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.)

Masruq said: 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) and said, “One man fights for booty, one for the reputation of fighting, and one for his degree [of bravery] 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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.

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “I was shown the first three to enter paradise: 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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.

Al-Miqdam b. Ma'dikarib reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The martyr receives six1 good things from God: 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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.

Ya‘la. b. Umayya said: 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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.

Abu Umama said: 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.

Aba Sa'id al-Khudri reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The believers in the world are in three classes: 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 (ﷺ) 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.

Fadala b. ‘Ubaid told of hearing ‘Umar b. al-Khattab say he had heard God’s Messenger saying, "The martyrs are of four types: (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.

‘Utba b. ‘Abd as-Sulami reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The slain are of three types: (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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) were both using one shield. Abu Talha was a good archer, and when he shot the Prophet (ﷺ) 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.

‘Uqba b. ‘Amir told that he heard God’s Messenger say, "God most high will cause three persons to enter paradise for one arrow: 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 (ﷺ) 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.

Ibn ‘Abbas said: 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 (ﷺ) 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.