Jihad

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone believes in God and His Messenger, observes the prayer and fasts during Ramadan, God will assuredly bring him into paradise whether he has engaged in jihad in God’s path or remained in his land in which he was born.” On being asked whether people should not be given this good news he replied, “In paradise there are a hundred degrees which God has prepared for those who engage in jihad in God’s path, between each pair of which there is a distance like that between heaven and earth; so when you make requests of God ask him for Firdaus, for it is the best and highest part of paradise, above it is the throne of the Compassionate One, and from it the rivers of paradise issue.” Bukhari transmitted it.

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who engages in jihad in God’s path is like him who fasts and spends the night in prayer, who assiduously recites God’s verses and does not slacken from fasting and prayer until he who is engaged in jihad in God’s path returns.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “God answers the prayer for forgiveness of him who goes out in His path, being led to do so by nothing but faith in Him and belief in His Messengers, promising to bring him back with the reward or booty he obtains, or bring him into paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “By Him in whose hand my soul is, were it not that men among the believers are not satisfied with remaining behind me when I cannot get mounts for them, I would not stay behind when an expedition goes out in God’s path. By Him in whose hand my soul is, I wish I could be killed in God’s path and brought to life, then be killed and brought to life, then be killed and brought to life, then be killed.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Sahl b. Sa'd reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Being stationed on the frontier in God’s path for a day is better than the world and what is on it.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “A morning or an evening expedition in God’s path is better than the world and what it contains.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Salman al-Fairisi told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “Being stationed for a day and a night on the frontier in God’s path is better than fasting a month and spending its nights in prayer. If one dies he will be rewarded for the deeds he was doing, he will be given his provision, and will be safe from him who tests him.”* * Al-fattan. There is some doubt as to the reference here. It may be the devil, this name being used because he tempts people to sin; or it may mean the one who examines men in the grave. Munkar and Nakir are called fattana'l-qabr, the two who test men in the grave. Muslim transmitted it.

Abu ‘Abs reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No man whose feet become dusty in God’s path will be touched by hell.” Bukhari transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God's Messenger as saying, “An infidel and the one who killed him will never be brought together in hell.”* * The meaning is probably that one who kills an infidel in the course of jihad will on that account have his sins forgiven, and will therefore not go to hell where the infidel inevitably goes. Muslim transmitted it.

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “One of the best types of subsistence is that of a man who grasps his horse’s rein in (God’s path and races on its back, making for the places where being killed and dying are liable to take place as often as he hears a terrible shout or a cry for help; or of a man with a few sheep on one of these highlands or down in one of these wadis who observes prayer, pays the zakat and worships his Lord till death* comes. Such a one is in a good condition among men.” * Al-yaqin, the certainty. Muslim transmitted it.

Zaid b. Khalid reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who equips a fighter in God’s path has taken part in the fighting, and he who looks after a fighter's family when he is away has taken part in the fighting." (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Buraida reported God's Messenger as saying, “The respect to be shown by those who stay at home to the women of those who are engaged in jihad is to be like that shown to their mothers. If any man among those who stay at home is entrusted with the oversight of his family by one who is engaged in jihad and betrays him, he will be set up for him* on the day of resurrection and he may take what he wants from his good deeds. So what do you think?” *i.e. the betrayer for the man he has betrayed. Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari told that a man brought a she-camel with a rope through its nose-ring and said, “This is to be devoted to God’s path." God’s Messenger replied to him, “On the day of resurrection you will get for it seven hundred she-camels each with a rope through its nose-ring.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Sa'id told that God’s Messenger sent an expedition to the B. Lihyan who were a section or Hudhail, saying that one out of every two men should be sent but that both should share the reward. Muslim transmitted it.

Jabir b. Samura reported God’s Messenger as saying, “This religion will not cease to endure with a company of the Muslims fighting on its behalf till the last hour comes.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No one is wounded in God's path, and God knows best those who are wounded in His path, without coming on the day of resurrection with his wound spouting blood, the colour being that of blood but the fragrance that of musk.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No one who enters paradise will want to return to the world and have anything in the earth except the martyr. He will wish to return to the world and be killed ten times because of the honour he sees.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

We asked 'Abdallah b. Mas'ud about this verse, “Do not consider those who have been killed in God’s path to be dead; nay, they are alive in the presence of their Lord and are being supplied with provision" (Al-Qur’an; 3:169). He replied that he had asked about that, and the Prophet said, "Their spirits are in the crops of green birds which have lamps suspended from the Throne, which go where they wish in paradise and then return to those lamps. Their Lord looks down on them and asks whether they desire anything, and they ask in reply what they could wish when they can go where they like in paradise. He does that with them three times, and when they see that they will not be left alone without asking something, they tell their Lord that they wish Him to return their spirits to their bodies so that they may be killed in His path once again. Then when He sees that they lack nothing they are left without further questioning." Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Qatada told that God's Messenger got up among them and mentioned to them that jihad in God’s path and faith in God are the most excellent works. A man rose and asked, "Tell me, Messenger of God, if I am killed in God’s path will my sins be covered up?" He replied, "Yes, if you are killed in God's path while showing endurance, seeking your reward from God, advancing and not retreating." Then God’s Messenger said, "What did you say?”* He replied, "Tell me, if I am killed in God’s path will my sins be covered up?" God's Messenger said, "Yes, while you are showing endurance, seeking your reward from God, advancing and not retreating; but this does not include a debt, for Gabriel told me that." *Mirqat iv, 176 quotes Tibi to explain the request to repeat his question when a reply had already been given. The purpose is said to be to make the exception at the end of the second reply. Muslim transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr b. al-'As reported the Prophet as saying. "Being killed in God’s path will cover up everything but debt." Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God's Messenger as saying, "God most high will cheerfully welcome two men one of whom kills the other. They will enter paradise, one having fought in God’s path and been killed, and the slayer, after receiving God's pardon, having died as a martyr."* * The man who had fought and killed a Muslim later became a Muslim himself and was killed in the course of jihad. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Sahl b. Hunaif reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone asks God for martyrdom with a genuine purpose God will bring him to the dwellings of the martyrs, even if he dies on his bed.” Muslim transmitted it.

Anas told that ar-Rubaiyi‘ daughter of al-Bara’, who was the mother of Haritha b. Suraqa, came to the Prophet and said, “Prophet of God, will you not tell me about Haritha? (He had been killed at the battle of Badr, being struck by a random arrow.) If he is in paradise I shall show endurance, but if he has met another fate I shall exert myself in weeping for him.” He replied, “Mother of Haritha, in paradise there are gardens, and your son has attained to al-Firdaus, the highest.” Bukhari transmitted it.

He told that God’s Messenger and his companions went off and reached Badr before the polytheists, and when the polytheists arrived he said, “Rise to go to a garden whose breadth is as great as the heavens and the earth.” ‘Umair b. al-Humam thereupon said, “Bravo, bravo!” and when God’s Messenger asked him what had made him say that, he replied, “Nothing, I swear by God, Messenger of God, but a hope that I might be among its inhabitants.” He told him that he would be among them. He then took some dates out of his quiver and began to eat them, but after a little said, “If I live till I eat my dates it will mean a long life.” So he threw away the dates he had and then fought with the enemy till he was killed. Muslim transmitted it.

'Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Whom do you reckon to be the martyr among you?” His hearers replied, “The one who is killed in God’s path is the martyr, Messenger of God.” He said, “The martyrs among my people would then be few. He who is killed in God’s path is a martyr, he who dies in God’s path is a martyr, he who dies of plague is a martyr, and he who dies of a disease in the belly is a martyr.” Muslim transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No war-like party or body of troops will go out to fight, gain booty and return safe without getting beforehand two-thirds of their rewards,* and no war-like party or body of troops will be disappointed of their hopes and be smitten without getting their rewards in full.” * The suggestion is made that the two-thirds are a safe return and booty which they get in this world, the remaining third being reward in the next. Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who dies without having fought, or having felt it to be his duty will die guilty of a kind of hypocrisy.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Musa told that a man came to the Prophet and said, “One man fights for booty, one for the reputation of fighting, and one for his degree to be seen; which of them is in God’s path?” He replied, “The one who fights that God’s word may have preeminence is in God’s path.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Anas told that when God’s Messenger returned from the expedition to Tabuk and approached Medina he said, “In Medina there are people who did not fail to be with you wherever you went and whatever wadi you crossed.” A version has, “Who have not failed to share your reward.” On their expressing surprise that that should be true when they were still in Medina, he said, “While they are still in Medina, being kept back by a valid excuse.” Bukhari transmitted it, and Muslim transmitted it on Jabir’s authority.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr told that a man came to God’s Messenger and asked his permission to take part in jihad. He asked him if his parents were still alive, and when he replied that they were, he told him to exert himself* on their behalf. *The point is not so clear in English as in Arabic. Jihad, while being the word for fighting against infidels, also means to strive or to exert oneself in general. The man wished to take part in jihad, and when the Prophet heard that his parents were still alive he said fa-fihima fa-jahid (exert yourself on their behalf.) (Bukhari and Muslim.) A version has, “Return to your parents and look after them well.”

Ibn ‘Abbas reported the Prophet as saying on the day of the Conquest of Mecca, “There is no emigration after the Conquest, but only jihad and some good intention; so when you are summoned to fight, go forth.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘Imran b Husain reported God’s Messenger as saying, “A section, of my people will continue to fight for the right and overcome their opponents till the last of them fight with the antichrist." Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Umama reported the Prophet as saying, “He who does not join a war-like expedition, or equip a warrior, or look well after a warrior’s family when he is away, will be smitten by God with a sudden calamity before the day of resurrection.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Anas reported the Prophet as saying, “Use your property, your persons and your tongues in striving with the polytheists." Abu Dawud, Nasa’i and Darimi transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If you greet all and sundry, provide food, and strike the pates of enemies, you will be made heirs of paradise." Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a gharib tradition.

Fadala b. ‘Ubaid reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Everyone who dies will have fully completed his actions, except one who is on the frontier in God’s path, for his deeds will be made to go on increasing for him till the day of resurrection, and he will be safe from the trial in the grave." Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it, and Darimi transmitted it on the authority of ‘Uqba b. ‘Amir.

Mu'adh b. Jabal told of his hearing God’s Messenger say, “If anyone fights in God’s path as long as the time between two milkings of a she- camel* paradise will be assured for him; if anyone is wounded in God’s path or suffers a misfortune, it will come on the day of resurrection as copious as possible, its colour saffron and its odour musk; and if anyone suffers from ulcers while in God's path, he will have on him the stamp of the martyrs." * This refers particularly to the practice of milking a camel, then leaving it for a little to suckle its young, after which it is milked again. The period between the two milkings therefore indicates a very short time. Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.

Khuraim b. Fatik reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone makes a contribution towards God's path, seven hundred times as much will be recorded to his credit." Tirmidhi and Nasa’i transmitted it.

Abu Umama reported God's Messenger as saying, “The best sadaqat are the shade of a large tent in God's path, the gift of a servant in God’s path, or providing in God’s path a she-camel old enough to be covered by a stallion." Tirmidhi transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No one who weeps from fear of God will go into hell till the milk returns to the udder, and no servant of God will experience both dust in God’s path and the smoke of jahannam." Tirmidhi transmitted it, and Nasa'i added in another version, “ever in a Muslim’s nostrils." In another by him he added, “ever in the belly of a servant of God; and stinginess and faith will never be combined in the heart of a servant of God."

Ibn ‘Abbas reported God's Messenger as saying, “There are two eyes which will never be touched by hell, an eye which weeps from fear of God and an eye which spends the night on guard in God’s path." Tirmidhi transmitted it.

Abu Huraira told that when one of God’s Messenger’s companion came upon a mountain path containing a small spring of fresh water and was delighted by it, he expressed a desire to withdraw from the people and stay in that path. He mentioned that to God’s Messenger, and he replied, “Do not do it, for when any of you remains in God’s path it is more excellent than prayer in his house during seventy years. Do you not want* God to forgive you and bring you into paradise? Fight* in God's path. He who fights in God's path as long as the time between two milkings of a she-camel will be assured of paradise." *These verbs are in plural. Tirmidhi transmitted it.

Uthman reported God’s Messenger as saying, “A day on the frontier in God’s path is better than a thousand days in any other place." Tirmidhi and Nasa’i transmitted it.

a martyr, a continent man who refrains from what is unlawful, and a slave who worships God well and serves his patrons sincerely." Tirmidhi transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. Hubshi told that the Prophet was asked which deed was most excellent and replied, “Standing long in prayer." He was asked what sadaqa was most excellent and replied, “The effort of one who possesses little.” He was asked what hijra was most excellent and replied, “That of one who forsakes what God has prohibited.” He was asked what jihad was most excellent and replied, “That of one who strives against the polytheists with his property and his person.” He was asked what manner of being killed was most honourable and replied, “That of one whose blood is shed and whose steed is wounded.” Abu Dawud transmitted it Nasa’i’s version says that the Prophet was asked which actions were most excellent and replied, “Faith which contains no doubt, jihad which contains no unfaithfulness regarding spoil, and a pilgrimage which is accepted.” He was asked what prayer was most excellent and replied, “Standing long in devotion.” The two versions agree about the remainder.

he is forgiven at the first shedding of his blood, he is shown his abode in paradise, he is preserved from the punishment in the grave, he is kept safe from the greatest terror2, he has placed on his head the crown of honour a ruby of which is better than the world and what it contains, he is married to seventy-two wives of the maidens with large dark eyes,3 and is made intercessor for seventy of his relatives.” 1. There seem to be seven things mentioned in this tradition. 2. Cf. Al-Qur'an; 21:103. 3. Cf. Al-Qur’an, 56:22. Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone meets God with no mark of jihad, he will meet God with a flaw in him.” Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The martyr experiences no more pain in being killed than one of you experiences from a sting.” Tirmidhi, Nasa’i and Darimi transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a hasan gharib tradition.

Abu Umama reported the Prophet as saying, “Nothing is dearer to God than two drops and two marks, a drop of tears from fear of God and a drop of blood shed in God’s path. Regarding the two marks, they are a mark received in God’s path and one caused by observing one of the ordinances of God most high.”* * This is said to refer to such things as hacks in hands or feet through performing ablution in cold weather, or a mark on the forehead through prostrating oneself on hot ground, or having dust on one’s feet while performing pilgrimage. Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a hasan gharib tradition.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Do not sail on the sea except when going to perform the hajj, or the ‘umra, or when fighting in God’s path, for under the sea there is a fire and under the fire there is a sea.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Umm Haram reported the Prophet as saying, “He who becomes sick on a stormy sea will have the reward of a martyr, and he who is drowned will have the reward of two martyrs.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Malik al-Ash‘ari told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “He who goes forth in God’s path and dies, or is killed, or has his neck broken through being thrown by his horse or his camel, or is stung by a poisonous creature, or dies on his bed by any kind of death God wishes is a martyr and will go to paradise.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Returning home is like going on an expedition.”* * This is interpreted as referring to rewards. Returning after an expedition means that an opportunity is given for rest and refreshment before beginning another, so it merits reward similar to that for setting out. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

He reported God's Messenger as saying, “The fighter gets his reward, and the one who equips him gets his own reward and that of the fighter.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Ayyub told that he heard the Prophet say, “Capitals will be conquered at your hands and you will have to raise companies in large armies. A man will be unwilling to join a company, so he will escape from his people and go round the tribes offering himself to them, seeking someone whose place he may take in such and such an expedition.* That man is a hireling to the last drop of his blood.” * This is the type of person who dislikes being sent on a warlike expedition, but who is quite willing to take someone else’s place if he is paid for it. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

God’s Messenger announced an expedition, and as I was a very old man who had no servant I sought a hireling who would serve instead of me. I found a man to whom I offered three dinars, and when some booty arrived I wanted to give him his portion, so I went to the Prophet and mentioned the matter to him, but he said, “All I can find for him regarding this expedition of his in this world and the next is the three dinars which were offered him." Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Huraira told that a man said, “Messenger of God, a man wishes to take part in jihad in God’s path desiring some worldly advantage." The Prophet replied, “He will have no reward." Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Mu'adh reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Fighting is of two kinds. The one who seeks God’s favour, obeys the leader, gives property he values, helps his associate and avoids doing mischief will have a reward for all the time he is asleep and awake, but the one who fights in a boasting spirit, for the sake of display and to gain a reputation, who disobeys the leader and does mischief in the earth will not return without credit or blame.’’* * i.e. the wrong he has done exceeds the good. Malik, Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.

