Hadith # 256
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A black woman (or probably a young man) used to clean the mosque. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) missed her (or him) and asked about her (or him). He was told that she (or he) had died. He (PBUH) said, "Why did you not inform me?" (It seemed as if) they (Companions) considered the matter insignificant. Then he (PBUH) said, "Show me her (or his) grave." When it was shown to him, he offered (Janazah-funeral) prayer over it and said, "These graves cover those in them with darkness, and Allah illumines them for the inmates as a result of my supplication for them".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Commentary
On the basis of some other narrations, the 'Ulama' have accepted that the person mentioned in this Hadith who used to sweep the mosque was a woman known as Umm Mihjan. This Hadith highlights the following four important points: 1. The merit of keeping mosques clean. 2. The height of compassion and kindness of the Prophet (PBUH). 3. The importance of participation in the funeral prayer of virtuous persons. 4. Permission to perform funeral prayer of virtuous person after his/her burial, if one is unable to participate in it when it is performed before the burial of the deceased.
Top