INTRODUCTION
Basic
objective of preparing this HADIS REVISED 21ST CENTURY is to rearrange selected Ahadis in a manner that makes it easy to locate and access
a particular Hadis by today’s researchers and readers. Before proceeding further, it
is imperative to understand clear connotation of compatible words, SUNNAH (sunnata) i.e. all embracing WAY including SAYING (Qual), DOING (Fail) & SILENT APPROVAL (Taqreen). HADITH, simply
HADIS (l-ḥadīthi) is Sunnah carried forward by venerated companions of the
Prophet (s) through memory or writing & finally compiled in writing by
established MUHADESEEN, the compilers of Hadis into huge corpuses, referred as
Hadis. The other important information which must be clarified here, in the beginning
is that motivation and encouragement for
this endeavor is from a clear Hadis laying stress on carrying forward the Sunnah
of the Prophet (s) as he is quoted to have said, “It is incumbent upon those who are present to inform
those who are absent because those who are absent might comprehend (what I have
said) better than the present audience (Volume 1, Book 3. Book of
Knowledge, Number 67)
Ahadis collected and
compiled by venerated scholars like Muhammad Ismail al-Bukhari,
contained in 9 volumes under different Books and Chapters were recorded with terminologies, headings and technical
genre in vogue some 1200 years ago, making it difficult to locate a specific Hadis
on a subject occurring in the minds used to modern day issues and terminologies.
Best efforts have been made to ensure accuracy in relation to original
Arabic text of Sahih Bukhari, retaining
original Hadis number and chapter number which are similar in all translations,
available on the internet. Dire need for ensuring accuracy is another
objective of this work as quoting Ahadis without really ensuring accuracy is becoming
a common practice which results into different school of thoughts developing sectarian
menace, forbidden by Allah and His Prophet (s). This perilous trend is also damaging
the process of learning being the real objective of all such works including
Sahih Bukhari.
Hadis is the word
of the Prophet (s) and not assured safety like The Creator takes full
responsibility about Quran. As such those Ahadis which can possibly create
doubts have been explained with the help of Quran and other Ahadis on the same
topic. Muslims today in this early 21st century need NOT merely be
perplexed reading such Ahadis but should try and look for plausible explanations
of all such Ahadis instead of altogether losing faith in this sacred source of
knowledge after Quran; a reason for an overall decadence in religious knowledge,
either developing unnecessary disputes and division or starting precarious
trends like complete disengagement and withdrawal from religion. However this
is only possible if Muslims today have the courage to rise out of a magian
crust eating at the delicate fiber of all our intellectual capacities because
of falling prey to false trends like “TAQLEED”, Blind Following and the only way to come out of this cocoon is by
deeper study and researching with the help of other Ahadis, in light of Quran.
Knowledge is learning
and learning is natural to all creation from a small little ant to a robust
lion and human being the best of creation. Animal world is limited to its
instincts, one may try all methods but a lion will never be able to learn to
eat vegetables and same way a goat will never learn to eat meat. On the other hand human beings have limitless
vistas and open grounds for learning, can live on chemicals instead of natural
food, can control the atom and its vast energies, same human being who once
upon a time did not know how to light a fire. However the point to note here is
that this limitless choice makes human
beings get on to either a path of construction or destruction, all depending on
the choice. This choice how one approaches knowledge plays a pivotal role in
making human beings a source of benefit for other human beings, raison d’ etre
of learning. In order to teach human beings to correctly exercise this freedom of
choice in constructive manner, from the time immemorial, Divine Guidance was
sent but in accordance with the level of the human intellect prevalent at the
time along with human exemplar to explain this Guidance. Quran being the last
guidance from The Creator for the creation is protected as it was revealed over
1400 years ago through a Divine Design; a reality accepted by scholars who
don’t even believe in it, following link is showing unbiased views of an
embryologist which is an honest
illustration of the reality of this statement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Dllu42eEA
Quran being the culmination
of guidance from The Creator, confirms all prophets of the past and guards the
message contained in the Divine Revelations sent afore time. Quran is available
in its entirety as originated, in 114 Surahs, chapters seems a more familiar
phrase though Arabic Word Surah actually means a great wall around a city of
knowledge and wisdom, as in reality it is. Each Surah contains a certain number
of Ayahs, sometimes translated as verse though it is a misnomer for the true
meaning of this Basic Unit of Quran actually means SIGNS of God, containing
oceans of knowledge and wisdom. Prophetic traditions were mostly not preserved
for past prophets or have been mixed up in the revelations they were sent with.
