, and be gentle to him who has any charge over my people and is gentle to them.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3689
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 29
‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr b. al-‘As reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Those who act justly will be with God on pulpits of light* at the right hand of the Compassionate One, and both His hands are right. They are those who are just in their jurisdiction, towards their people and what is under their charge.” Muslim transmitted it. *This phrase is explained either in a literal sense, or as indicating their high station.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3690
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 30
Abu Sa'id reported God's Messenger as saying, “No prophet is sent by God and no caliph succeeds another without having two close associates, one who commands and urges him to do what is reputable and one who commands and urges him to do what is evil. The one who is protected is he whom God protects.” Bukhari transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3691
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 31
Anas said that Qais b. Sa‘d had a position in relation to the Prophet (ﷺ) like that of a prefect of a district in relation to a governor. Bukhari transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3692
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 32
Abu Bakra told that when God’s Messenger heard the people of Persia had made Kisra’s daughter their queen he said, “People who make a woman their ruler will never prosper.” Bukhari transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3693
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 33
Al-Harith al-Ash‘ari reported God's Messenger as saying, “I command you five things: to maintain the community, to listen, to obey, to emigrate, and to fight in God's path. He who secedes from the community as much as a span has cast off the tie of Islam from his neck unless he returns, and he who summons to what the pre-Islamic people believed belongs to the assemblies of jahannam even if he fasts, prays, and asserts that he is a Muslim.” Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3694
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 34
Ziyad b. Kusaib al-‘Adawi said: I was with Abu Bakra under Ibn ‘Amir’s pulpit when he was preaching and wearing thin garments. Abu Bilal said, “Look at our governor wearing the garments of profligates,” whereupon Abu Bakra told him to be quiet, for he had heard God’s Messenger say, “He who despises God’s ruler in the earth will be despised by God.” Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a hasan gharib tradition.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3695
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 35
An-Nawwas b. Sam‘an reported God’s Messenger as saying, “A creature is not to be obeyed when it involves disobedience to the "Creator.” It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3696
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 36
Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who has been ruler over ten people will be brought on the day of resurrection shackled till justice loosens his chains or tyranny brings him to destruction.”* Darimi transmitted it. *The reference is to the justice or tyranny he has displayed in the administration of his office.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3697
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 37
He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Woe to the governors, woe to the chiefs, woe to the superintendents! On the day of resurrection people will wish that their forelocks were tied to the Pleiades, that they were swinging between heaven and earth, and that they had never exercised any rule.”* It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna. Ahmad transmitted it, his version saying, “that their flowing hair were tied to the Pleiades, that they were dangling between heaven and earth, and that they had never been made governors over anything.” * The idea of their swinging between heaven and earth is that they will wish they had been far removed from the world during their lifetime so that they would not have exercised rule.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3698
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 38
Ghalib al-Qattan quoted a man who stated on the authority of his father that his grandfather reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The office of a chief is necessary, for people must have chiefs, but the chiefs will go to hell.”* Abu Dawud transmitted it. * Mirqat. iv, 133 says this means those who are unjust, or is a warning against the temptations to injustice arising from their office.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3699
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 39
Ka'b b. ‘Ujra told that God's Messenger said to him, “I commend you to God to protect you from the ruler ship of the foolish.” He asked what that was, and God’s Messenger replied, “After my time governors will arise whose falsehood will be believed and who will be assisted in their oppression by those who enter their presence. They have nothing to do with me and I have nothing to do with them, and they will never come down to me at the Pond. But they who do not enter their presence, believe their falsehood and help them in their oppression, those belong to me and I belong to them, and those ones will come down to me at the Pond.”* Tirmidhi and Nasa’i transmitted it. * This is the tank or pool at which believers will drink on the day of resurrection.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3700
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 40
Ibn ‘Abbas reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “He who lives in the desert will become rough, he who follows the chase will become negligent, and he who goes to a ruler will be led astray.” Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Nasa’i transmitted it. Abu Dawud’s version has, “He who attaches himself to a ruler will be led astray, and the nearer a man comes to a ruler the farther he goes from God.”
