An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
1. god’s people
~ 46 ~
ON HEARING THE HEREAFTER MENTIONED,
HE WAIVED HIS CLAIM
Umm Salamah tells of how two of the Ansar
brought a dispute before the Prophet about a
long-standing issue of inheritance for which
neither party could produce a witness. “You bring
me your disputes,” the Prophet said to them,
“and, when no proper evidence is brought
forward, I judge them according to my own way
of thinking. I might, on the basis of partial
evidence, make a settlement in favour of one of
the parties, but in so doing, it may be that I take
away from the other what is his rightful due. In
that case, the one in whose favour I pass
judgement should not accept what has been
apportioned to him, for that would be like his
accepting a firebrand which, on the Day of
Resurrection, would stick on his neck.” At these
words, both the Ansar broke down and wept.
“Prophet of God!” they both cried out, “he can
have my rightful share!” “The Prophet then told
them that in view of their changed attitude they
should go and, seeking to do what was just and
right, should divide the inheritance into two parts.