'Abdallah b. ‘Amr told that he asked God’s Messenger to tell him about jihad and he replied, “If you fight with endurance, ‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr, seeking from God your reward, God will resurrect you showing endurance and seeking your reward from Him, but if you fight for vain show seeking to acquire much God will resurrect you making a vain show and seeking to acquire much. In whatever state you fight or are killed, ‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr, in that state God will resurrect you." Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Uqba b. Malik reported the Prophet as saying, “When I send out a man and he does not fulfil my command, are you unable to appoint in his place one who will fulfil my command?" Abu Dawud transmitted it.

We went out with God’s Messenger on an expedition and when a man came upon a cave containing some water and vegetables he felt inclined to stay in it and withdraw from the world, so he asked God’s Messenger’s permission regarding that, but he replied, “I was not commissioned with Judaism, or Christianity, but with the easy Hanif religion. By Him in whose hand Muhammad's soul is, a morning or an evening expedition in God’s path is better than the world and what it contains, and for one of you to remain in the line of battle is better than his prayers for sixty years.” Ahmad transmitted it.

‘Ubada b. as-Samit reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who fights in God’s path with no intention but getting a tethering rope will have what he intended.”* * This saying advocates the necessity of having proper motives. If all one wants is some material gain that is all he will get, for he will not deserve any eternal reward. Nasa’i transmitted it.

Abu Sa'id reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone is pleased with God as Lord, with Islam as religion and with Muhammad as Messenger, paradise will be assured to him.” Abu Sa'id was delighted with this and asked him to repeat it. He did so and then said, “There is also something else for which God will raise a servant in paradise a hundred degrees between each two of which there is a distance like that between heaven and earth.” He asked God's Messenger what it was and he replied, “jihad in God's path; jihad in God’s path; jihad in God’s path.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Musa reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The gates of paradise are under the shadow of the swords.” A man with a ragged appearance got up and asked Abu Musa whether he had heard God's Messenger say that; and when he received the reply that he had, he returned to his companions, said, “I salute you,” then broke the scabbard of his sword and threw it away, then went towards the enemy with his sword and plied it till he was killed. Muslim transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Abbas reported God’s Messenger as saying to his companions, “When your brethren were smitten at the battle of Uhud God put their spirits in the crops of green birds which go down to the rivers of paradise, eat its fruits and nestle in lamps of gold in the shade of the Throne. Then when they experienced the sweetness of their food, drink and rest they asked who would tell their brethren about them that they were alive in paradise in order that they might not cease to desire paradise or recoil in war. God most high said He would tell them about them, so He sent down, ‘And do not consider those who have been killed in God’s path to be dead; nay, they are alive in the presence of their Lord and are being supplied with provision . ..” (Al-Qur’an; 3:169 ff.) Abu Dawud transmitted it.

those who believe in God and His Messenger and do not doubt, but strive with their property and their persons in God’s path; the man whom people trust with their property and their persons; then the man who, when he is about to display greed, abandons it for the sake of God who is great and glorious.” Ahmad transmitted it.

‘Abd ar-Rahman b. Abu ‘Amira* reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No Muslim soul which God takes wants to return to you and have the world and what it contains except the martyr.” Ibn Abu ‘Amira told that God’s Messenger said, “That I should be slain in God’s path is dearer to me than to possess the nomads and the townsmen.” * On p. 725 the name appears as 'Abd ar-Rahman b. Abu ‘Amra al-Ansari. Ibn 'Abd al-Barr, Isti'ab, p 395 treats the two as one man, quoting al-Walid b. Muslim to the effect that he was ‘Abd ar-Rahman b. 'Amra or 'Amira al-Muzani, but in the heading of the section he gives the name as 'Abd ar-Rahman b. Abu 'Amira. He says he has been reputed to have been a companion of the Prophet, but that this is not correct. He was a Syrian. Nasa’i transmitted it.

Hasna’ daughter of Mu'awiya said her paternal uncle told her he had asked the Prophet who were in paradise, and he replied, “Prophets are in paradise, martyrs are in paradise, infants are in paradise, and children buried alive are in paradise.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Ali, Abud Darda’, Abu Huraira, Abu Umama, ‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar, ‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr, Jabir b. ‘Abdallah and ‘Imran b. Husain all reported God’s Messenger as saying, "He who sends a contribution towards God’s path and stays in his house will have seven hundred dirhams for every dirham he contributes, but he who fights in person and contributes towards that expedition of his will have seven hundred thousand dirhams for every dirham he contributes.” Then he recited this verse, "And God multiplies to whom He will.” (Al-Qur’an; 2:261) Ibn Majah transmitted it.

(1) a believing man whose faith is good who meets the enemy and is sincere towards God till he is killed, and that is the one to whom men will raise their eyes on the day of resurrection thus (raising his head till his cap fell off, but I do not know whether he meant ‘Umar’s cap or the Prophet’s cap); (2) a believing man whose faith is good, who meets the enemy and appears as if his skin had been torn by acacia thorns through cowardice, and then is killed by a random arrow, he being in the second class; (3) a believing man who mingles a good deed with another which is bad who meets the enemy and is sincere towards God till he is killed, that one being in the third class; (4) a believing man who has been dissipated who meets the enemy and is sincere towards God till he is killed, that one being in the fourth class.” Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is hasan gharib tradition.

(1) a believer who strives with his property and person in God’s path and when he meets the enemy fights till he is killed. (Of him the Prophet said that that martyr who has suffered trial is in God's tent under- His Throne and is not excelled by the prophets except in the degree of the prophetic office.) (2) A believer who mingles a good deed with another which is evil, who fights with his person and property in God’s path, fighting till he is killed when he meets the enemy. (Of him the Prophet said that it is a cleansing agent which has obliterated his sins and his errors, for the sword obliterates errors, and he will be introduced by whichever of the gates of paradise he wishes.) (3) A hypocrite who strives with his person and property, and when he meets the enemy fights till he is killed; but that one will go to hell, for the sword does not obliterate hypocrisy.” Darimi transmitted it.

Ibn ‘A’idh told that God’s Messenger went out to a man’s funeral, and when he was laid down ‘Umar b. al-Khattab said, "Do not pray over him, Messenger of God, for he was a wicked man. Thereupon God’s Messenger turned to the people and asked whether any of them has seen him engaged in anything which indicated that he was a Muslim, and when a man replied, "Yes, Messenger of God, he acted as guard one night in God's path,” he prayed over him, scattered dust over him, and then said, "Your companions think you are one of those who go to hell, but I testify that you are one of those who go to paradise.” He then said, "You will not be questioned, ‘Umar, about what people have done, but you will be questioned about the true religion.”* * This is taken to mean that he will not be questioned about acts of disobedience, but about indication that one is a Muslim. Baihaqi transmitted it in Shu'ab al-lman.

‘Uqba b. ‘Amir told that he heard God's Messenger say when he was on the pulpit, “Prepare for them as much strength as you can. Strength is shooting; strength is shooting; strength is shooting.” Muslim transmitted it.

He told that he heard God's Messenger say, “The Byzantines will be defeated at your hands and God will defend you, but let none of you be so careless as not to employ his arrows.”* * i.e. they must not neglect to practise archery. The idea is that although God defends them, this does not absolve them from effort. Muslim transmitted it.

He told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “If anyone knows how to shoot and gives it up he does not belong to us,” or, “he has been disobedient.” Muslim transmitted it.

Salama b. al-Akwa‘ told that God’s Messenger went out to some people of Aslam who were having a shooting match in the suq* and said, “Shoot, sons of Ishmael, for your ancestor was an archer. I am supporting the B. so and so,” referring to one of the two parties. They then stopped, and when he asked what was the matter, they replied, “How can we shoot when you are supporting the B. so and so?” He said, “Shoot; I am supporting you all.” * Different explanations are given. It may be in the market-place (suq). Mirqat, iv, 202 is inclined to understand suq as the plural of saq (leg) and interpret it as meaning that they were on their feet, not riding camels. It has even been said that the reading is as-Sauq and that this is the name of a place; but I can find no reference to any such place. This all goes to show how difficult interpreters can make a passage seem when they let their imagination loose. Bukhari transmitted it.