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3701
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 41
Al-Miqdam b. Ma'dikarib told that God’s Messenger struck him on his shoulders and then said, “You will attain success, Qudaim,* if you die without having been a ruler, a secretary, or a chief.” Abu Dawud transmitted it. * This form is used as a diminutive of Miqdam, the diminutive being used as an affectionate form of address.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3702
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 42
‘Uqba b. ‘Amir reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Sahib maks, meaning one who tithes people, will not enter paradise.” Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Darimi transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3703
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 43
Abu Sa'id reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The one who will be dearest to God and nearest to Him in station of the day of resurrection will be a just imam, and the one who will be most hateful to God on the day of resurrection and will receive the severest punishment (or as a version has, will be farthest from Him in station) will be a tyrannical imam.” Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a hasan gharib tradition.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3704
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 44
He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The most excellent jihad is when one speaks a true word in the presence of a tyrannical ruler.” Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it, and Ahmad and Nasa‘i transmitted it on the authority of Tariq b. Shihab.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3705, 3706
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 45
‘A’isha reported God’s Messenger as saying, “When God has a good purpose for a ruler He appoints for him a sincere minister who reminds him if he forgets and helps him if he remembers; but when God has a different purpose from that for him He appoints for him an evil minister who does not remind him if he forgets and does not help him if he remembers.” Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3707
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 46
Abu Umama reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, ‘‘When a ruler seeks to make imputations against the people he corrupts them.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3708
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 47
Mu'awiya told that he heard God’s Messenger say,” When you look into people’s secrets you corrupt them.”* Baihaqi transmitted it in Shu'ab al-iman. * This is a prohibition of delving into other people’s affairs and disclosing things which should not be disclosed, as this makes life difficult for them. It is the same idea as in the previous tradition.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3709
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 48
Abu Dharr reported God's Messenger as saying, “How will you deal with imams after my death who appropriate to themselves this booty?” He replied, “I swear by Him who sent you with the truth that I shall put my sword on my shoulder and smite with it till I meet you.” He said, “Shall I not guide you to something better than that? You must show endurance till you meet me.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3710
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 49
‘A’isha reported God's Messenger as saying, “Do you know who will go first on the day of resurrection to the shade of God who is great and glorious?” Then on receiving the reply that God and His Messenger knew best, he said, “Those who when given what is right accept it, when asked for something give freely, and who judge in favour of others as they do for themselves.” Ahmad.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3711
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 50
Jabir b. Samura told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “There are three things I fear for my people: seeking rain by the stars,*the injustice of the ruler, and denial of God's decree.” Ahmad. *This is a reference to the pre-Islamic habit of attributing rain to certain seasons and saying the rain came to them because of a certain star, whereas Muslims ought to recognize that rain comes by God’s favour.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3712
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 51
Abu Dharr told that God’s Messenger said to him for six days, “Comprehend, Abu Dharr, what will be said to you afterwards.” Then when the seventh day came he said, “I counsel you to observe fear of God both secretly and openly; when you do wrong do a good deed; do not ask anyone for anything, even if your whip falls;* do not accept a trust; and do not give a decision between two people.” Ahmad. * This means that help is to be asked only from God and that one should not ask another human being for even the smallest help.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3713
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 52
Abu Umama reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “No one will rule ten people or more without coming to God who is great and glorious on the day of resurrection with his hand chained to his neck and being set free by his goodness, or brought to destruction by his sin. The beginning of it merits blame, its middle produces regret, and its end is disgrace on the day of resurrection.” Ahmad.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3714
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 53
