The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، قَالَ عَمْرٌو سَمِعْتُ جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم
" مَنْ لِكَعْبِ بْنِ الأَشْرَفِ فَإِنَّهُ آذَى اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ صلى الله عليه وسلم ". فَقَالَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مَسْلَمَةَ أَنَا. فَأَتَاهُ فَقَالَ أَرَدْنَا أَنْ تُسْلِفَنَا وَسْقًا أَوْ وَسْقَيْنِ. فَقَالَ ارْهَنُونِي نِسَاءَكُمْ. قَالُوا كَيْفَ نَرْهَنُكَ نِسَاءَنَا، وَأَنْتَ أَجْمَلُ الْعَرَبِ قَالَ فَارْهَنُونِي أَبْنَاءَكُمْ. قَالُوا كَيْفَ نَرْهَنُ أَبْنَاءَنَا فَيُسَبُّ أَحَدُهُمْ، فَيُقَالُ رُهِنَ بِوَسْقٍ أَوْ وَسْقَيْنِ هَذَا عَارٌ عَلَيْنَا وَلَكِنَّا نَرْهَنُكَ اللأْمَةَ ـ قَالَ سُفْيَانُ يَعْنِي السِّلاَحَ ـ فَوَعَدَهُ أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُ فَقَتَلُوهُ، ثُمَّ أَتَوُا النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَأَخْبَرُوهُ.
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Who would kill Ka`b bin Al-Ashraf as he has harmed Allah and His Apostle ?"
Muhammad bin Maslama (got up and) said, "I will kill him." So, Muhammad bin Maslama went to
Ka`b and said, "I want a loan of one or two Wasqs of food grains." Ka`b said, "Mortgage your women
to me." Muhammad bin Maslama said, "How can we mortgage our women, and you are the most
handsome among the Arabs?" He said, "Then mortgage your sons to me." Muhammad said, "How can
we mortgage our sons, as the people will abuse them for being mortgaged for one or two Wasqs of
food grains? It is shameful for us. But we will mortgage our arms to you." So, Muhammad bin
Maslama promised him that he would come to him next time. They (Muhammad bin Maslama and his
companions came to him as promised and murdered him. Then they went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and told him
about it.
Narrated by Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) calls for action against Ka`b bin Al-Ashraf, who had harmed Allah and His Messenger. Muhammad bin Maslama volunteers to confront him, showcasing the seriousness of addressing oppression and wrongdoing. The narrative reflects the context of loyalty and justice within the community.
Modern Application
This hadith emphasizes the importance of standing against oppression and injustice in society today. It encourages individuals to take action when they witness wrongdoing, fostering a sense of responsibility and community support.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Oppression and Punishments (Hudud) because it deals with the consequences of harming the community and the actions taken to restore justice.
They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' "
So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah - never will He waste their deeds.
And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.
Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment,
If you do not aid the Prophet - Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us." And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah - that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.