Anas told that Abu Talha and the Prophet were both using one shield. Abu Talha was a good archer, and when he shot the Prophet looked over and watched where his arrows went. Bukhari transmitted it.

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Blessing rests on the forelocks of the horses.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Jarir b. ‘Abdallah told that he saw God’s Messenger twisting his finger in a horse’s forelock and saying, "The horses have good tied in their forelocks till the day of resurrection, i.e. reward and spoil.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, "If anyone reserves a horse in God’s path with faith in God and belief in His promise, its food, drink, dung and urine will be in his scale on the day of resurrection.” Bukhari transmitted it.

He said that God’s Messenger disliked horses with shikal, which means a horse having a white mark on its right hind leg and left foreleg, or on its right foreleg and left hind leg. Muslim transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar told that God’s Messenger held race between the horses which had been made lean by training from al-Hafya’ to Thaniyat al-Wada’, a distance of six miles, and he held a race between the horses which had not undergone such training from the thaniya* to the mosque of the B. Zuraiq, a distance of a mile. * Thaniya is a mountain pass. Thaniyat al-Wada' is a pass overlooking Medina by which people went on the road to Mecca. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Anas told that God’s Messenger had a she-camel called al-‘Adba' which had not been outstripped by any other, but a nomadic Arab came on a young riding camel of his and it outstripped it. That distressed the Muslims, but God’s Messenger said, "It is God’s right that nothing should become exalted in the world without His lowering it.” Bukhari transmitted it.

the maker when he has a good motive in making it, the one who shoots it, and the one who hands it; so shoot and ride, but your shooting is more appreciated by me than your riding. Everything with which a man amuses himself is vain, except his shooting with his bow, his training of his horse, and his playing with his wife, for they pertain to what is right.” Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it, and Abu Dawud and Darimi added, “If anyone abandons archery after becoming an adept through distaste for it, it is a blessing he has abandoned," or he said “for which he has been ungrateful."

Abu Najih as-Sulami told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “He who causes an arrow to hit its mark in God’s path will have it count as a degree for him in paradise, if anyone shoots an arrow in God’s path it is equivalent to his setting someone free, and if anyone develops a grey hair on behalf of Islam it will be a light for him on the day of resurrection." Baihaqi transmitted it in Shu'ab al-iman. Abu Dawud transmitted the first section, Nasa’i the first and second, and Tirmidhi the second and third. The version of Nasa’i and Tirmidhi has, “If anyone develops a grey hair in God’s path,” instead of “on behalf of Islam."

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Wagers are allowed only for shooting arrows, or racing camels or horses.” Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.

He reported God's Messenger as saying, “If one enters a horse with two others there is no good in it if he is certain it cannot be beaten, but there is no harm if he is not." It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna. In Abu Dawud’s version he said, “If one enters a horse with two others when he is not certain that it cannot be beaten, it is not gambling; but when one enters a horse with two others when he is certain it cannot be beaten, it is gambling."

‘Imran b. Husain reported God’s Messenger as saying, “There must be no shouting or leading another horse at one’s side."* Yahya added in his tradition, “when racing for a wager." * There must be no shouting to urge one’s horse on, and one must not take a horse alongside him to which he may transfer if he is afraid his horse may be beaten. Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it, and Tirmidhi transmitted it with an addition in the section on seizing forcibly.

Abu Qatada reported the Prophet as saying, “The best type of horse is the black one with a blaze on its face and a white spot on its upper lip* next comes the horse with a blaze on its face and white on the legs, except on a right one. If it is not black, then a dark bay horse with those markings.” * Artham. This may mean either that it has a white spot on its upper lip, or on the point of its nose. Tirmidhi and Darimi transmitted it.

Abu Wahb al-Jushami reported God’s Messenger as saying, ‘‘Keep to every dark bay horse with a white blaze and white on the legs, or sorrel with a white blaze and white on the legs, or black with a white blaze and white on the legs.” Aba Dawud and Nasa'i transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Abbas reported God's Messenger as saying, “The most favored horses are the sorrel.” Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Utba b. ‘Abd as-Sulami told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “Do not cut the forelocks, manes, or tails of horses, for their tails are their means of driving off flies, their manes provide them with warmth, and blessing is tied to their forelocks.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Aba Wahb al-Jushami reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Tie the horses, rub down their forelocks and rumps (or he said, their buttocks), and put things on their necks, but do not put bowstrings.”* * The reason for this is that bowstrings may injure them. Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.

God’s Messenger was a servant under command who applied to us* only three things which he did not apply to the people in general. He ordered us to perform ablution fully, not to consume sadaqa, and not to make an ass cover a mare. * He means the members of the Prophet’s family. Tirmidhi and Nasa’i transmitted it.

‘Ali told that God's Messenger was presented with a she-mule which he rode, so ‘Ali said, “If we made asses cover mares we would have animals of this type,” to which God’s Messenger replied, “Only those who do not know do that.” Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.

Anas said the pommel of God's Messenger’s sword was of silver. Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i and Darimi transmitted it.

Hud b, ‘Abdallah b. Sa'd quoted his grandfather Mazida* as saying that on the day of the Conquest of Mecca God’s Messenger entered with gold and silver on his sword. *i.e. on his mother’s side. Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a gharib tradition.

As-Sa’ib b. Yazid told that the Prophet wore two coats of mail at the battle of Uhud as a double protection. Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Abbas said that the Prophet’s standard1 was black and his banner2 white. 1. Raya. 2. Liwa’. The standard was larger than the banner. Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Musa b. ‘Ubaida, client of Muhammad b. al-Qasim, told that Muhammad b. al-Qasim sent him to al-Bara’ b. ‘Azib to ask him about God’s Messenger’s standard, and he said it was black and square, being made of a woollen rug. Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Jabir said that when the Prophet entered Mecca his banner was white. Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Anas said that, after women, nothing was dearer to God's Messenger than horses. Nasa’i transmitted it.

‘Ali told that God’s Messenger had in his hand an Arab bow, and on seeing a man with a Persian bow in his hand he said, “What is this? Throw it away. Keep* to this and such like, and to spears with shafts, for God will help you to support the religion with them and establish you in the land.” * This verb is in the plural, indicating that, after the man is told to throw away the bow he is carrying, a general command is given to the people. Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Ka'b b. Malik said that the Prophet set out on a Thursday in the expedition to Tabuk and that he used to like to set out on a Thursday. Bukhari transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If people knew what I know about the dangers of being alone, no rider would travel alone at night." Bukhari transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The angels do not go along with a travelling company in which there is a dog or a bell." Muslim transmitted it.

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The bell is the devil’s pipes.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Bashir al-Ansari told that when he was with God's Messenger on one of his journeys God’s Messenger sent one to say, “No necklace of bowstring or anything else must be left on a camel’s neck, but must be cut off.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “When you travel in fertile country give the camels their due from the ground, and when you travel in time of drought make them go quickly. When you encamp at night keep away from the roads, for they are where the beasts pass and are the resort of insects at night." A version has, “When you travel in time of drought hasten with them while they have their marrow." Muslim transmitted it.

While we were on a journey with God’s Messenger a man came on a riding beast and began to turn right and left,* whereupon God’s Messenger said, “He who has an extra mount should lend it to him who has none, and he who has extra provision should give it to him who has none.” He said that he mentioned various kinds of property till they began to think none of them had a right to anything extra. * The camel was evidently tired, and the man seems to have been looking around to see whether he could get any help. Another suggestion is that the man was walking with his goods loaded on the camel, but the wording hardly supports this. Cf. Mirqat, iv, 213 f. Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Travel is a piece of punishment which deprives a man of his sleep, food and drink; so when he accomplishes his purpose where he has gone he should hasten to his family.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

When God’s Messenger arrived after a journey he was met by the children of his household. Once when he arrived after a journey I was the first to meet him and he lifted me in front of him. Then one of Fatima’s two sons was brought along and he set him behind him, and we were brought into Medina, three on one beast. Muslim transmitted it.

