Intermediate
Makki Events
Surah: Al-Baqarah (207)
"And Among People Is One Who Sells Himself" — Ali Sleeps in the Prophet's Bed
وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشۡرِي نَفۡسَهُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ مَرۡضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ رَءُوفُۢ بِٱلۡعِبَادِ
— البقرة الآية 207
Verse: "And among people is one who sells himself seeking Allah's approval, and Allah is Kind to His servants." (2:207)
Occasion: Al-Hakim (3/4) and Al-Tabarani in Al-Mujam Al-Kabir narrated from Ibn Abbas: When the Prophet intended to emigrate to Madinah he commanded Ali to sleep in his bed so the polytheists surrounding the house would think he was still there. Ali slept in the Prophet's bed knowing the danger. This verse was revealed regarding him.
Reliability: Hasan — Al-Hakim said: Sahih on the standard of the two Shaykhs; also narrated by Al-Tabarani and Ibn Abi Hatim. Some questioned the chain — but the meaning is established by supporting narrations.
Lesson:
Occasion: Al-Hakim (3/4) and Al-Tabarani in Al-Mujam Al-Kabir narrated from Ibn Abbas: When the Prophet intended to emigrate to Madinah he commanded Ali to sleep in his bed so the polytheists surrounding the house would think he was still there. Ali slept in the Prophet's bed knowing the danger. This verse was revealed regarding him.
Reliability: Hasan — Al-Hakim said: Sahih on the standard of the two Shaykhs; also narrated by Al-Tabarani and Ibn Abi Hatim. Some questioned the chain — but the meaning is established by supporting narrations.
Lesson:
- "Sells himself" — giving one's life for Allah's sake
- True sacrifice does not seek recognition — Ali sought no fame but obeyed the Prophet's command
- "Allah is Kind to His servants" — the verse's closing: whoever sells himself to Allah, Allah cares for him
Source: Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim (3/4); Al-Mujam Al-Kabir by Al-Tabarani; Ibn Kathir (1/558)
Test Yourself
What does "sells himself" mean and how did this apply to Ali's position on the night of the Hijra?
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