How did the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) interrupt his sermon to teach this man, even though the general interest takes precedence over the private interest?
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The questioner : The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left the sermon he was delivering to the people and came to this man. How do you reconcile this hadith with the general rule that the general interest takes precedence over the private interest?
The Shaykh : This is not a general rule in every case; the private interest may be more important. Moreover, this private interest was not for him alone, because the Messenger taught him openly, so those around him who heard must have benefited.
The questioner : I mean, Shaykh, is this rule not applicable in its entirety?
The Shaykh : If something more specific and more important comes up, it is given priority. Also, the general benefit was not lost, for he returned and completed it.
The questioner : Could it be that this man was the elder of his tribe or something like that?
The Shaykh : Perhaps the Messenger was moved when they told him that a stranger was asking about his religion, and he did not know what his religion was. This statement is moving, so it must make a person submit to this man and answer him.
The Shaykh : This is not a general rule in every case; the private interest may be more important. Moreover, this private interest was not for him alone, because the Messenger taught him openly, so those around him who heard must have benefited.
The questioner : I mean, Shaykh, is this rule not applicable in its entirety?
The Shaykh : If something more specific and more important comes up, it is given priority. Also, the general benefit was not lost, for he returned and completed it.
The questioner : Could it be that this man was the elder of his tribe or something like that?
The Shaykh : Perhaps the Messenger was moved when they told him that a stranger was asking about his religion, and he did not know what his religion was. This statement is moving, so it must make a person submit to this man and answer him.