Anas told that he and Abu Talha arrived with God’s Messenger who had Safiya riding behind him on his mount. Bukhari transmitted it.

He said that God’s Messenger did not come to his family during the night, but was accustomed to enter only in the morning or in the evening. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Jabir reported God’s Messenger as saying, “When one of you has been away from home for a long time he must not come to his family during the night.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

He reported the Prophet as saying, “When you arrive during the night do not go in to your family till the woman whose husband has been away cleans herself and the dishevelled woman combs herself.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

He told that when the Prophet came to Medina he slew a camel or a cow.* * There seems to be no certainty as to whether this refers to the arrival at the time of the Hijra, or whether the tradition means to indicate a general practice. It is said that the sunna requires one who returns from a journey to provide such entertainment as is within his means. If the use of "or” in the tradition does not indicate a doubt on the part of the transmitter as to which word is correct, but is a real alternative, this would justify the view that the tradition speaks of a practice of the Prophet. But the Arabic construction really suggests one occasion rather than any time the Prophet came back to Medina. Bukhari transmitted it.

Ka'b b. Malik said that the Prophet used to arrive from a journey only in the daytime during the forenoon, and that when he arrived he went first to the mosque where he prayed two rak'as, after which he sat in it and gave audience to the people. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

I was with the Prophet on a journey, and when we came to Medina he said to me, "Enter the mosque and pray two rak'as in it." Bukhari transmitted it.

Sakhr b. Wada'a al-Ghamidi reported God’s Messenger as saying, "O God, bless my people in their early morning.” When he sent out a detachment or an army he sent them at the beginning of the day. Sakhr was a merchant, and he would send off his merchandise at the beginning of the day; and he became rich and had much wealth. Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Darimi transmitted it.

Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, "Keep to travelling by night, for the earth is traversed * by night.” *Literally ‘the earth is folded up.' The idea is that at night the journey seems shorter. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Amr b. Shu'aib, on his father’s authority, told that his grandfather reported God's Messenger as saying, "A single rider is a devil and a pair of riders are a pair of devils, but three are a company of riders.” Malik, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported God’s Messenger as saying, "When three are on a journey they should appoint one of them as their commander.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Abbas reported the Prophet as saying, "The best number of companions is four, the best number in expeditions four hundred, and the best number in armies four thousand; and twelve thousand will not be overcome through smallness of numbers." Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Darimi transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a gharib tradition.

Jabir told that God’s Messenger used to keep to the rear when traveling and urge on the weak. He would take someone up behind him and would make supplication for them all. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Tha'laba al-Khushani said that when the people encamped they scattered in the glens and wadis, but when God’s Messenger said, “Your scattering in these glens and wadis is only of the devil," they afterwards kept close together when they encamped to such an extent that it used to be said that if a cloth were spread over them it would cover them all. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

At the battle of Badr there was one camel to every three men of us. Abu Lubaba and ‘Ali b. Abu Talib were the travelling companions of God’s Messenger, and when his turn to dismount came they would offer to walk instead of him, but he would reply, “You are not stronger than I am, and I am not more able to dispense with the reward* than you are." * i.e. the reward in the next world for walking part of the way. It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna.

Abu Huraira reported the Prophet as saying, “Do not treat the backs of your beasts as pulpits, for God most high has made them subject to you only to convey you to a town which you could not reach without difficulty; and He has appointed the earth for you, so conduct your business on it." Abu Dawud transmitted it.

When we encamped we did not glorify God* till we had loosened the saddles. * This is explained as meaning to perform the salat. Cf. Mirqat, iv, 218. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Buraida told that while God’s Messenger was walking a man who had an ass came to him and, moving to the back of the animal, invited him to mount, but he said, “No; you have more right to ride in front on your animal unless you grant that right to me." The man replied that he did, and so he mounted. Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Sa'id b. Abu Hind told that Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “There are camels which belong to devils and houses which belong to devils." He1 said he had seen the devils’ camels; one goes out with fine she-camels which he has fattened, neither riding any of them nor giving a lift to a tired brother whom he meets, but he had not seen the devils' houses. Sa'id used to say he thought they were those cages which concealed people2 with brocade. 1. It is commonly held that this refers to Abu Huraira. 2. A various reading has ‘which people concealed’. The cages mean the litters on camels' backs. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

We went on an expedition with the Prophet and the people occupied so much space that they encroached on the road,* so God’s Prophet sent a man to announce among the people, “Those who occupy much space or encroach on the road will not be credited with jihad.” * This refers to times when they were encamping. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Jabir reported the Prophet as saying, “The best time for a man to go in to his family on returning from a journey is at the beginning of the night.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Qatada told that when God's Messenger encamped at night on a journey he lay down on his right side, and when he encamped a little before morning he raised his forearm and placed his head on the palm of his hand. Muslim transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Abbas told that the Prophet sent ‘Abdallah b. Rawaha with a detachment and that happened to be on a Friday. His companions set off in the morning, but he decided to stay behind and catch up on them after saying the prayer along with God’s Messenger. When he did so he saw him and asked him what had prevented him from going out in the morning with his companions. He replied, “I wanted to pray along with you and then catch up with them,” whereupon he said, “If you were to contribute all the earth contains you would not attain to the excellence of their going out in the morning.” Tirmidhi transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The angels do not go with a travelling company in which there is a panther skin.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Sahl b. Sa'd reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The lord of the people on a journey is their servant,* and he who precedes them in service will not be preceded by them on account of any deed but martyrdom.” * This is said to mean either that the leader must look after the interests of his followers, or that even the humblest member who serves the others is rewarded by God as if he were the dealer. Baihaqi transmitted it in Shu'ab al-iman.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. From Muhammad, God’s servant and Messenger, to Hiraql1 chief of the Byzantines. Peace be to those who follow the guidance. To proceed: I send you the summons to accept Islam (bi da'iyat al-islam). If you accept Islam you will be safe, and if you accept Islam God will bring you your reward twofold; but if you turn away you will be guilty of the sin of your followers (al-arisiyin).2 “0 people of the Book, come to a word which is common between us and you, that we should worship only God, not attribute any partner to Him, or take one another as lords apart from God. But if they turn away say, Testify that we are Muslims."3 1. Heraclius. 2. Arisi means a tiller of the soil, but is here used as a general reference to the common people who will follow his example. 3. Al-Qur’an; 3:64. (Bukhari and Muslim.) A version by Muslim has “From Muhammad God’s Messenger," “the sin of al-yarisiyin” and bi-di'ayat al-islam.

He told that God’s Messenger sent his letter to Kisra with ‘Abdallah b. Hudhafa as-Sahmi, ordering him to hand it to the governor of al- Bahrain. The governor of al-Bahrain conveyed it to Kisra, and when he read it he tore it up. Ibn al-Musayyib said that God’s Messenger then invoked a curse on them to the effect that they might be torn into little pieces. Bukhari transmitted it.

Anas told that the Prophet wrote to Kisra, Qaisar, the Najashi, and every powerful man, summoning them to God, but it was not the Najashi on whom the Prophet invoked a blessing.* * It says that the Najashi (Negus) of Abyssinia to whom this letter was sent was not the same as the one who ruled at the time when the early emigration from Mecca to Abyssinia took place. Muslim transmitted it.

