حَدَّثَنَا بَهْزٌ حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادٌ حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنْ قَامَتْ السَّاعَةُ وَبِيَدِ أَحَدِكُمْ فَسِيلَةٌ فَإِنْ اسْتَطَاعَ أَنْ لَا يَقُومَ حَتَّى يَغْرِسَهَا فَلْيَفْعَلْ
Bahz narrated to us from Hammad (ibn Salamah) who narrated to him from Hishaam ibn Zayd who said that he heard Anas ibn Maalik (radhiya Allahu ‘Anhu) saying Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “If the hour (as-saa’ah, i.e. the day of judgment) is established upon you and in your hand is a plant, if you are able, do not stand until you have planted it into the ground.”
[Reported by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad via a Sahīh chain]
In a class years ago within the madrasah, our Shaykh Ahmad discussed the importance of this hadith. One of the important points he mentioned is that this hadith encourages mankind to work and not rely on fate as the fatalists do.
Another point of benefit: At the end of the hadith the Nabi says, ‘Fal-yafa’l’ – then do it. If the deed is virtuous do not procrastinate. Just do it!
Another point of benefit: Planting vegetation is a recommended Sunnah and thus an act of worship.
In my view, this hadith promotes optimism. Even when the hour and all of its horrors has arrived upon you, in that time of catastrophe, abandonment, harm, ravage and pillage, the sun losing its light, the seas on fire or overflowing, the stars raining down upon you, continue doing good. Do not “give up” simply because the world will end. I have heard so many Americans tell me, “What are we supposed to do? The government does what they like!” Never give up! Never lose hope! Continue, even when death has arrived, to command the good and forbid the evil. Hold tightly to the truth. Do not let the world get you down. Be an optimist!
Mashallah.
Yeah!
What is even more amazing about the hadeeth is the action that it mentions. What is the weight/importance of planting something in the ground? It only shows us that a good deed, no matter how small it may seem, is important for our Hereafter. Very very deep. Jazaaka Allaahu khairan!
Jazaaki Allahu Khairan Ummul Layth.
As our Nabi said, “Every Ma’ruf (good) is a Sadaqah!”