The Shamaa'il Tirmidhi Hadiths
November 2007 version

Sunnis accept six authoritative collections of hadiths. One of the six, called the Jami is by Tirmidhi. This is not the Jami, but a shorter collection by Tirmidhi called the Shamaa'il.

Tirmidhi was a disciple of Bukhari. He collected about 3,956 hadiths in a book called the Jami, which is one of the six collections of authoritative hadith.. The following is not the same, but a shorter collection called the Shamaa-il, which has 397-400 hadiths in 55 chapters.

Also, there are two famous people in Islam nicknamed Tirmidhi (from the town of Tirmidh). One was a famous Sufi teacher, but this is the other one, the hadith collection.

Tirmidhi mentions Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.2 no.1 (15) p.34

Variances

Many things in Tirmidhi's collection are at variance with other, more authoritative hadiths.

Claim that A'isha said Mohammed never hit anyone, except in battle. He did not hit a servant nor women. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.47 no.6 (331) p.366

Contradicting this, Mohammed himself once deliberately struck 'Aisha "on the chest which caused me pain", according to Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 4 ch.352 no.2127 p.462.. Sahih Muslim collection is considered more authoritative than any other hadith collection except for Bukhari.

Also, the Qur'an say in Sura 4:34 to "beat" or "scourge" your wife, if she is disobedient? The Arabic word "beat" or "scourge" does not mean tap lightly; it is the same word used to beat a violent criminal or a camel.

In Egypt they do not think much of Dr. Badawi's novel interpretation. The Guardian Weekly reported that in 1987 and Egyptian court ruled that a husband had the duty to educate his wife, and therefore he could punish her as he wished. (from Voices Behind the Veil p.152).

Umm Kulthum did not want to marry the caliph 'Umar because "he leads a rough life and is severe with his womenfolk." al-Tabari vol.14 p.101.

Beat women, but not severely, if they allow anyone whom you dislike to lie on their beds. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.1900 p.505

"'Umar b. al-Khattab reported the Prophet (may peace be upon him) as saying: A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife.(1468)" Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2142 p.575. That may be comforting, - at least for the men!

What do some Muslims today think? In a January 2004 Associated Press article by Mar Roman, a Muslim imam in Fuengirola, Spain, Mohammed Kamal Mustafa, was fined $2,735 and given a 15-month suspended prison sentence for writing and distributing the book Women in Islam, which urged husbands to hit their wives ``on the hands and feet using a rod that is thin and light so that it does not leave scars or bruises on the body.'' The imam argued that he was interpreting passages of the Qur'an and said he opposed violence against women.

The Guardian Weekly reported that in 1987 and Egyptian court ruled that a husband had the duty to educate his wife, and therefore he could punish her as he wished. (from Voices Behind the Veil p.152).

Variances on Poverty and Wealth

Anas Radhiyallahy 'Anhu said that Mohammed never ate food from a table. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.24 no.5 (139) p.143 The commentary on p.143-144 says some have said it is the custom of proud people to eat at a table, and it is also done to imitate Christians, and Muslims should not be imitating others. The commentator says this is an insignificant thing.

'Aayeshah [A'isha] said that she never ate until she was full without crying, because she said that Mohammed never filled his stomach twice in one day with meat or bread. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.24 no.6 (140) p.144

Aayeshah [A'isha] said that his family never ate a full stomach of bread made of barley for two consecutive days. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.24 no.1 (135) p.141

Mohammed never filled his stomach with meat and bread except when he ate together with others. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.50 no.2 (350) p.392

'Ibn 'Abbaas ['Ibn 'Abbas] said the Mohammed and his family spent many consecutive nights without food. Mohammed's bread was mostly barley, but sometimes bread made of wheat was also available. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.24 no.3 (137) p.142

'Ibn Mas'ud said that Mohammed loved forequarter meat. He was given poison in that part of the meat. "It is suspected that the Jews poisoned him." Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.25 no.17 (159) p.163

People fastened sones on to their stomaches because of hunger. Mohammed had not eaten longer than the other people, so he had two stones fastened on his stomach. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.50 no.5 (353) p.395

Mazeedah bin Malik said that on the day that Mecca was conquered, Mohammed's sword had gold and silver on it. Talib said the cap of the grip handle wa made of silver. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.13 no.3 (101) p.99-100

Mohammed's family [allegedly] never filled their stomachs, even if it was only with bread from barley. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.50 no.10 p.405

Mohammed's Physical Appearance

Mohammed became a prophet at 40, lived for ten years in Mecca, ten years in Madinah [Medina] and died when he was 60. There were not more than 20 white hairs on his head. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.1 no.1 (1) p.8