Sulaiman b. Buraida told on his father’s authority that when God’s Messenger appointed a commander over an army or a detachment he instructed him to fear God himself and consider the welfare of the Muslims who were with him. He then said, “Go forth in God’s name in God’s path and fight with those who disbelieve in God. Go forth and do not be unfaithful regarding booty, or treacherous, or mutilate anyone, or kill a child. When you meet the polytheists who are your enemy summon them to three things, and accept whichever of them they are willing to agree to, and refrain from them. Then* summon them to Islam, and if they agree accept it from them and refrain from them. Then summon them to leave their abodes and transfer to the abode of the Emigrants, and tell them that if they do so they will have the same rights and responsibilities as the Emigrants; but if they refuse to transfer from them tell them they will be like the desert Arabs who are Muslims, subject to God’s jurisdiction which applies to the believers, but will have no spoil or booty unless they strive with the Muslims. If they refuse demand the jizya from them, and if they agree accept it from them and refrain from them; but if they refuse seek God’s help and fight with them. When you invest a fortress and its people wish you to grant them the protection of God and His prophet, grant them neither but grant them your protection and that of your companions, for it is less serious to break your guarantee of protection and that of your companions than to break that of God and His Messenger. If you invest a fortress and its people offer to capitulate and have the matter referred to God’s jurisdiction, do not grant this, but let them capitulate and have the matter referred to your jurisdiction, for you do not know whether or not you will hit on God’s jurisdiction regarding them.” * What follows gives in detail the three things mentioned above. Muslim transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. Abu Aufa told that at one of his battles in which God’s Messenger met the enemy he waited till the sun declined, then stood up among the people and said, “You people must not desire to meet the enemy, but must ask God for wellbeing, and when you meet them show endurance and know that paradise is under the shadows of the swords." He then said, “O God, who sendest down the Book, makest the clouds to travel and routest the confederates, rout them and give us victory over them.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

When the Prophet took us out on an expedition against a people he did not set out with us till the morning. He would look at them, and if he heard a call to prayer he refrained from them, but if he did not hear any he attacked them. We went out to Khaibar and reached them by night, but when the morning came and he heard no call to prayer he mounted. I mounted behind Abu Talha and my foot was touching God’s Prophet’s They came out to us with their large baskets and their spades, and when they saw the Prophet they said, “Muhammad, by God, Muhammad and the army," and went for refuge to the fortress. When God's Messenger saw them he said, “God is most great, God is most great. Khaibar has fallen.1 When we alight in the courtyard of a people it is an evil morning for those who have been warned."2 1. Or, 'May Khaibar fall. 2. Cf. Al-Qur'an; 37:177. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

An-Nu‘man b. Muqarrin said he was present at fighting along with God’s Messenger, and when he did not fight at the beginning of the day he waited till the winds blew and the time of prayer came. Bukhari transmitted it.

An-Nu‘man b. Muqarrin said he was present at fighting along with God’s Messenger, and when he did not fight at the beginning of the day he waited till the sun had passed the meridian, the winds blew and help came down. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

I went on an expedition with God's Messenger, and when dawn came he waited till the sun rose and when it rose he fought. Then when midday came he stopped till the sun passed the meridian and when it had done so he fought till the afternoon, when he stopped till he prayed the afternoon prayer, and then fought. Qatada told that it used to be said that the winds of victory blew at that time and the believers made supplication for their armies during their prayer. Tirmidhi transmitted it.

God’s Messenger sent us in a detachment and said, “When you see a mosque or hear a mu’adhdhin (The one who makes the call to prayer) do not kill anyone.” Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. From Khalid b. al-Walid to Rustum and Mih'an among the nobles of Persia. Peace be to those who follow the guidance. To proceed: We summon you to Islam, but if you refuse then pay the jizya in subjection feeling humbled (Cf. Al-Qur'an, 9:29). If you refuse to do that, I have with me people who love being killed in God’s path as the Persians love wine. Peace be to those who follow the guidance. It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna.

Jabir told that a man said to the Prophet at the battle of Uhud, “Tell me where I shall be if I am killed,” and that when he replied that he would be in paradise he threw away some dates he had in his hand and fought till he was killed. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

When God’s Messenger intended to go on an expedition he always pretended to be going somewhere else till that expedition, meaning the one to Tabuk. God’s Messenger undertook it in extreme heat, facing a long journey, desert country and a numerous enemy. He made clear to the Muslims what they were about to do in order that they might get ready the equipment for their expedition, telling them where he was going. Bukhari transmitted it.

Jabir reported God's Messenger as saying, “War is deception.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Anas told that when God’s Messenger went on an expedition he took Umm Sulaim, and he had some women of the Ansar who supplied water and tended the wounded when he made an expedition. Muslim transmitted it.

I went on seven expeditions with God's Messenger and stayed behind to look after the baggage, prepare food for them, tend the wounded and look after the sick. Muslim transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar said God’s Messenger forbade killing women and children. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

As-Sa‘b b. Jaththama told that God’s Messenger was asked about the polytheists whose settlements were attacked at night when some of their women and offspring were smitten, and replied that they were of their number. A version has it that they were regarded in the same way as their parents. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

The nobles of the B. Lu’ayy treated lightly a widely dispersed conflagration in al-Buwaira. Concerning that came down, “The palm-trees you cut down or left standing on their roots, it was by God’s permission” (Al-Quran 59:5). (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘Abdallah b. ‘Aun said that Nafi‘ wrote to tell him that Ibn ‘Umar informed him the Prophet made an attack on the B. al-Mustaliq attacking their camels in al-Muraisi‘.* He killed the fighting men and took the children captive. * Ibn Ishaq says this expedition took place in Sha'ban, 6 A.H., but this has been questioned, Muraisi’ was a watering-place belonging to the B. al-Mustaliq. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Usaid reported the Prophet as saying to them at the battle of Badr when they drew up in line to meet Quraish and they drew up in line to meet them, “When they come near you shoot arrows at them.” A version has, “When they come near you shoot at them, but do not use all your arrows.” Bukhari transmitted it.

‘Abd ar-Rahman b. ‘Auf told that at Badr the Prophet equipped hem at night for battle. Tirmidhi transmitted it.

Al-Muhallab reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If the enemy attacks you at night let your war-cry be Ha’ Mim'. They will not be helped’.”* *These words may be taken from sura 41 which is one beginning with Ha Mim. The other words are in verse 16 of that sura. Cf. 44: 41. Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Samura b. Jundub said that the war-cry of the Emigrants was ‘Abdallah and that of the Helpers ‘Abd ar-Rahman. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

We went on an expedition with Abu Bakr in the time of the Prophet. We attacked the enemy by night and killed them, and our war-cry that night was “Put to death; put to death.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Qais b. ‘Ubad said that God’s Messenger’s companions disliked shouting while fighting. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Samura b. Jundub reported the Prophet as saying, “Kill the old men who are polytheists, but spare their sharkh i.e., their children. Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Urwa said Usama told him that God's Messenger enjoined him to attack Ubna in the morning and burn the place. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Usaid reported God’s Messenger as saying at the battle of Badr, “When they come near you shoot at them, but do not draw your swords till they are close upon you.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

When we were with God’s Messenger on an expedition he saw some people collected together over something and sent a man whom he told to see what these people were collected around. When he came and told him they were round a woman who had been killed he said, “This is not one with whom fighting should have taken place.” Khalid b. al-Walid was in charge of the van, so he sent a man to tell him not to kill a woman or a hired servant. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Anas reported God's Messenger as saying, “Go in God’s name, trusting in God, and adhering to the religion of God’s Messenger. Do not kill a decrepit old man, or a young infant, or a woman; do not be dishonest about booty, but collect your spoils, do right and act well, for God loves those who do well.”* * Cf. Al-Qur’an; 2: 195; 5:13. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

At the battle of Badr 'Utba b. Rabi'a came forward followed by his son and his brother and cried out, “Who will engage in single combat?” Some young men of the Helpers responded to his call, but when he asked them who they were and they told him he said, “I have no use for you; I want only my cousins on my father’s side.” God’s Messenger then said, “Get up, Hamza; get up, ‘Ali; get up, ‘Ubaida b. al-Harith.” Hamza went forward to ‘Utba, I went forward to Shaiba, and after two blows had been exchanged between ‘Ubaida and al-Walid they wounded one another severely; so we turned against al-Walid, and when we had killed him we carried ‘Ubaida away. Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

God’s Messenger sent us with a detachment and the people wheeled round in flight, so when we came to Medina we hid in it thinking that we had become corrupted.1 Then we went to God’s Messenger and told him we were those who had fled, but he replied, “No, you are the ones who return to fight after wheeling away, and I am your main body.”2 1. Literally “had perished.” They thought that they had committed a serious sin by turning in flight. 2. The word fi’a is here used. The suggestion is that to withdraw to join one’s unit stationed in the rear is not flying from the enemy. Cf. Al-Qur’an; 8:16. Tirmidhi transmitted it. Abu Dawud’s version has something similar. He said, “No, you are the ones who return to fight after wheeling away.” We then approached and kissed his hand, and he said, “I am the main body of the Muslims.”