Prophetic traditions in Islam obviously not preserved like Quran, the Word of
God, however early Muslims knowing the importance of this great source of
knowledge not only made earnest efforts to preserve the prophetic traditions most accurately but also
evolved intricate methods which became tools for modern day historians to
confirm a piece of history. Traditions technically are called Sunnah
as referred by Muslims and Hadis is when Sunnah brought to
writings and carried forward by honest scholars, rising above cast color and
creed. Sahih Bukhari is first among these sincere efforts, really a gigantic work; one can
only appreciates its real magnitude and depth when researching this masterpiece
with the help of computers, a work done over twelve centuries ago with pens
made out of wood and ink from various sources under the lantern lights. However there is a dire need to modernize this
masterpiece making it easier for learners and researchers to go on to a path of
construction instead of destruction and eat what is good, Hallal, kosher, for
humanity and act in manners, “Maroof”, closer to natural instinct,
i.e. “Correct Behavior” which brings
peace for all and shun what is opposite, “Munkir” what nature despises.
Need for accurate
account of Hadis literature is increasing with time to clarify doubts,
sometimes created by Muslims themselves, living under the influence of
different civilizations in the past centuries; especially so in polemic debates
merely serving an urge to dominate, damaging the real true purport of Hadis
literature. This has resulted into a labyrinth of sectarianism and mutual
hatred, eating at the delicate fiber of Muslim Unity. However this is a much latter
phenomenon than the times of honorable scholars like Bukhari. This is clearly
visible from a peaceful and mature response from the venerated companions even on
rising differences in early period of Islam, noted in the folder of “companions” and “Fitnah – affliction”. Unfortunately
latter generations under the influence of past religions and culture, made these
differences a matter of great debate and disputation laying foundation for
discord and sectarianism. However it is time to solve and resolve differences by
an open minded study of Hadis literature carrying the true color of Islam
carried forward by astute companions who were catalyst in preserving this great
source of knowledge with an aim to translate peace into reality. This is
another underlying objective of this work and a great need of the day as
Muslims Unity is of utmost importance being Custodians of Last Guidance, Quran
and Sunnah, at the same time inviting scholars from all other religions with
ONE aim, to promote interfaith harmony and develop a world full of peace for
ALL.
True measure of
knowledge is the positive change it makes in our lives as an individual and
results in peace for all. An example is given here showing how easily a
particular Hadis can be traced otherwise noted under technical topics such as “Mall
e Faiy”, war booty collected without an actual battle. Hadis related to this complicated topic will also demonstrate how unlettered Arabs turned into prudent intellectuals
some fourteen hundred years ago and how a single decision by great Umar Bi
Khattab, 2nd Caliph, laid foundation for a new world order not
destructive but productive in its essence and spirit envisaging peace for all.
This Hadis also shows how
Islam played a major role in human development through justice, the hallmark of
Islam. This example also explains how true intellectual developed through
spirit of Quran and Sunnah when applied to solve problems at a vast scale
dealing with humanity as a whole, makes valuable contribution on a broad
spectrum. An open minded reader will also note that Islam was not spread merely
through war but its egalitarian spirit portraying fundamentals of Quran and Sunnah.