Mu'awiya reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If you are put in a position of authority, Mu'awiya, fear God and act justly.” He said that he kept thinking he would be afflicted by a governorship in accordance with what the Prophet (ﷺ) had said till it actually came true. Ahmad. Baihaqi transmitted Mu‘awiya’s tradition in Dalail an-nubuwa.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3715
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 54
Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Seek refuge in God from the beginning of the year seventy and the governorship exercised by boys.”* Ahmad. *This tradition is direction against some of the Umayyads.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3716
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 55
Yahya b. Hashim quoted Yunus b. Abu Ishaq who, on his father’s authority, reported God’s Messenger as saying, “As you are so will you have rulers put over you.” Baihaqi transmitted in Shuab al iman. This tradition has a broken isnad and that its transmission is weak.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3717
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 56
Ibn ‘Umar reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “The sultan is God’s shade on the earth to which each one of His servants who is wronged repairs. When he is just he will have a reward, and it is the duty of the common people to be grateful; but when he acts tyrannically the burden rests on him, and it is the duty of the common people to show endurance.” Baihaqi transmitted in Shuab al iman.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3718
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 57
‘Umar b. al-Khattab reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The one among God’s servants who will have the best position with God on the day of resurrection will be a just and kindly iman, but the man who will have the worst position with God on the day of resurrection will be a tyrannical and harsh imam.” Baihaqi transmitted in Shuab al iman.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3719
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 58
‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone gives his brother a look which frightens him, God will frighten him on the day of resurrection.” Baihaqi transmitted in Shuab al iman.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3720
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 59
Abud Darda’ reported God’s Messenger as saying that God most high says, "I am God than whom there is no god, Master of kings, King of kings, in whose hands are the hearts of kings. When men obey me I turn the hearts of kings to them with mercy and gentleness, but when they disobey me I turn their hearts against them with displeasure and vengeance, and they inflict grievous punishment upon them. So do not occupy yourselves with invoking curses on kings, but occupy yourselves with remembrance of me and supplication that I may protect you against your kings.” Abu Nu'aim transmitted it in al-Hilya.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3721
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 60
Abu Musa told that when God’s Messenger sent one of his companion’s to attend to some of his affairs he said, “Gladden people and do not scare them; make things easy and do not make them difficult. ’ (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3722
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 61
Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Make things easy and do not make them difficult; make people calm and do not scare them.’’ (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3723
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 62
Abu Burda* told that when the Prophet (ﷺ) sent his grandfather Abu Musa and Mu'adh to the Yemen he said, “Make things easy and do not make them difficult; gladden and do not scare; comply with one another and do not disagree.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) * This should be Sa'id b. Abu Burda on his father’s authority. C f. Bukhari, Maghazi, 60.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3724
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 63
Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The perfidious one will have a standard set up for him on the day of resurrection, and announcement will be made that this is the perfidy* of so and so, the son of so and so.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) * This is explained as meaning the sign, result, or punishment of his perfidy.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3725
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 64
Anas reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “Every perfidious one will have a standard on the day of resurrection by which he will be recognized.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3726
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 65
Abu Sa'id reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “Every perfidious one will have a standard at his anus on the day of resurrection.” A version has, “On the day of resurrection every perfidious one will have a standard which will be raised for him according to the amount of his perfidy, and no one is more perfidious than the ruler of a community.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3727
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 66
‘Amr b. Murra told that he said to Mu'awiya he had heard God’s Messenger say, "If anyone is put by God in authority over any matter concerning the Muslims and turns away from dealing with their need, destitution and poverty, God will turn away from dealing with his need, destitution and poverty.” Mu'awiya then appointed a man to deal with the needs of the people. Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi transmitted it. A version by Ahmad and Tirmidhi has, “God will lock the gates of heaven upon his destitution, need and poverty.”