Thauban b. Yazid told that the Prophet set up the ballista when attacking the people of at-Ta’if. Tirmidhi transmitted it in mursal form.

Abu Huraira reported the Prophet as saying, “God is charmed with people who will enter paradise in chains.”* A version has, “who will be led to paradise in chains.” *This is explained as meaning non-Muslims who are taken prisoner and accept Islam. Bukhari transmitted it.

A spy of the polytheists who came to the Prophet when he was on a journey sat and talked with his companions and afterwards withdrew. The Prophet then said, “Look for him and kill him,” so I killed him and the Prophet gave me the spoil taken from him. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

We went on an expedition with God’s Messenger against Hawazin, and while we were having a meal in the forenoon with God’s Messenger a man came on a red camel, and after he had made it kneel he began to look around. Now we were in a weak condition and in a poor way with regard to mounts, and some of us were on foot. He went out in a hurry and coming to his camel made it go and it went off quickly with him. I hastened out and catching the camel’s nose-rein I made it kneel, then drew my sword and struck the man on his head. I then brought the camel leading it with his saddle and weapons on it, and when God's Messenger and the people met me he asked who had killed the man. On their replying that it was the son of al-Akwa‘, he said, “He gets all his spoil.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

When the B. Quraiza surrendered agreeing to have their fate decided by Sa‘d b. Mu'adh God’s Messenger sent for him and he came on an ass. When he drew near God's Messenger said, “Rise up in respect to your chief.” Then when he had come and sat down God's Messenger said, “These people have surrendered agreeing that you should decide their fate,” so he said, “I decide that the fighting men be killed and that the offspring be taken into captivity.” He then declared, “You have given regarding them the decision of the King.” A version has, “God’s decision.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Huraira told that God's Messenger sent some horsemen to Najd and they brought a man of the B. Hanifa called Thumama b. Uthal who was the chief of the people of al-Yamama and bound him to one of the pillars of the mosque. God’s Messenger came out to him and said, “What are you expecting, Thumama?” He replied, “I expect good, Muhammad. If you kill me you will kill one whose blood will be avenged, if you show favour you will show it to one who is grateful, and if you want property and ask you will be given as much of it as you wish.” God’s Messenger left him till the next day, and asked him, “What are you expecting, Thumama?” He replied, “I am expecting what I said to you. If you show favour you will show it to one who is grateful, if you kill me you will kill one whose blood will be avenged, and if you want property and ask you will be given as much of it as you wish.” God's Messenger left him till the following day, and asked him, “What are you expecting, Thumama?” He replied, “I am expecting what I said to you. If you show favour you will show it to one who is grateful, if you kill me you will kill one whose blood will be avenged, and if you want property and ask you will be given as much of it as you wish.” God’s Messenger then said, “Set Thumama free.” He went off to some palm-trees near the mosque, and after bathing he entered the mosque and said, “I testify that there is no god but God, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. I swear by God, Muhammad, that there was no face on the face of the earth more hateful to me than yours, but your face has become the dearest of all to me. I swear by God that there was no religion more hateful to me than yours, but your religion has become the dearest of all to me. I swear by God that there was no town more hateful to me than yours, but your town has become the dearest of all to me. Your cavalry seized me when I was on my way to perform the umra, so what do you think I should do? God’s Messenger congratulated him and told him to perform the umra. When he came to Mecca someone asked him whether he had turned to folly* and he replied, “No, but I have accepted Islam along with God’s Messenger. I swear by God that not one grain of wheat will come to you from al-Yamama till God’s Messenger gives permission for it.” *Sabaut. The verb saba has as one of its meanings to turn to folly. It has been suggested that here it is used in the sense of the verb saba’a which means to change one’s religion. Final Hamza verbs very often do drop the Hamza, but they more normally follow the pattern of final ya’ verbs rather than final waw when they do so. Muslim transmitted it, and Bukhari gave it more concisely.

Jubair b. Mut'im reported the Prophet as saying about the prisoners taken at Badr, “If al-Mut‘im b. ‘Adi* had been alive and spoken to me about these filthy ones, I would have left them for him.” * He was head of the B. Naufal. He agreed to give Muhammad protection after his return from at-Ta'if where he had gone after Abu Talib’s death. Al-Mut‘im died before the battle of Badr. He did not become a Muslim. Bukhari transmitted it.

Anas told that eighty Meccans came down armed from the mountain of at-Tan‘im against God’s Messenger intending to take him and his companions unawares, but he took them captive without fighting and spared them. A version says he set them free and God most high sent down, “He it is who averted their hands from you and your hands from them in the valley of Mecca” (Al-Qur’an; 48:24). Muslim transmitted it.

Qatada told that Anas b. Malik mentioned to him on the authority of Abu Talha that at the battle of Badr God’s prophet ordered twenty-four of the strong men of Quraish to be cast into one of the wells of Badr cased with stones which was corrupt and corrupting. When he prevailed over an enemy he stayed three nights on the field of battle; and when the third day came at Badr he ordered his riding-beast to be saddled. He then walked followed by his companions till he came to the mouth of the well, when he began to call them by their names and their fathers’ names, saying, “So and so son of so and so, so and so son of so and so, does it please you that you obeyed God and His Messenger? We have found what our Lord promised us to be true. Have you found what your Lord promised you to be true?” ‘Umar said, “Messenger of God, what you are addressing are only bodies without spirits.” The Prophet replied, “By Him in whose hand Muhammad's soul is, you cannot hear what I say better than they.” A version has, “You cannot hear better than they, but they cannot answer.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) Bukhari added that Qatada said God brought them to life and made them hear what he said by way of rebuke, humiliation, revenge, and to produce grief and repentance.

Your brethren have come repentant and I have considered that I should return their captives to them, so let those of you who are willing to release the captives act accordingly, but those who wish to hold on to what they have till I give them some of the first booty God gives us may do so.” The people told God’s Messenger that they were willing to release the captives, and he said, “I cannot distinguish between those of you who have granted that and those who have not, so return that your headmen may tell me about you.” They did so, and after their headmen had spoken to them they came back to God’s Messenger and told him they were agreeable and had given permission. Bukhari transmitted it.

Thaqif were allies of the B. ‘Uqail, so when Thaqif took two of God’s Messenger’s companions prisoner, his companions took prisoner a man of the B. ‘Uqail, bound him and threw him out on the lava plain. God’s Messenger passed him and he called to him, “Muhammad, Muhammad, for what have I been taken?” He replied, “For the crime of your allies Thaqif.” He then left him and passed on, but when he cried, “Muhammad, Muhammad,” God’s Messenger took pity on him and returned and asked him about himself. When he told him he was a Muslim he said, “If you had said it when you were your own master you would have been completely successful.”* Then God’s Messenger ransomed him for the two men Thaqif had taken prisoner. *This means that not only would he go to paradise in the next life, but he would have been saved the experience of being taken a captive in this. Muslim transmitted it.

‘A’isha told that when the people of Mecca sent about ransoming their prisoners1 Zainab sent some property to ransom Abul ‘As, sending among it a necklace of hers which Khadija had had and had sent with her when she married Abul ‘As. When God’s Messenger saw it he felt great tenderness about it and said, “If you consider that you should free her prisoner for her and return to her what belongs to her it will be well.” To this they agreed. The Prophet had made an agreement with him that he should let Zainab come to him, so he sent Zaid b. Haritha and a man of the Helpers, telling them to wait in the valley of Yajij2 till Zainab came along and bring her back with them. 1. After the battle of Badr. 2. Near at-Tan'im. Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

She told that when God’s Messenger took prisoner the people at Badr he killed ‘Uqba b. Aba Mu'ait and an-Nadr b. al-Harith, but showed favour to Abu ‘Azza al-Jumahi. It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna.

Ibn Mas'ud told that when God’s Messenger intended to kill ‘Uqba b. Abu Mu'ait he asked who would look after the children, and he replied that hell would. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Ali reported God's Messenger as saying that Gabriel came down to him and said to him, “Give them (i.e. your companions) their choice regarding the prisoners at Badr whether they should be killed or ransomed on condition that a like number of them should be killed the following year.” They replied, “We shall accept ransom and have some of us killed.” Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a gharib tradition.