Spread
of Islam through peaceful conquests by purifying rules of war
Note
1: Valuable “Ijtihad” by Umar laid foundation of modern world; after conquest
of two super powers of the time, Persians in east and Romans in the west, Ijtihad
on question of war
booty collected without battle, Maal-e-Fai benefitted the later generations of the
conquered empires. Wise decisions thus reached through this endeavor by Umar to
establish a new legal frame wok for a new situation having no discrete ordain
in Quran & SUNNAH, perceived peaceful
coexistence for coming generations. These empires flourished into buoyant cultures
by providing a relief from tyranny of kings, denying few to amass wealth and thus
turning these empires into kind of occidento-oriental civilizations burgeoning
out of their deeply rich ancient cultures with spirit of Quran imbuing a unique
social order free of harsh autocracies and exploitation of weak. This new
spirit went a long way in replacing hegemony of few elite with egalitarian
practice of early Islam, establishing a novel culture based on logic and
inquiry, completely negating occultism and an aura of superstition. These
ancient empires after accepting Islam voluntarily played a cardinal role in making
great contribution to the modern world with refined literature, arts and building
a broad base for scientific discoveries.
Rules regarding “War Booty” captured without a battle or waging proper war
(3) CHAFFER. The Statement of Allah "What Allah has bestowed on His Messenger (and taken away) from the people of the townships - belongs to Allah,- to His Messenger and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; In order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the wealthy among you. So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And fear Allah; for Allah is strict in Punishment.” (59:7)
Bukhari Volume 6, Book 65, Number 4885:
Narrated Umar:
The properties of Bam An-Nadir were among the
booty that Allah gave to His Apostle (s) such Booty were not obtained by any
expedition on the part of Muslims, neither with cavalry, nor with camelry
(fighting through camels). So those properties were for Allah's Apostle only,
and he used to provide thereof the yearly expenditure for his wives, and
dedicate the rest of its revenues for purchasing arms and horses as war
material to be used in Allah's Cause.
Spread of Islam through peaceful conquests by purifying rules of war.
(9) CHAPTER. The war booty is for those who witness the battles.
Bukhari Volume 4, Book 57, Number 3125:
Narrated Aslam:
'Umar said, "Were it
not for those Muslims who have not come
to existence yet, I would have distributed (the land of) every town
I conquer among the fighters as the Prophet (s) distributed the land of Khaibar."
Bukhari Volume 5, Book 64, Number 4235:
Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, were I not
afraid that the other Muslims might be left in poverty, I would divide (the
land of) whatever village I may conquer (among the fighters), as the Prophet (s)
divided the land of Khaibar. But I prefer to leave it as a (source of) a common
treasury for them to distribute its revenue amongst themselves.
Note 2: Umar Bin Khattab during his reign solved a big question through “Ijtihad”, in the light of Ayah 59:6-10 & 62:2-3:
“And the properties that Allah took out from their possession and
restored to His Messenger, 11 are not such that you might have rushed your horses and camels upon
them, but Allah gives His Messengers authority over whomever He wills, and
Allah has power over everything. 12 Whatever Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the
settlements, belongs to Allah and the Messenger and the kinsfolk and the
orphans and the needy and the wayfarers, 13 so that it does not remain circulating among your rich people only. 14 Take whatever the Messenger gives
you and refrain from whatever he forbids you. Fear Allah, for Allah is stern in
inflicting punishment. 15 (Moreover, the properties) are for those poor emigrants who have
been expelled from their homes and their possessions. 16 They seek Allah's bounty and His goodwill, and are ever ready to
succor Allah and His Messenger. They indeed are the truthful. (And it is also
for those) who believed eve before the arrival of the emigrants and were
staying in the Abode of Migration. 17 They love those who have migrated to them and entertain no desire in
their hearts for what is given to them and prefer others to themselves even
though they may be needy. 18 The fact is that those who are saved from the greed of their own
hearts, ale truly successful. 19 (And it is also for those) wa-alladhīna who come jāū after them min baʿdihim, 20 who say, "Our Lord, forgive us , and forgive all our brothers
who embraced the Faith before us, and do not place in our hearts any malice
towards the believers. Our Lord, You are very Kind and Compassionate." 21” (59:6-10)
“He it is Who has raised a Messenger among the gentiles 2 from among themselves, who recites
to them His Revelations, purifies them and teaches them the Book and the
Wisdom, 3 whereas before this they were
indeed lost in manifest error. 4 And (the advent or the Messenger)
is also for those others who have not yet joined them. 5 Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. 6 ” (62:2-3)
This prudent decision by 2nd caliph of Islam around
middle of 7th century made a big impact on the semblance of coming
civilization in the world. This question decided the fate of the two big
empires of the time, Persians and Romans, having fallen into the control of
Muslim Armies as a result of defeats in the battle fields. Umar stopped his
armies from making the whole nations as war captives and war booty, by only
allowing what was collected from the actual battle field as war booty. This
sagacious step not only saved the huge treasures of these empires for coming
generations but also kept the rich cultural heritage of both these empires
intact. Point to note here is that major beneficiaries of these treasures, kept
as an asset for coming generations were the people of these two empires in
coming centuries who accepted Islam due to such examples of justice and
egalitarian policies of Islam. If given the due value and impact of this
decision on coming generations, historian must pay great homage to this visionary
sage.