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3728
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 67
Abush Shammakh al-Azdi was told by a cousin of his on his father’s side who was a companion of the Prophet (ﷺ) that he had gone to Mu'awiya, entered his presence and told him he had heard God's Messenger say, "If one who has been given any authority over the people locks his gate against Muslims, or one who has been wronged, or one who has a need, God will lock the gates of His mercy against him when he has a need or is in poverty, however much he is in need of Him.” Baihaqi transmitted in Shuab al iman.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3729
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 68
When 'Umar b. al-Khattab sent out his governors he laid on them the condition that they should not ride a horse not of Arabian breed,* or eat white bread, or wear fine clothing, or shut their gates against the needs of the people, telling them that if they did any of these things punishment would befall them. Then he would accompany them some distance. Baihaqi transmitted in Shuab al iman. * Birdhaun. This word is used of a horse of poor breed, a horse not of Arab breed, or more specifically a Turkish horse. It is suggested that the reason for the wording is to warn governors against riding horses, this being a sign of pride. Prohibiting a breed considered second-rate makes it obvious that to ride horses of the best Arab breed would be even a greater sign of pride.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3730
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 69
Abu Bakra told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “No judge must give judgment between two people when he is angry.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3731
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 70
‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr and Abu Huraira reportad God’s Messenger as saying, “When a judge gives a decision having tried his best to decide correctly and is right, he will have a double reward; and when he gives a decision having tried his best to decide correctly and is wrong, he will have a single reward.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3732
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 71
Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who has been appointed a qadi among the people has been killed without a knife.”* Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it. *This phrase has troubled commentators. Perhaps the best explanation is that he will have reason to repent of his manner of life, for there are many traditions which express disapproval of undertaking such an office. A somewhat ingenious explanation is that his evil characteristics must be cut away, this being a kind of slaughter.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3733
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 72
Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone desires and asks for the office of qadi he will be left to his own devices, but if anyone is forced to accept it God will send down an angle who will direct him aright.” Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3734
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 73
Buraida reported God’s Messenger as saying, "Qadis are of three types, one of whom will go to paradise and two to hell. The one who will go to paradise is a man who knows what is right and gives judgment accordingly; but a man who knows what is right and acts tyrannically in his judgment will go to hell, and a man who gives judgment for people when he is ignorant will go to hell.” Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3735
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 74
Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone seeks the office of qadi among Muslims till he gets it and his justice prevails over his tyranny, he will go to paradise; but the man whose tyranny prevails over his justice will go to hell." Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3736
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 75
Mu'adh b. Jabal told that when God’s Messenger sent him to the Yemen he asked him how he would judge when the occasion arose, and he replied that he would judge in accordance with God’s Book. He asked what he would do if he could not find guidance in God’s Book, and he replied that he would act in accordance with God’s Messenger’s sunnah. He asked what he would do if he could find no guidance in God’s Messenger’s sunnah, and he replied that he would do his best to form an opinion and spare no pains. God’s Messenger then tapped him on the breast and said, “Praise be to God who has disposed His Messenger’s Messenger to something with which God’s Messenger is pleased!" Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Darimi transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3737
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 76
‘Ali said: God's Messenger sent me to the Yemen as qadi and I said, “Messenger of God, are you sending me when I am young and have no knowledge of the duties of qadi He replied, “God will guide your heart and keep your tongue true. When two men bring a case before you do not decide in favour of the first till you hear what the other has to say, for it is best that you should have a clear idea of the best decision." He said he had no doubts about a decision afterwards. Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3738
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 77
‘Abdallah b. Mas'ud reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No judge who pronounces judgment among men will fail to come on the day of resurrection with an angel holding the back of his neck. He* will then raise his head to heaven, and if God gives orders to cast him down, he will cast him into an abyss forty years deep." Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Baihaqi in Shu'ab al-lman transmitted it. *i.e. the angel.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3739
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 78
‘A’isha reported God's Messenger as saying, “The day of resurrection will come to the just qadi and he will wish he had never given judgment between two men about a single date.”* Ahmad transmitted it. * He will wish he had never given judgment even about the most insignificant matters.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3740
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 79
'Abdallah b. Abu Aufa reported God’s Messenger as saying, “God is with the qadi as long as he is not tyrannical, but when he is He departs from him and the devil attaches himself to him.” A version has, “When he is tyrannical He leaves him to his own devices.” Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3741
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 80