I was among the captives of Quraiza who were brought before the Prophet. The Companions examined us, and those who had begun to grow hair were killed, but those who had not were not killed. They uncovered my private parts and when they found that the hair had not begun to grow they put me among the captives. Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it.

‘Ali told that some slaves came out to God’s Messenger, i.e. on the day of al-Hudaibiya, before the peace was ratified, and their masters wrote to him saying, “We swear by God, Muhammad, that they have not gone out to you through desire for your religion, but they have done so only to fly from servitude.” Some people assured him they had spoken the truth and advised him to send them back to them, but God’s Messenger became angry and said, “I do not think you people of Quraish will cease till God sends someone to you who will cut off your heads for this.” He refused to send them back, saving they were God’s freedmen. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

The Prophet sent Khalid b. al-Walid to the B. Hadhima and he summoned them to accept Islam. When they did not express their acceptance of Islam properly but began to say, “We have changed our religion, we have changed our religion,”* Khalid began to kill them and take prisoners, and he handed a prisoner to each one of us. But when a day came when Khalid ordered each of us to kill his prisoner, I said, “I swear by God that I will not kill my prisoner and that not one of my companions will kill his prisoner till we come to the Prophet.” When we mentioned the matter to him he raised his hands and said twice, “O God, I declare myself innocent in Thy sight of what Khalid has done.” *Here the verb saba'a is used. Bukhari transmitted it.

I went to God’s Messenger in the year of the Conquest and found him bathing while his daughter Fatima was screening him with a garment. I gave a salutation and he asked who was there, then when I told him I was Umm Hani’ daughter of Abu Talib he said, “Welcome, Umm Hani’.” After he finished his bathing he got up and prayed eight rak'as wrapped in a garment, and when he was done I said, “Messenger of God, my mother’s son ‘Ali has asserted that he is going to kill a man to whom I have given protection, so and so the son of Hubaira.” He replied, “We have given protection to those to whom you have granted it, Umm Hani'.” She said that that was in the forenoon. (Bukhari and Muslim.) In a version by Tirmidhi she said, “I have given protection to two of my husband’s male relatives,” and God’s Messenger replied, “We have given security to those to whom you have given it.”

Abu Huraira reported the Prophet as saying, “A woman acts for the people,” i.e. she gives protection on behalf of the Muslims. Tirmidhi transmitted it.

‘Amr b. al-Hamiq told that he heard God's Messenger say, “He who grants a man security and then kills him will be given the banner of treachery on the day of resurrection.” It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna.

There was a covenant between Mu'awiya and the Byzantines, and he was going towards their country; then when the covenant came to an end he attacked them. A man came on a horse, or a packhorse, saying, “God is most great, God is most great; let there be faithfulness and not treachery.”* And when they looked they found that he was 'Amr b. ‘Abasa. Mu'awiya questioned him about that and he replied that he had heard God’s Messenger say, "When one has a covenant with people he must not loosen or strengthen it till its term comes, or he brings it to an end in agreement with them.” He said that Mu'awiya then took the people back. *Mirqat, 4, 255 says that 'Amr b. ‘Abasa felt it was an act of treachery to make a treaty while in one’s own country and then approach the enemy’s country when the period of the treaty was near an end, so as to be able to make an immediate attack. Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Quraish sent me to God’s Messenger and when I saw him Islam was cast into my heart, so I said, "Messenger of God, I swear by God that I shall never return to them.” He replied, "I do not break a covenant or imprison messengers; but return, and if you feel the same as you do just now, come back.” So I went away and then came to the Prophet and accepted Islam. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Nu'aim b. Mas'ud reported God's Messenger as saying to two men who came from Musailima, "I swear by God that were it not that messengers are not killed, I would cut off your heads.” Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

‘Amr b. Shu'aib, on his father’s authority, told that his grandfather reported God’s Messenger as saying in the course of his sermon, "Observe fully the alliance made in the pre-Islamic period, for it, i.e. Islam, will only make it stronger; but make no new alliances in Islam.” The source is not given. See Tirmidhi, Siyar, 30

Ibn Mas'ud told that when Ibn an-Nawwaha and Ibn Uthal, Musailima’s messengers, came to the Prophet he asked them whether they testified that he was God’s Messenger. On their replying, "We testify that Musailima is God’s messenger,” he said, "I believe in God and His Messenger. If it was my custom to kill a messenger I would kill you.” ‘Abdallah (i.e. Ibn Mas'ud) said that the sunna that a messenger should not be killed then came into force. Ahmad transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, "Spoils were not lawful for anyone before us, that being because God saw our weakness and incapacity and made them allowable for us.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

We went out with God’s Messenger in the year of Hunain, and when the armies met, the Muslims suffered a reverse. I saw one of the polytheists getting the better of one of the Muslims, so I struck him with my sword from behind on his shoulder-blade and cut his coat of mail. He came at me and closed with me, so that I felt death was near, but he was overtaken by death and let me go. I then caught up on ‘Umar b. al-Khattab and asked him what was the matter with the people, to which he replied that it was what God had commanded.1 Then they returned and the Prophet sat down and said, "If anyone kills a man and can prove it he will get his spoil.” I said, "Who will testify for me?” and then sat down. The Prophet said the same again and I said, "Who will testify for me?”2 and then sat down. Again the Prophet said the same and I stood up He asked, "What is the matter with you, Qatada?” and when I informed him a man said, "He has spoken the truth. I have his spoil, so make him agreeable to take something in exchange.” Abu Bakr said, “In that case I swear by God that he did not do so. One of God’s heroes3 does not fight for God and His Messenger and then give you his spoil.” The Prophet said he had spoken the truth and told the man to hand it over to me. He did so, and I bought a garden among the B. Salima. This was the first property I acquired in the Islamic period. 1. He wondered why the Muslims had fled from the enemy, and 'Umar replied that it was what God had decreed. 2. There is doubt as to whether Abu Qatada spoke aloud the first two times, or inwardly. In the translation I have kept strictly to the wording in the Arabic. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Ibn ‘Umar told that God’s Messenger allotted three portions for a man and his horse, one for him and two for his horse. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Yazid b. Hurmuz told that Najda al-Haruri wrote to Ibn ‘Abbas asking whether a slave and a woman should be allotted a portion when they are present at the division of the spoil, and he told Yazid to write telling him they are not entitled to a portion, but may have a small amount given them. A version says that Ibn ‘Abbas wrote to him, “You have written asking me whether God’s Messenger took women on military expeditions and whether he allotted them a portion. He used to take them on military expeditions to tend the sick, and they would be given a little of the spoil, but so far as a portion is concerned he allotted them none.’’ Muslim transmitted it.

God’s Messenger sent his riding-beasts with his servant Rabah and I went along with him. In the morning ‘Abd ar-Rahman al-Fazari raided God’s Messenger’s riding-beasts, so I went up on a mound and shouted three times facing Medina, “A morning raid!” I then went after the people shooting arrows at them and composing words in the rajaz metre saying, “I am the son of al-Akwa‘; today is the day of the ignoble ones.”* I kept on shooting at them and killing their beasts so that they had to go on foot till there was no riding beast of God’s Messenger created by God which I had not gone ahead of. Then I followed them shooting at them till they threw away more than thirty cloaks and thirty lances to lighten themselves, and they threw nothing away without my putting stones on it to mark it for God’s Messenger and his companions to notice them. This went on till I saw God’s Messenger’s horsemen. Aba Qatada, God's Messenger's horseman, caught up on 'Abd ar-Rahman and killed him, and God's Messenger said, “Our best horseman today is Abu Qatada and our best footman Salama.” He then gave me two portions a horseman’s and a footman’s, and after giving me them both he took me up behind him on al-‘Adba’ on our way back to Medina. *The line, which is evidently an example of the dimeter of the rajaz metre, has something missing at the beginning. It goes: انا ابن الاکوع والیوم الرضع The full form of the rajaz has the foot mustaf'ilun six times; the dimeter has it four times. In the line above two extra syallables are required at the beginning. Muslim transmitted it.