Who was Abu Hurairah?
Abu Huraira : أبو هريرة الدوسي الزهراني was a companion of Rasul Allah Sallalahu alaihe wa sallam.
Abu Huraira was known for his exceptional memory and his ability to memorize the sayings and actions of the Prophet with great accuracy. He spent most of his time in the company of the Prophet and learned from him directly. After the death of the Prophet, Abu Huraira continued to spread his teachings and played a significant role in the development of Islamic jurisprudence. His contribution to the preservation of the Prophetic traditions is unparalleled, and his legacy continues to inspire Muslims around the world.
He narrated more than 5000 hadiths (about 5374 hadiths).He was a member of Ahl as- Suffah. He died in the year 59 AH when he was seventy-eight years old.
His real name was “Abdul Rahman bin Sakhr,” and some say “Abdul Rahman bin Ghanem,” Abu Hurairah was his nickname with which he became famous.
How Abu Huraira got his nickname
Abu Huraira got his nickname because of his love of cats. Abu Hurairah literally means “Father of Kitten”
Abdullah ibn Rafi’ reported: I said to Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, “Why were you nicknamed Abu Huraira?” Abu Huraira said, “I would tend to the sheep of my people and I had a small kitten. I used to place it in a tree at night and during the day I would take it and play with it. So they nicknamed me Abu Huraira, ‘father of the kitten.’”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3840
Abu Huraira’s nickname became famous throughout the Muslim world, and he is still known by it today. It is a reminder of his humble beginnings and his close relationship with the Prophet (peace be upon him).
In Islamic culture, cats are highly regarded as clean and pure animals. It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad had a deep affection for cats and even had one named Muezza. Abu Huraira’s nickname highlights his devotion to caring for these creatures and his willingness to go above and beyond to ensure their well-being.
Furthermore, Abu Huraira’s nickname also represents his humility and simplicity. Despite being a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad and a renowned scholar, he remained humble and approachable
Abu Hurairah cats -Father of Kitten
Abu Huraira’s nickname, “Father of Kittens,” has become a symbol of his love and compassion for animals. His legacy as a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and a prolific narrator of hadiths has made him one of the most revered figures in Islamic history. However, it is his kindness towards animals that has captured the hearts of many.
Abu Huraira’s nickname serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all creatures with respect and compassion. It is a testament to his character and his devotion to following the teachings of Islam. His legacy continues to inspire Muslims around the world to emulate his example and show kindness to all living beings.
Read 13 Rights of Animals in Islam
How long Abu Hurairah stayed with prophet صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
Abu Hurayrah (R.A.) spent four years in the company of the Prophet Mohammad صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
Hadith on Five instructions to Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrated that Allah’s Messenger صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ asked, “Who will learn from me these words and act upon them, or teach (them) to one who will act upon them?” He (Abu Hurayrah)رضي الله عنه submitted, “I, O Messenger of Allah!” So, he took him by his hand and, counting five, said,”
- Guard against the things that are forbidden. You will be the most devout of men.
- Be pleased with what Allah has allotted you, you will be the richest of men .
- Be kind to your neighbour (even if he is bad to you), you will be a (perfect) believer.
- Love for people what you love for yourself, (of the good of this world and the next), you will be (counted as) a (perfect) Muslim. And,
- Do not laugh :much laughter causes the heart to die (and causes neglect of remembrance of Allah).”
Lesson from the the hadith of Five instructions to Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه:
1 Knowledge by itself is great and noble. He who possesses knowledge is excellent. If he acts on it, then there is nothing better than that. To abstain from the forbidden is to discharge one’s obligations imposed by Allah. clearly,no form of worship is greater than discharging one’s duties. Generally people neglect the obligatory duties but concentrate on the supererogatory worship.
2. One who is pleased with Divine decree is free from avarice and greed. He is content with what he gets and does not beg at all. Sayyiduna Sa’eed Abu Al-Hasan Shadhli was asked about al-chemy. He said that it is concealed in two things:
(i) Do not depend on the creatures. (Ask only Allah for your needs).
(ii)Do not even expect from Allah more then what He has decreed for you
3. Huqooq of a neighbour are many so we should not do anything that can upset or harm our neighbour and be such that they can count on us in their time of need.
4. Be grateful for whatever you get. Under all circumstances, make it· a point to get that which is allowed and lawful, and be pleased at the share allotted to you so that the Lord, Owner of majesty, may be pleased
with you.”
5. Finally, whatever good of the world and religion, you like for yourself, prefer it for others too. Like faith and belief for a disbeliever and repentance for a sinner.
Ref : Mishkat al Masabih- hadith 5171
May Allah allow us to follow the footstep of Rasul Allah صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
Read sahaba who narrated the most hadith
I would like to share One interesting note on sanad of Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه I noted from wiki