People
from these nations like philosophers and scientists of Persia and saints and
scientists of Andalusia played a great role in modeling and fashioning what the
modern world is today, a reflection of the golden principles of Islam covering
a vast spectrum of human life from private to social, moral, economic,
political and spiritual affairs. Here we must also not let another subtle observation be left unnoticed though it is a
little sour and not the topic at the moment; today’s Islam is the reflection of
its conquerors, Muslims had to meet in the vicious circle of time, fluctuating
between nations, when lose their basic creed and cherished traditions.
Note 3: “Ijtihad” means a process of deliberations for reaching a solution
to a legal matter relating to a new situation. Umar also laid foundation for
Islamic legal thinking giving priority to wellbeing of humanity in a larger
spectrum by opening gates to an ever dynamic way of Islamic jurisprudence.
Unfortunately such dynamic principles were not fully utilized due to “Taqleed”,
“blind
following” a process negating the dynamic spirit of Quran and Sunnah,
ending in few schools of Jurisprudence like “Hanfi”,
“Maliki”, “Shafii” and “Hunmbaly”
besides “shiia” schools of legal
thought. Only a few dared to criticize this trend but faced huge oppositions
and appreciated by only a few select. These are scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah (January 22, 1263 -
September 26, 1328) Ibn Abd al-Wahhab
(1703 – 22 June 1792) and modern day scholar Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. (November 9,
1877 – April 21, 1938).
----------------------------
(9) CHAPTER. The war booty is for those who witness the battles.
Bukhari Volume 4, Book 57, Number 3125:
Narrated Aslam:
'Umar said, "Were it
not for those Muslims who have not come
to existence yet, I would have distributed (the land of) every town
I conquer among the fighters as the Prophet distributed the land of Khaibar."
Bukhari Volume 5, Book 64, Number 4235:
Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, were I not
afraid that the other Muslims might be left in poverty, I would divide (the
land of) whatever village I may conquer (among the fighters), as the Prophet
divided the land of Khaibar. But I prefer to leave it as a (source of) a common
treasury for them to distribute its revenue amongst themselves.
Note 1:
Umar Bin Khattab during his reign solved a big question through “Ijtihad”, in the light of Ayah 59:6-10,
“And those who came (into the faith) after them…”, “wa-alladhīna And those who jāū came min
baʿdihim
after them and Ayah 62:2-3 “As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of
them, who have not yet joined them: And He is exalted in Might, Wise.” , waākharīna
And others min'hum among
them lammā who
have not yet yalḥaqū
bihim
joined them. This prudent decision by 2nd caliph of Islam around
middle part of 7th century made a big impact on the semblance of
coming civilization in the world. This question decided the fate of the two big
empires of the time, Persians and Romans, having fallen into the control of
Muslim Armies as a result of defeats in the battle fields. Umar stopped his
armies from making the whole nations as war captives and war booty, by only
allowing what could be collected from the actual battle field as war booty.
This sagacious step not only saved the huge treasures of these empires for
coming generations but also kept the rich cultural heritage of both these
empires intact. Point to note here is that major beneficiaries of these
treasures, kept as an asset for coming generations were the people of these two
empires in coming centuries who accepted Islam due to such examples of justice
and egalitarian policies of Islam.