Said b. al-Musayyib told that a Muslim and a Jew brought a dispute before ‘Umar, and as he considered the Jew was in the right he pronounced judgment in his favour; but when the Jew said, “I swear by God that you have pronounced just judgment,” he struck him with the whip and asked him what caused him to know that. The Jew replied, “I swear by God that we find in the Torah that no qadi judges rightly without having an angel at his right hand and an angel at his left who direct him and dispose him to what is right as long as he adheres to the right; but when he abandons the right they ascend and leave him.” Malik transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3742
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 81
Ibn Mauhib told that when ‘Uthman b. ‘Affan asked Ibn ‘Umar to act as qadi among the people he asked the commander of the faithful to excuse him. He asked him what objection he had to that when his father had been holding such an office, and he replied that it was because he had heard God’s Messenger say, “If anyone is a qadi and fulfils the office with justice he should rather turn away from it with neither credit nor blame.”* After that he did not ask him again. Tirmidhi transmitted it. * Or, ‘without reward or punishment’. Razin’s version on the authority of Nafi' tells that Ibn ‘Umar said to ‘Uthman, “Commander of the faithful, I shall not pronounce judgment between two men.” He replied, “Your father used to do so.” He said, “If anything was dubious to my father he asked God’s Messenger, and if anything was dubious to God’s Messenger he asked Gabriel, but I can find no one to ask, and I heard God’s Messenger say, ‘He who seeks refuge in God has sought refuge in a great One.’ I also heard him say, ‘Grant refuge to him who seeks refuge in God’, and I seek refuge in God from your making me a qadi." So he excused him, but said, “Do not tell anyone.” Razin.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3743, 3744
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 82
Abu Huraira reported God's Messenger as saying, “What I give you and do not withhold from you I am just distributing, putting it where I have been commanded." Bukhari transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3745
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 83
Khaula al-Ansariya reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Men will unjustly acquire for themselves property which belongs to God, and on the day of resurrection they will go to hell." Bukhari transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3746
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 84
'A’isha told that when Abu Bakr became caliph he said, “My people know that my trade was not incapable of supporting my family, but I have become occupied with the affairs of the Muslims, so Abu Bakr’s family will be supported from this property while he works for it on behalf of the Muslims." Bukhari transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3747
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 85
Buraida reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “When we appoint someone to an administrative post and provide him with an allowance, anything he takes beyond that is unfaithful dealing." Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3748
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 86
‘Umar said, “I held an administrative post in the time of God's Messenger, and he gave me payment for it." Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3749
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 87
Mu'adh said: God’s Messenger sent me to the Yemen, but when I set off he sent after me and I was brought back. He then said, “Do you know why I sent for you? Do not take anything without my permission, for it is unfaithful dealing, and he who acts unfaithfully will come on the day of resurrection with the unfaithful deeds he has done. This is why I called you. Now go off to your task." Tirmidhi transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3750
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 88
Al-Mustadrid b. Shaddad told that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say, “He who acts as a governor for us must get a wife; if he has not a servant he must get one, and if he has not a dwelling he must get one.” A version says, “He who takes anything else than that is acting unfaithfully.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3751
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 89
'Adi b. ‘Amira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If any of you people is put in an administrative post on our behalf and conceals from us a needle or more, he is acting unfaithfully and will bring it on the day of resurrection.” One of the Ansar then got up and said, “Messenger of God, take back from me my post.” He asked what that meant and he told him he had heard him say such and such. He replied, “And I say that. If we appoint anyone to an office he must bring what is connected with it, both little and much. What he is given he may take, but he must refrain from what is kept away from him.” Muslim and Abu Dawud transmitted it, the wording being the latter’s.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3752
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 90
'Abdallah b. ‘Amr told that God’s Messenger cursed the one who bribes and the one who takes bribes. Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it. Tirmidhi transmitted it on ‘Abdallah’s authority and on that of Abu Huraira. Ahmad and Baihaqi, in Shu'ab al-iman, transmitted it on the authority of Thauban, who added that the raish is the go-between regarding a bribe.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3753, 3754, 3755
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 91
‘Amr b. al-'As said: God’s Messenger sent ordering me to collect my weapons and clothing and come to him. I came to him when he was performing ablution, and he said, “I sent for you, ‘Amr, to dispatch you on a matter in which God will keep you safe and grant you booty, and I shall make you an allotment from the spoil.” I replied, “My emigration, Messenger of God, was not for the sake of property, but was only for the sake of God and His Messenger.” He said, “Honest property is good 1 for an honest man.” It is transmitted in Sharh as- sunna, and Ahmad transmitted something similar. His version has “Good is honest property 2 for an honest man.” 1. Ni'imma bil mal as-salih. 2. Ni'ma’ al-mal as-salih.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3756
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 92
Abu Umama reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone intercedes for, someone and that one gives him for it a present which he accepts, he has been guilty of a serious type-of usury.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3757
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 93
Ibn ‘Abbas reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “If people were given what they asked when they brought a case some would claim the lives and property of others; but the oath must be taken by the defendant.” Muslim transmitted it. In the commentary on his work by Nawawi it says that in Baihaqi’s version with an isnad which is hasan or sahih there is an addition on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas which is traced to the Prophet, “But the proof lies on the plaintiff and the oath must be taken by him who rejects the claim.”
