31. What are some things Muslims agree that Muhammed did wrong?

On this topic, there is nothing much listed in books of Hadith or Sunnah. There are some decisions which could be referred to as Ijtihadi khata (Interpretational Error).

Here is an example. When the Prophet of Islam migrated from Makkah to Madinah, he witnessed practices like agriculture and horticulture — in particular, the growing of date palms. Being raised in Makkah, the Prophet had no experience of either farming or fruit growing. One day, as the Prophet was passing through the outskirts of Madinah, he noticed that some people, who had climbed up the date palm trees, were engaged in some activity. On inquiring what they were busy with, they explained that they were aiding pollination in trees.

Traditionally, they did this by artificial pollination of the date flowers, and this experience had ensured a good crop yield. But when their actions were explained to the Prophet, he said, “What if you don’t do it?” The people, in deference to his judgement climbed down the trees without completing their task. That year the yield was very low. When the Prophet inquired why the yield was so low that particular year, the orchard keepers replied that the yield depended on pollination, which they had abandoned as the Prophet had asked them not to do. On hearing this, the Prophet replied:

You have better knowledge in the affairs of the world. (Sahih Muslim, hadith no. 2363)

This incident illustrates how the Prophet separated religious knowledge from worldly matters such as horticulture. In fact, the principle evident in this was applicable not just to horticulture, but to all mundane, worldly matters not related to religion. The Prophet always sought out advice and suggestions from the more learned and experienced while taking decision in these matters.

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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