If given the due value and impact of this
decision on coming generations, historian must pay great homage to this
sagacious decision by this great mind. The people from these nations like
philosophers and scientists of Persia and saints and scientists of Andalusia
played a great role in modeling and fashioning what the modern world is today,
a reflection of the golden principles of Islam covering a vast spectrum of
human life from private to social, moral, economic, political and spiritual
affairs. Here we must also not let
another subtle observation be left unnoticed, though it is a little sour and not
the topic at the moment; today’s Islam is the reflection of its conquerors as
it had to meet in the vicious circle of time, fluctuating between nations when
lose their basic creed and cherished traditions.
Note 2: “Ijtihad” means a process of deliberations for reaching a solution to a legal matter relating to a new situation. Umar also laid foundation for Islamic legal thinking giving priority to wellbeing of humanity in a larger spectrum by opening gates to an ever dynamic way of Islamic jurisprudence. Unfortunately such dynamic principles were not fully utilized due to “Taqleed”, “blind following” a process negating the dynamic spirit of Quran and Sunnah, ending in few schools of Jurisprudence like “Hanfi”, “Maliki”, “Shafii” and “Hunmbaly” besides “shiia” schools of legal thought. Only a few dared to criticize this trend but faced huge oppositions and appreciated by only a few select. These are scholars like (January 22, 1263 - September 26, 1328) Ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703 – 22 June 1792) and modern day scholar Dr. . (November 9, 1877 – April 21, 1938).
In order to assimilate the
true spirit and understand real essence of Ahadis dealing with social, moral
and cultural norms, it is of vital importance to familiarize oneself with an
overall ambience and an aura prevalent some 1400 years ago at the time of the
Prophet (s) and all Arab practices in vogue at that time. Such an approach is
but a prerequisite in understanding real purport of Ahadis dealing with delicate topics such as SLAVE. This is because Islam did not force rules on mankind but motivated
them to progress and transcend to systems
ensuring social, moral, economic and political justice developed through higher levels of God Consciousness, “Taqwa”. Vital most point to note here is that progress is a continuous process, system
of money transaction suiting people in days of bartering may not be suiting the
people using e-banking but norms introduced against hoarding and cheating and
blessings of sharing for welfare of society will remain applicable for all
times. This is one of the reason we see a great role played by Jurists, “Fuqha”
in early period of Islam who sometimes knowing the need of the day, adopted & followed some paths in light of Quran and Hadis and carried out “Ijtihad” finding
solutions befitting new circumstances, best example of Ijtihad is carried out by 2nd Caliph Umar Bin Khattab
quoted above; however when this process stopped and Muslims fell to Blind Following, “Taqlid”, Islam stopped
progressing to the needs of the day.
Hadis literature no
doubt went through strict scrutiny but over 1200 years ago, parse there is a dire
need today to revisit this great source of religious knowledge, only next to
Quran but real tenacious and judicious efforts are required to make this great
source of knowledge remain ever dynamic and practical as it was in the time of
the Prophet (s). This is only possible if we gather enough courage with
strength of knowledge and correlate different Ahadis in light of Quran to reach
plausible understanding of all Ahadis, completely befitting logic and standards
of rationality.
Giving different color and shades to this treasure
of knowledge by today’s scholars is actually trying to defend and suit the
school of thoughts each one of them represent, not knowing that they are doing
a big damage to the very idea of collecting prophetic traditions which aims at uniting
not divide nation, Ummah. We today must remember that all these schools of
thoughts were not there at all at the time of Prophet (s) so we must be
absolutely neutral and remove all kind of garbs of sectarianism we are wearing
if we want to really benefit from this Font of Abundance l-kawthara “Al-Kauthar”.
May Allah Almighty
bless this humble endeavor which may, or rather, must be requiring lot of
improvement which is only possible if readers make best contribution by giving
their most candid comments.
Important Note: dark blue are notes while black is copied from translations of Hadis and red is for Quranic Ayah & to highlight comments and certain parts in translation of “Sahih Bukhari” by Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Khan.
Strict rules were established by “Muhadiseen”, the Compilers of Hadis to ensure the authenticity of Ahadis. Each Hadis was carefully scrutinized before they decided to include it in their works by mainly checking the age, memory, piety and location of every individual in the chain of narrator, “Asnad” and the very text, “Matan” which qualified strict criterions such as not being against teachings of Quran, an already established Hadis, not against logic and accuracy of time and space, few to mention. Imam Bukhari a pioneer in this field collected some 600,000 Ahadis from which he included only 7397 with 4000 repetitions in his collection well known as SAHIH BUKHARI. However the reader must know that the division into chapters, selecting suitable headings for each chapter and brief introductory comments, where required, are the words of the “Muhadiseen” the Compilers of Ahadis and not that of the Prophet (s).