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3758
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 94
Ibn Mas'ud reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone swears a firm oath, 1 acting wickedly thereby, and appropriates by it property belonging to a Muslim, God will be angry when he meets Him on the day of resurrection.” And God has sent down the verification of that, “Those who barter for a small price God's covenant and their oaths”2. (Bukhari and Muslim.) 1. Or an oath he is compelled to take. 2. Al-Qur’an, 3:77
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3759
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 95
Abu Umama reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone appropriates by his oath what rightly belongs to a Muslim, God has made hell necessary for him and deprived him of paradise.” A man asked God’s Messenger whether that applied even if it were a small amount, and he replied, “Even if it were a stick from an arak tree.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3760
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 96
Umm Salama reported God’s Messenger as saying, “I am only a human being and you bring your disputes to me, some perhaps being more eloquent in their plea than others, so that I give judgment on their behalf according to what I hear from them. Therefore whatever I decide for anyone which by right belongs to his brother he must not take, for I am granting him only a portion of hell.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3761
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 97
‘A'isha reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The man who is most hateful to God is the one who quarrels and disputes most.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3762
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 98
Ibn ‘Abbas said that God's Messenger gave a decision on the basis of an oath and a single witness. Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3763
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 99
‘Alqama b. Wa’il told on his father’s authority that a man from Hadramaut and man from Kinda came to the Prophet, the Hadrami saying, ‘‘Messenger of God, this man has seized land belonging to me,” and the Kindi saying, “It is my land and in my possession; he has no right to it.” The Prophet (ﷺ) asked the Hadrami if he had any proof, but he replied that he had none, so he told him that he could have the other swear an oath. He replied, “Messenger of God, the man is a reprobate who would swear to anything and stick at nothing,” but he told him that that was his only recourse. The man went off to take an oath, and when he turned his back God’s Messenger said, “If he swears about his property to take it unjustly he will certainly find God turning away from him when he meets Him.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3764
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 100
Abu Dharr told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “If anyone claims what is not his he does not belong to us, and let him come to his seat in hell.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3765
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 101
Zaid b. Khalid reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Shall I not tell you of the best witness? He is the one who produces his deposition before he is asked for it.” Muslim transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3766
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 102
Ibn Mas'ud reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The best of men are my generation, then those who come next to them, then those who come next to them. Afterwards people will come who will give testimony before swearing an oath and swear an oath before giving testimony.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3767
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 103
Abu Huraira told that the Prophet (ﷺ) suggested to some people that they should swear an oath and when they hastened to do so he ordered that lots should be cast among them concerning the oath as to who should swear it. Bukhari transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3768
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 104
‘Amr b. Shu'aib, on his father’s authority, told that his grandfather reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “Proof lies on the plaintiff and the oath is to be sworn by the defendant.” Tirmidhi transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3769
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 105
Umm Salama told on the Prophet’s authority about two men, who brought a dispute before him about inheritances, but had no proof beyond their claim. He said, “If I give a decision in favour of one respecting what is rightly his brother’s I am allotting him only a portion of hell.” Thereupon both the men said, “Messenger of God, this right of mine may go to my brother,” but he replied, "No; rather go and divide it up, aiming at what is right, then draw lots, and let each of you consider the other to have what is legitimately his.” In a version he said, “I judge between you only by my opinion regarding matters about which no revelation has been sent down to me.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3770
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 106
Jabir b. ‘Abdallah told that two men claimed an animal and both of them brought proof that it was his animal, the offspring of one of his beasts. God’s Messenger then gave his decision that it should go to the one who had it in his possession. It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3771
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 107
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari told that two men laid claim to a camel in the time of God’s Messenger and both of them sent two witnesses, so the Prophet (ﷺ) divided it in halves between them.* Abu Dawud transmitted it. A version by Nasa’i, Ibn Majah and him says that two men laid claim to a camel, but as neither of them could produce proof the Prophet (ﷺ) declared they should share it equally. * I have kept closely to the Arabic in this translation because the alternative version follows immediately afterwards. The meaning of both versions is the same, viz. that both men were to have equal use of the camel.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3772
