Riyad as-Salihin, 356
Maimun bin Abu Shabib (May Allah had mercy upon him) reported:
A begger asked 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) for charity and she gave him a piece of bread. Thereafter, one well-dressed person asked her for charity and she invited him to sit down and served him food. When she was asked about the reason for the difference in treatment, she said: "Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) instructed us: 'Treat people according to their status". <b>[Abu Dawud]</b>.
وعن ميمون بن أبي شبيب رحمه الله أن عائشة رضي الله عنه الإمام مر بها سائل، فأعطته كسرة، ومر بها رجل عليه ثياب وهيئة، فأقعدته، فأكل فقيل لها في ذلك: ؟ فقالت: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم:
أنزلوا الناس منازلهم
((رواه أبو داود)). لكن قال ميمون لم يدرك عائشة.
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Introduction, Hadith 356
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br>
1) Muslims are urged to consider the ranks and positions of people without committing injustice or oppression, rather they should act in accordance with justice. As such, the one with a high status should not be underestimated, nor should the one with a low status be placed above his due rank.<br>
2) Variance in people’s ranks is a divine norm decreed by Allah Almighty in the essence of the creation, and the call to deem all people equal in all respects is an ignorant call that is devoid of rightly-guided knowledge and correct understanding.