Hisham bin 'Urwa
هشام بن عروة
Hisham bin 'Urwa (هشام بن عروة) was a prominent tabi'i scholar, a member of the second generation of Muslims who learned directly from the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was a prolific narrator of hadith, particularly renowned for transmitting narrations from his father, 'Urwa bin al-Zubayr, and his aunt, Aisha, the wife of the Prophet. His contributions are foundational to Islamic jurisprudence and prophetic tradition, offering detailed insights into the Prophet's life, practices, and the interpretation of the Quran.
Foundations in Revelation and Prophetic Practice
Hisham bin 'Urwa's narrations often clarify the practical application of Quranic injunctions, particularly through the lens of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) actions and the understanding of his household. One significant example is his father's inquiry to Aisha regarding the verse Verily! As-Safa and Al Marwa, are among the symbols of Allah. So, it is not harmful if those who perform Hajj or `Umra of the House (Ka`ba at Mecca) to perform the going (Tawaf) between them. 'Urwa, understanding the phrase "it is not harmful" to imply optionality, questioned whether skipping the Tawaf (going) between Safa and Marwa would be permissible. Aisha, through Hisham's narration, decisively clarified that this interpretation was incorrect. She explained that if it were as 'Urwa understood, the verse would have read, "It is not harmful not to perform Tawaf between them" .
Aisha further elaborated on the historical context, explaining that the Ansar, before Islam, used to perform ihram for the idol Manat, and thus felt it improper to circumambulate Safa and Marwa. When Islam came, they sought guidance from the Prophet (PBUH), and this verse was revealed to alleviate their concern and affirm the importance of this ritual. She emphasized that the Hajj or Umrah of a person who does not perform the going between Safa and Marwa is incomplete in Allah's sight . This extensive tafsir, conveyed through Hisham, highlights how specific Quranic verses were revealed to address contemporary issues and how the Prophet's companions, particularly Aisha, served as vital interpreters of divine revelation and prophetic practice.
Insights into Prophetic Guidance and Legal Rulings
Hisham bin 'Urwa's narrations also provide critical details about the Prophet's daily life, personal habits, and specific legal rulings, often from the direct experience of Aisha. For instance, Aisha described the Prophet's method for taking the ghusl (bath) of janabah (major ritual impurity), detailing how he would first clean his hands, perform ablution similar to that for prayer, rub his hair until his entire scalp was wet, and then pour water thrice before washing the rest of his body . This meticulous description is fundamental to understanding the prophetic sunnah concerning ritual purification. Another narration, transmitted by Hisham from Abu Huraira, states that "When a man sits in between the four parts of a woman and did the sexual intercourse with her, bath becomes compulsory" , clearly establishing the condition for ghusl.
Beyond ritual purification, Hisham also conveys rulings related to social conduct and financial matters. For example, he narrates Aisha's explanation of the verse Whoever amongst the guardians is rich, he should take no wages (from the property of the orphans) but If he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable (according to his labors). Aisha clarified that this verse pertains to the guardian of orphans who manages their affairs; if the guardian is poor, he may take a just and reasonable amount for his labors . This offers a nuanced understanding of economic ethics within Islamic law.
Hisham's narrations also touch upon the etiquettes of prayer. He transmitted Muawiya's practice of saying "La hawla wala quwata illa billah (There is neither might nor any power except with Allah)" when the Mu'adh-dhin (caller to prayer) said "Haiyi `alassala (come for the prayer)", with Muawiya attributing this practice to the Prophet (PBUH) . Such narrations illustrate the subtle yet significant aspects of devotional life.
Navigating Disagreements and Clarifying Misunderstandings
A particularly important aspect of Hisham bin 'Urwa's transmission from Aisha is her role in clarifying misunderstandings or differing interpretations among companions. A notable instance concerns the saying of Abdullah ibn 'Umar that [the dead would be punished because of the lamentation of his family over him]. When this was mentioned to Aisha, she expressed that Ibn 'Umar "heard something but could not retain it (well)." She explained that the Prophet (PBUH) had seen the bier of a Jew whose family was wailing, and merely remarked, "You are wailing and he is being punished" , implying that the punishment was due to the deceased's own sins, not the family's lamentation.
Aisha further clarified Ibn 'Umar's misunderstanding regarding the Prophet's words to the polytheists killed at Badr. While Ibn 'Umar believed the dead heard the Prophet's words, Aisha corrected this, stating the Prophet only meant "They (the dead) understand that what I used to say to them was truth" . She then recited the Quranic verse, [Certainly, thou canst not make the dead hear the call (xxvii. 80), nor can you make those hear who are in the graves]. These narrations demonstrate Aisha's profound understanding of both the Quran and Sunnah, and Hisham's faithful transmission of her discerning interpretations.
Personal Character and Moral Teachings
Hisham's narrations also paint a picture of the moral character and ethical teachings emphasized by the Prophet (PBUH). He relates the story of Hakim bin Hizam, who had performed numerous good deeds, such as manumitting slaves and slaughtering camels for charity, in the pre-Islamic period. Upon embracing Islam, Hakim asked the Prophet (PBUH) about these past deeds. The Prophet replied, [You have embraced Islam along with all those good deeds you did]. This illustrates Islam's affirmation of pre-Islamic virtues and the concept of a clean slate upon conversion.
Hisham also transmitted a narration from Hakim bin Hizam himself about a crucial legal and ethical principle. Hakim witnessed people, farmers in Syria, being detained in the sun for jizya (tribute tax). He recounted hearing the Prophet (PBUH) say, [Allah would torment those who torment people in the world]. Hakim then reported this to 'Umair bin Sa'd, the ruler of Palestine, who, upon hearing the hadith, ordered their release . This powerful narration highlights the Islamic emphasis on justice, humane treatment, and accountability for rulers.
Furthermore, Hisham's father, 'Urwa, recounts a conversation with Aisha where she defended Hassan bin Thabit, a poet who had lampooned the pagans in verse, saying, [Don't call him with bad names because he used to defend Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (against the pagans)]. This demonstrates the Prophet's (PBUH) allowance for defending Islam through poetry and Aisha's respect for those who did so.
Nuances of Prophetic Life and Companions' Practices
Many of Hisham bin 'Urwa's narrations offer intimate glimpses into the Prophet's personal life, travel, and the practices of his companions. He details the Prophet's entry into Mecca during the conquest from Kada', located at the higher part of Mecca . 'Urwa, Hisham's father, often used this route himself, indicating its practical significance.
Hisham also narrates from his father that Aisha used to observe fasting on the days of Mina, a practice also followed by his father ('Urwa) . This provides insight into variant interpretations of fasting during Hajj, as the majority opinion generally prohibits fasting on these days.
Regarding specific events, Hisham transmits the account of Asma bint Abi Bakr who broke her fast on a cloudy day during the Prophet's lifetime, only for the sun to appear later. When asked if they were ordered to fast in lieu of that day, Hisham replied, "It had to be made up for" , addressing a practical scenario related to fasting.
Hisham's comprehensive transmission of hadith from his venerable family members offers a rich tapestry of Islamic teachings, covering everything from ritual purity and legal injunctions to moral ethics, historical context for Quranic verses, and the nuances of prophetic behavior. His narrations are indispensable for understanding the practical application of Islam as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and interpreted by his closest companions. The depth and breadth of his narrations have solidified his position as a critical link in the chain of Islamic scholarship, providing invaluable resources for generations of Muslims seeking to understand their faith.