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 108
Abu Huraira told that two men disputed about an animal but could produce no proof, so the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Cast lots about the oath.” Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3773
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 109
Ibn ‘Abbas told that the Prophet (ﷺ) said to a man whom he had asked to take an oath, “Swear by God than Whom there is no god that you have nothing belonging to him,” i.e. the plaintiff. Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3774
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 110
Al-Ash‘ath b. Qais said: A Jew and I shared some land and he denied my right, so I took him to the Prophet (ﷺ) who asked me whether I had any proof. When I replied that I had none and he told the Jew to swear an oath, I said, “Messenger of God, he will swear an oath and go off with my property.” Then God most high sent down, “Those who barter for a small price God’s covenant and their oaths . . .” (Al-Qur’an, 3:77) Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3775
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 111
He told that a man of Kinda and a man of Hadramaut brought a dispute before God’s Messenger about land in the Yemen. The Hadrami said, “Messenger of God, this man’s father took my land forcibly from me, and it is in his hands.” He asked him if he had any proof, and he replied, “No, but I shall require him to swear by God he does not know it is my land which his father took forcibly from me.” The Kindi was prepared to take the oath, but when God’s Messenger said, “Anyone who appropriates property by an oath will meet God in a maimed condition,” the Kindi said, “It is his land.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3776
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 112
‘Abdallah b. Unais reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Among the most serious of major sins are attributing a partner to God, unfilial behaviour, and deliberate perjury. If anyone swears an oath which he is compelled to take (or a firm oath) and introduces into it as much falsehood as a gnat’s wing, a spot will be put in his heart till the day of resurrection.” Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a gharib tradition.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3777
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 113
Jabir reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone swears a false oath near this pulpit of mine, even though it be about a green tooth stick, he will come to his place in hell,” or, “he will certainly go to hell.” Malik, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3778
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 114
Khuraim o. Fatik told that when God’s Messenger had finished praying the morning prayer he stood up and said three times, “False witness has been made equivalent to attributing a partner to God. He then recited, “So avoid the abomination of idols and avoid spreading falsehood as people pure of faith to God, not associating anything with Him." (Al-Qur’an, 22:30) Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it and Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted it on the authority of Aiman b. Khuraim. Ibn Majah did not mention what he recited.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3779, 3780
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 115
‘A’isha reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The testimony of a deceitful man or woman, or of one who has been flogged for transgressing the bounds set by God, or of one who harbours rancour against his brother, or of one suspected regarding the patrons he claims or relationship, or of one who is dependent on a family is not allowable." Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a gharib tradition and that the traditions of Yazid b. Ziyad ad-Dimashqi, the transmitter, are rejected.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3781
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 116
‘Amr b. Shu'aib, on his father’s authority, told that his grandfather reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “The testimony of a deceitful man or woman, or of an immoral man or woman, or of one who harbours rancour against his brother is not allowable," and he rejected the testimony of one who is dependent on a family. Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3782
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 117
Abu Huraira reported God's Messenger as saying, “The testimony of a nomadic Arab against a townsman is not allowable." Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3783
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 118
‘Auf b. Malik told that the Prophet (ﷺ) gave a decision between two men and that when the one against whom the decision had been given turned away he said, “My sufficiency is God, and good is the Guardian." Thereupon the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “God most high blames for falling short, hut apply intelligence, and when a matter gets the better of you say, 'My sufficiency is God, and good is the Guardian’. (Al-Qur’an, 3:173) Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3784
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 119
Bahz b. Hakim, on his father’s authority, said his grandfather told that the Prophet (ﷺ) imprisoned a man on suspicion. Abu Dawud transmitted it, and Tirmidhi and Nasa’i added that afterwards let him go.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3785
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 120
‘Abdallah b. az-Zubair told that God’s Messenger gave the decision that the two adversaries should be made to sit in front of the judge. Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 3786
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 121