Some people from ‘Ukl or ‘Uraynah came, and the climate of Madīnah did not suit them, so they became ill

Explanation

Some men from the tribes of ‘Ukl and ‘Uraynah came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as Muslims. They were afflicted with a disease that caused their bellies to swell, and they disliked staying in Madīnah because its food and air did not suit them. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered them to go to the charity camels and drink from their urine and milk. They went, and when they recovered, gained weight, and their color returned, they killed the Prophet's shepherd and drove off the camels. The news reached the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) early in the day, so he sent people in pursuit of them. They were captured by midday and brought before the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as captives. He ordered that their hands and feet be cut off and their eyes be gouged out because they had done that to the shepherd. They were then thrown into Al-Harrah, where they begged for water but were not given any, and they eventually died. Abu Qilābah said: They stole, killed, disbelieved after embracing faith, and waged war against Allah and his Messenger.

Lessons

• The purity of the urine of animals whose meat is permissible to eat.
• The permissibility of using camel milk and urine for medical treatment and healing.
• The legitimacy of equivalence in Qasās (legal retribution), while the prohibition of mutilation applies to cases other than rightful recompense or legal retribution.
• Killing a group of people for the murder of one individual, whether they killed him through treachery or banditry.