Al-‘Adbā', the Prophet's she-camel, was never outrun

Islam > Hadiths > Virtues and manners > Al-‘Adbā', the Prophet's she-camel, was never outrun

Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari with a similar wording

Authentic hadith

Updated on 24 September 2026 at 12:34 AM

📖 2 min read

Hadith text: Al-‘Adbā', the Prophet's she-camel, was never outrun

عن أنس رضي الله عنه قَالَ: كَانَتْ ناقةُ رسولِ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم العضْبَاءُ لاَ تُسْبَقُ، أَوْ لاَ تَكَادُ تُسْبَقُ، فَجَاءَ أعْرَابيٌّ عَلَى قَعودٍ لَهُ، فَسَبَقَهَا، فَشَقَّ ذَلِكَ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِينَ حَتَّى عَرَفَهُ، فَقَالَ: "حَقٌّ عَلَى اللهِ أنْ لاَ يَرْتَفِعَ شَيْءٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا إِلاَّ وَضَعَهُ".

Explanation of the hadith: Al-‘Adbā', the Prophet's she-camel, was never outrun

The Hadīth indicates that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) believed that al-‘Adbā', the she-camel of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) could not be outrun, or could hardly be outrun. When a Bedouin came riding atop of his young camel and it outran Al-‘Adbā, this was so distressing for the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). On knowing how they felt, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is the law of Allah that nothing rises high of the worldly life except that He brings it down." This means that any prominence in this world must eventually revert to a decline. If this prominence is accompanied by excessive self-esteem and leaves its traces on the souls, then the decline will be even faster, because, in this case, it is a punishment. If it is not accompanied by anything of the aforementioned, it still must be subject to deterioration and decline. "Of the worldly life" indicates that what is elevated of the Hereafter matters is not brought down by Allah, as He says (what means): {Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge} [Sūrat al-Mujādilah: 11]. Those people mentioned in the verse will not be lowered by Allah, Exalted and Glorified, as long as they are characterized by having knowledge and faith. In no way shall Allah degrade them, instead, He raises their repute, and will raise their ranks in the Hereafter.

Categories : Heart-Softeners and Sermons · Condemning Love of the World · Virtues and Manners

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إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ ۚ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا

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Al-Ahzab 33:56

Blessings on the Prophet ﷺ