Q 6: It is mentioned in the book of Hadith by Al-Bukhari on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) once entered a lavatory and he (Ibn `Abbas) placed water for his Wudu' (ablution). He (peace be upon him) asked, 'Who placed it?' He was informed accordingly and so he (peace be upon him) said, 'O Allah, make him (Ibn `Abbas) a learned scholar in religion (Islam).' Does the surface meaning of this Hadith indicate that the Prophet (peace be upon him) invoked Allah inside the lavatory?

A: The mentioned Hadith does not indicate that the Prophet (peace be upon him) invoked Allah for Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) inside the lavatory. In fact, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has been the most revering and glorifying to His Lord, so he cannot have mentioned Allah in the place where people excrete. (Part No. 4; Page No. 30) Therefore, it can be interpreted as the Prophet (peace be upon him) having invoked Allah for Ibn `Abbas, saying: O Allah, make him (Ibn `Abbas) a learned scholar in religion (Islam) after he (peace be upon him) left the lavatory and finished Wudu' or while taking the water upon seeing it, because Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) placed the water at the door. The proof that supports this view is what Ibn Hajar mentioned in (Fath Al-Bary vol.1, p.244):Ibn Al-Munir said: "The reason for the Prophet's invoking Allah for Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) to grant him comprehension of religion was Ibn `Abbas's placing the water at the door of the lavatory. There were three choices for him. Either to take the water to the Prophet (peace be upon him) inside the lavatory or leave it at the door for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to take it or not to do anything. But Ibn `Abbas opted for the second choice as it was the most appropriate. The first choice might involve exposure of `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public) and the third might demand much effort from the Prophet (peace be upon him) to get the water. The second option was the easiest and hence he opted for it. This indicates how intelligent Ibn `Abbas was. That is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) invoked Allah for him to be granted comprehension of religion and be beneficial, which later came true."May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.