The Hadith of the Horse: Intention, Morality, and the Ethics of Possession.
An Analytical Reflection, Dr Shabir Choudhry
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A horse may be kept for one of three purposes: for a man it may be a source of reward; for another it may be a means of living; and for a third it may be a burden (a source of committing sins). As for the one for whom it is a source of reward, he is the one who keeps his horse for the sake of Jihad in Allah's Cause; he ties it with a long rope on a pasture or in a garden. So whatever its rope allows it to eat, will be regarded as good, rewardable deeds (for its owner). And if it breaks off its rope and jumps over one or two hillocks, even its dung will be considered amongst his good deeds. And if it passes by a river and drinks water from it, that will be considered as good deeds for his benefit) even if he has had no intention of watering it. A horse is a shelter for the one who keeps it so that he may earn his living honestly and takes it as a refuge to keep him from following illegal ways (of gaining money), and does not forget the rights of Allah (i.e. paying the Zakat and allowing others to use it for Allah's Sake). But a horse is a burden (and a source of committing sins for him who keeps it out of pride and pretence and with the intention of harming the Muslims." The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked about donkeys. He replied, "Nothing has been revealed to be concerning them except this comprehensive Verse (which covers everything) :--'Then whosoever has done good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), Shall see it (its reward) And whosoever has done evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ) ant), Shall see it (Its punishment)." (99.7-8)
Sahih al Bukhari 3639.
Introduction
This narration by Abu Huraira (Sahih al-Bukhari 3646) presents a profound insight into Islamic ethics, specifically the role of intention (niyyah) in transforming ordinary actions into acts of worship—or sins. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes how a simple animal, such as a horse, depending on how it is used, may become:
1. A means of reward
2. A means of livelihood
3. A means of sin and burden
This hadith is one of the most elegant and comprehensive illustrations of the Islamic principle that nothing in life is neutral; it gains value from how it is used, why it is kept, and the intention behind it.
Although the context refers to horses, the underlying message applies today to modern tools, weapons, wealth, technology, vehicles, and even social status.
1. A Horse as a Source of Reward
The first category described by the Prophet (ﷺ) is the person who keeps a horse for the sake of Allah, specifically for the defence of the community. At the time, a horse was equivalent to a modern military vehicle or strategic asset.
What is extraordinary is the extent of reward:
• Whatever the horse eats
• Wherever it wanders
• Even its dung
• Even drinking from a river without the owner’s knowledge
—all are recorded as good deeds.
This highlights several concepts:
a. Intention multiplies reward beyond action
Once a sincere intention exists, every consequence of that intention becomes a reward, even actions the owner never consciously performed.
b. Divine generosity
Allah’s mercy is such that He rewards not only intentional acts of worship but even the incidental and automatic effects of those acts.
c. Defence of justice is an act of worship
The hadith frames community defence not as war mongering, but as a noble responsibility undertaken for Allah’s sake, rooted in justice, protection, and peace.
2. A Horse as a Means of Honest Livelihood
The second category is the person who keeps a horse to earn a lawful living.
Here, the Prophet (ﷺ) clarifies:
• It is permissible to own wealth, tools, or animals for work
• Earning a halal income is itself an act of worship
• A horse becomes “a shelter”—a means of dignity and independence
• The owner must not neglect Allah’s rights, such as charity
• The animal should not become a tool for exploitation or injustice
This is highly relevant today:
• A shopkeeper’s business
• A farmer’s tractor
• A driver’s car
• A student’s books
• A programmer’s laptop
• Any tool used to make an honest living
All can be sources of reward if used ethically.
3. A Horse as a Burden and Source of Sin
The third category is a powerful moral warning. A horse becomes a burden when:
• It is kept out of pride
• It becomes a symbol of status and arrogance
• It is used for showing off
• It becomes a means of harming or intimidating others
This is as relevant in our time as it was then. Modern equivalents include:
• A luxury car kept purely for vanity
• Weapons kept for intimidation or oppression
• Wealth used to humiliate the poor
• Technology used for mischief, spying, or manipulation
• Clothing, houses, or businesses kept for pride rather than necessity
In Islam, possession is not condemned; pride, abuse, and vanity are condemned.
This hadith, therefore, addresses the deep psychology of ownership, reminding believers that the value of wealth is determined by the heart that controls it.
5. Broader Lessons for the Modern World
This narration, though centred on horses, contains timeless wisdom that applies to contemporary life and society.
a. Intention determines value
A tool can be:
• worship
• livelihood
• corruption
Depending on how one uses it.
b. Wealth is morally neutral
Islam neither glorifies poverty nor idolises wealth.
It glorifies responsible stewardship.
c. Possessions must never become instruments of arrogance
Status symbols—then horses, now cars, houses, brands—can corrupt the soul.
d. Even unintended good is rewarded
Allah’s mercy extends beyond conscious deeds.
e. Accountability is universal and meticulous
Nothing escapes the divine scale.
6. Conclusion
This hadith encapsulates the Islamic philosophy of wealth, intention, and moral responsibility. A simple horse—the 7th-century equivalent of modern technology, property, or capital—can elevate a person spiritually, support an honest livelihood, or drag them into sin.
Its value lies not in the object itself, but in:
• the purpose for which it is kept
• the humility with which it is owned
• the ethics with which it is used
The Prophet’s (ﷺ) message is timeless:
Human beings must control their possessions.
Their possessions must never control them.
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