The Forty Sacred Hadiths: Precious Gems.
A good legacy for those who serve Al-Aqsa Mosque, even if they are weak.
Narrative on the authority of 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who said:
"On the day Bayt al-Maqdis was burned, geckos
began blowing on the fire with their mouths to stoke it,
while bats were extinguishing it with their wings."
It was recorded by Al-Bayhaqi in *Al-Sunan al-Kubra*, and he declared it authentic.
It is a *mawquf* narration (attributed to a Companion).
Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
"However, it carries the ruling of a *marfu'* narration (attributed to the Prophet),"
meaning it is traced back to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),
because such a matter cannot be stated merely through personal opinion without divine instruction,
and 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was not
among those who took reports from the People of the Book.
Vocabulary of the Hadith:
*Al-Awzagh* is the plural of *wazaghad* (gecko).
It is also called *samm abras*.
It is a type of lizard
that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded to be killed.
*Al-Watwat* refers to the large bat,
while the smaller kind is simply called *khuffash*.
It is the only mammal capable of true flight.
After the death of Solomon (peace be upon him),
his kingdom was divided into two realms.
The Children of Israel fragmented and fought against one another;
they strayed from the Divine Law,
committed forbidden acts,
and spread corruption in the land.
So Allah empowered Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, over them,
who subjected them to dreadful torment,
burned the Holy House,
and carried them away as captives to Iraq.
During that tragedy,
geckos were helping to stoke the fire,
while bats were trying to extinguish it.
Jerusalem is one of the cities most subjected to burning and destruction throughout history;
despite this, it has remained steadfast and majestic,
while the invaders have vanished.
History immortalizes those who take honorable stances—
no matter how small—regarding the cause of Palestine,
while ignoring those who abandon it.
Your weakness does not absolve you of responsibility
to defend and support Bayt al-Maqdis,
regardless of the outcome.