Hasan and Husain Help an Old Man
by Sister Asma



When the grandsons of Blessed Prophet, Hasan and Hussain (radiAllahu anhum) were very young, an old bedouin once came to Madinah.

When the time of salat (prayer) came, he began to make wudu, but he was making his wudu incorrectly.

Hasan and Hussain saw the old man making his wudu wrong, and wished to correct him, but were not sure how. He was an old man, and being young children, they didn't want to point out the old man's mistakes. They might hust or insult his feelings. It wasn't good manners to point out the mistakes of their elders. What could they do?

Both the brothers thought and thought over the problem, and at last hit upon an idea. Together they arranged a plan to teach the man how to make wudu correctly, without insulting him, advising him in a manner befitting of his age.

They went over to the old man, and asked him if he could help them. "My brother and I disagree over who amongst us performs Wudu the best. Would you mind watching us make wudu, and be the judge to see which one of us indeed performs Wudu more correctly? Could you please correct us wherever we are wrong?”


The man watched carefully as the two grandsons of the Blessed Prophet performed Wudu in an explicit manner. Soon he knew the correct way of making wudu, realising his mistakes.

After Hasan and Hussain (radi Allahu anhum) had completed their wudu, the old man thanked them and said, “By Allah, I did not know how to perform wudu before this. You have both taught me how to do it correctly.”


Teaching points: One of the most beautiful examples of Hikmah (wisdom) in advising others. Respect and treatment of elders.



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