Therefore with passage of time when copies were being prepared by coming scholars from the original manuscript, the first of its kind, prepared by Bukhari some 12 hundred years ago; strict rules laid down by him for his work, were ensured as far as the content and text, “Matan” of Hadis is concerned. However the latter scholars mostly omitted lengthy chain of narrators for the sake of brevity and felt free to make minor changes in giving own words for headings of the chapters and brief commentary, to the best of their intellect and understanding; being the words of the compilers and not Prophet (s).
This is a reason that accuracy of the contents of Hadis is maintained till to date in the copies prepared from the works of Bukhari and other compilations such as Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Daoud, Sunan Ibn e Maja, Kitab ul Sunnah of Nisaie and Jami al Tirmizi. This brief insight will greatly help us in understanding the logic in the titles given to the chapters, brief comments and introductory notes given by the compilers with the contents and text of actual Hadis, which at times can raise question in the mind of the reader.
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From a flyer who flew for decades safely only because of flying by the book of the manufacturer, taught Islamic studies for decades to student by the book and trying to live by the Book sent by The Creator for the creation to live their lives ensuring safety to everyone around, becoming a source of benefit. Remember Hadis is explanation of Quranic ordains in practice by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
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Random points
for further study
1.Responsibility of muslim
Ummah (under 4:41, 2:143, 22:78, 3:104, 110) and running campaigns in today’s
era of mass communications to invite people to Islam like “Tablighi Jamaat” must adapt to times, what needs to be done is to make it easy for a seeker the access of knowledge. Following Ayahs of Quran make the
point clearer’ “And
a ban is laid on every town (population) which We have destroyed that they
shall not return (to this world again, nor repent to Us)."
(V.21:95) "...None of your people
will believe, except those who have believed, already..." (V.11 :36)
"...And they will beget none but wicked disbelievers."
(V.71:27) There was a time when Abu Bakar adopted a method like he alone was of
the opinion to fight people failing to pay Zakat, a practice not followed after
him. Following practice must also be revisited; Abu Bakar gave special
sermon on people understanding that only guarding own souls ended collective
responsibility.
2.
Ayah 5:105 must not be misunderstood
regarding Amar bil Maroo Nahi Al-munkar, “O ye who believe! Guard your own souls:
If ye follow (right) guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who stray the
goal of you all is to Allah: it is He that will show you the truth of all that
ye do. Ayah 7:165 “When
they disregarded the warnings that had been given them, We rescued those who
forbade Evil; but We visited the wrong-doers with a grievous punishment because
they were given to transgression.” and “Fear the tumult
or oppression, which affected not in particular (only) those of you who do
wrong: and know that Allah is strict in punishment.”
3.
Need
of the day is to clear magian crust and putting an end to sectarian divide
4.
Importance of belief in eschatology “Akhira” else belief in Tuhid tends to
turn into mere dogma and Prophethood opens ways to “bida’a” innovation leading to even heresy like past - Moses
staying 40 days at mount Sina turned into “Chilla”
5.
Quran and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) 3:31, 33:21,
34:28, 21:107
6.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and tributes by
non-muslim scholars
7. Purpose - need of a 21st century reader, if aim and objective to learn not criticize.
How can a reader benefit understanding
Islam & its teaching
11.
Reader must know terminologies and
Arabic words, the genre of the time and people or refer to list for the purpose
12.
Familiarity with specific time and
environment is vital to get to real significance of Ahadis.
13. Knowledge (Al-Ilm 2:114) is a treasure depends how one makes use of it; not meant to create further divisions but clarity,
15.
Link to Arabic English translation,
original is available for anyone wanting to check chain of narrators (Asnad)
http://www.thechosenone.info/sahih-al-bukhari-hadith-in-english-all-volumes-1-9/
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