Mohammed was of medium height, handsome, with slightly wavy hair and a wheat-colored complexion. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.1 no.2 (2) p.9

Mohammed was of medium height, with slightly wavy hair. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.1 no.6 (6) p.12-13

Mohammed had a white complexion, which was slightly reddish. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.1 no.13 (13) p.18

Mohammed's "seal of the prophet" was like a knot in a mosquito net or bedstand (about the size of a pigeon's egg. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.2 no.1-2 (15-16) p.23

Mohammed's seal of the prophet was like a cluster sourrounded by til (moles) which looked like a wart. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.2 no.8 (22) p.31

'Anas said that Mohammed was not very white or wheat-colored. His hair was not very curly or very straight. He died when he was 60 years old. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.52 no.6 (367) p.415

'Abdullah bin Masu'd, Abi Malik A'-Asha'e, Kybayb bin Shibaab al-Kifi, Yazeed al Farisi, Abu Qataadah, and 'Anas all said that Mohammed said that whoever has seen me [Mohammed] in one's dream, has really seen me, as he shaytan [Satan] cannot impersonate me. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.55 no.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 (389-395( p.452-455

Shaytan [Satan] cannot impersonate Mohammed in a dream. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.55 commentary prior to no.1 (389) p.452

He who sees Mohammed in a dream really sees him, because Satan cannot impersonate Mohammed. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.55 no.1-7 (389-395) p.452-455

This is why it is important to physically describe Mohammed Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.55 no.5 (393) p.454

When Did Mohammed Die?

Mu'awiyah and A'isha both said Mohammed died when he was 63 years old. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.52 no.2 (363) p.413; ch.52 no.3 (364) p.414

Ibn 'Abbas and Daghfal bin Hanzalah Sadusi said Mohammed died when he was 65 years old. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.52 no.4,5 (365,366) p.414

Mohammed Asked for Forgiveness for His Sins

Mohammed to asked Allah for forgiveness for his sins. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.2 no.9 (22) p.31

Mohammed was asked why he prayed so much, since Allah forgave Mohammed of his past and future sins. Mohammed said he should be a grateful servant. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.39 no.1,2 (248,249) p.269-270

Lice

No lice lived in Mohammed's clothing. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.19 Commentary after no.1 (119) p.120

Mohammed was like other people. At home he removed lice from his clothing, milked goats, etc. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.46 no.13 (325) p.352 the commentary said that since his sweat smelled like a rose, lice could not have come from him. He merely looked for lice because he suspected that some lice might have come from someone else and crept into his clothing.

Superstition and the Unseen World

People should put on the right shoe first and take off the left shoe first. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.11 no.9 (79) p.75\

After Mohammed conquered Mecca, he was told that Ibn Khatl [Ibn Khatal] was clinging to the cover of the Ka'bah. Mohammed said he was not one of the ones granted amnesty, so kill him. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.15 no.2 (106) p.106. See also Bukhari vol.4 book 52 ch.169 after no.280 p.176.

Minor sins are forgiven after washing, Hajj, etc. Major sins are only forgiven after true repentance. Major sins include murder, adultery, homosexuality, drinking wine, theft, etc. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.21 commentary after no.2 (124) p.127-128

Example of Mohammed licking his fingers three times after eating. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.23 no.1-2 (130-131) p.136-147.

Some Muslims (the Ambiyaa) are alive in their graves. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.54 commentary prior to no.1 (382) p.438

A person did not ask blessing before eating food, so Satan [shaytaan] began eating it with him. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.27 np.1 (179) p.180. Shaytaan should watch his weight if he eats so many meals these days!

Medicine

When Mohammed sweat, people collected his sweat. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.35 commentary prior to no.1 (207) p.204

'Anas and 'Ali bothsaid that Mohammed had people paid for people cupping him. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi ch.49 no.1,2,3,4,5,6 (343,344,345,346,347,348) p.381-384

References

>The Holy Qur-an : English translation of the meanings and Commentary. Translated by 'Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali. Revised and edited by The Presidency of Islamic Researches, IFTA, Call and Guidance. King Fahd Holy Qur-an Printing Complex. (no date)

Al-Bukhari Sahih Al-Bukhari. (translated by Muhammad Muhsin Khan published by al Maktabat Al Salafiat Al Madinato Al Monawart. (no date) (9 volumes)

>Sahih Muslim by Imam Muslim. Rendered into English by 'Abdul Hamid Siddiqi. International Islamic Publishing House. (no date)

Shamaa-il Tirmidhi. (1 volume) Translated by Muhammad Bin Abdur Rahman Ebrahim. Adam Publishers & distributors New Delhi. - 2005. No copyright date.

The NIV Study Bible : New International Version Zondervan Bible Publishers. 1985.

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