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BEWARE OF BEATING

1647

“I (Abu Mas'ud Badri) was striking a slave with a whip when I heard a voice from behind me say, 'Beware Abu Mas'ud. At that time I was so upset I did not recognize the voice until the person drew near and I discovered it was the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, and it was he who was saying, 'Beware Abu Mas'ud, Allah has more power over you than you have over this slave.' Thereupon I responded, 'I will never strike a slave again.' The whip fell from my hand in awe of the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, I set him free seeking the pleasure of Allah. The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, commented, ‘If you had not done so you would have been burned by the Fire.’"

Muslim with a chain up to Abu Mas'ud Badri who related that the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said this.