Jannah for One Dirham
Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) was a great Muhaddith and luminary of this Ummah. He was born in the year 202 A.H. and passed away in 275 A.H. His name was Sulaimaan bin Ash‘ath (rahimahullah), though he is better known by his kunyah (filial title), Abu Dawood. (Siyaru Aa’laamin Nubalaa vol. 13, pgs. 204 & 221)
Allah Ta‘ala blessed the hadeeth compilation of Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) with such acceptance that his kitaab, commonly referred to as Sunan Abi Dawood, is counted among the six authentic compilations of hadeeth taught in madrasahs around the world.
Among his many outstanding qualities, one that stands out in particular is his deep love for the Sunnah and his unwavering commitment to practising it.
A Remarkable Incident
On one occasion, Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) was aboard a ship when he heard someone on the shore sneeze and say, “Alhamdulillah.”
Without hesitation, he hired a small boat for the fee of one dirham (a silver coin) and requested to be taken to the shore. Upon reaching, he went to the person who had sneezed and replied in the Sunnah manner, “Yarhamukallah,” and then returned to the ship.
When asked why he went through such effort, Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) replied:
“It is possible that the person who sneezed is one whose du‘aas are readily accepted.”
In other words, replying to the sneeze was not only a blessed Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam), but it also carried the potential benefit of receiving a du‘aa in return—“Yahdeekumullah” (May Allah guide you). If that person’s du‘aa was accepted, it could result in divine guidance from Allah Ta‘ala.
A Dream of Glad Tidings
That night, the people aboard the ship were told in a dream:
“O people aboard the ship! Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) has purchased Jannah from Allah Ta‘ala in exchange of one dirham!”
(Fat-hul Baari vol. 10, pg. 745)
