Hadith 3422

(1) The statement: Narrated by Abu Dawud: After this, the author of Al-Mishkat said: I did not find in sources other than Al-Masabih what was added to it, namely: And charity prevents a bad death, and righteousness increases lifespan. The objection of Al-Mishkat’s author to Al-Masabih’s author is incorrect, as he said it can be understood from Shaykh Al-Jazari’s words that the Hadith, as in Al-Masabih, was narrated by Ahmad in its entirety. Thus, it is stated in this book: And Ahmad added, etc. [Taken from Al-Marqah]

(2) The statement: Will be flogged on the Day of Resurrection: This indicates that there is no hadd punishment on the master for slandering his slave, nor on anyone slandering a slave, as a slave is not considered muhsan, so the slanderer is excused, even if he is the master. [Al-Luma’at] These Hadiths urge kindness to slaves and good companionship with them. Muslims have agreed that freeing them for this is not obligatory but recommended, and it serves as expiation for the sin and removes the guilt of wronging them.