Abu ‘Umayr and His Little Birdie

We as Muslims cannot thank Allah enough for the various blessings He has bestowed upon us; as individuals as well as an Ummah. One, He sent His word for us in the form of Quran and took the responsibility of safeguarding it Himself. So, till the end of times, we can seek guidance from this Noble book of instructions. Second, Allah sent His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم for us as a role model; a living model for all that is written in Quran.

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم ) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” [1]

The life of our Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم ) has been recorded in detail. We can see his example and follow him in every sphere of life to be successful in this life and hereafter.

Narrated by Anas: The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) was the best of people in character. I had a brother whose name was Abu ‘Umayr. He said, I think he was weaned, and when he (the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) came he would say, “O Abu Umayr, what happened to the nughayr (a small bird that he kept as a pet)?” [2]

Nughayr was a small bird. Abu ‘Umayr was Anas’s younger brother. He had taken up Nughayr as a pet and used to love it dearly. Unfortunately, the Nughayr died and Abu Umayr was devastated. When Our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم came to visit them, he tried to lift his spirits up by joking with him about his little birdie.

Even a short Hadith like this holds so many lessons for us:

It is allowed to keep birds as pets. Otherwise, Our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would have stopped them.

It is allowed to joke with each other, provided we remain truthful.

It is sunnah to show kindness towards each other, and particularly the young ones.

The Masnoon way of life is being humble. We should never be arrogant. Humility towards people, family and children is what is expected of us being Muslims.

References:

[1]Surah Ahzab : 33, Verse: 21

[2]Narrated by Bukhari, 5850; Muslim, 2150.