Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, " Horses are kept for one of three purposes; for some people they are a source of
reward, for some others they are a means of shelter and for some others they are a source of sins. The
one for whom they are a source of reward, is he who keeps a horse for Allah's Cause (i.e. Jihad) tying
it with a long tether on a meadow or in a garden with the result that whatever it eats from the area of
the meadow or the garden where it is tied will be counted as good deeds for his benefit, and if it
should break its rope and jump over one or two hillocks then all its dung and its foot marks will be
written as good deeds for him; and if it passes by a river and drinks water from it even though he had
no intention of watering it, even then he will get the reward for its drinking. As for the man for whom
horses are a source of sins, he is the one who keeps a horse for the sake of pride and pretense and
showing enmity for Muslims: such a horse will be a source of sins for him. When Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was
asked about donkeys, he replied, "Nothing has been revealed to me about them except this unique,
comprehensive Verse: "Then anyone who does an atom's (or a small ant's) weight of good shall see it;
And anyone who does an atom's (or a small ant's) weight of evil, shall see it.' (101.7-8)
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) discusses the different purposes for which horses may be kept, highlighting the spiritual rewards associated with their use in Allah's cause. This teaching emphasizes the significance of intention behind actions and the potential for good deeds in everyday life.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages individuals to reflect on their intentions in all actions. In contemporary life, it serves as a reminder that even mundane activities can be transformed into acts of worship when performed with the right intention.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Good Deeds and Jihad because it illustrates the connection between everyday actions and spiritual rewards in the context of striving for Allah's cause.
And of the grazing livestock are carriers [of burdens] and those [too] small. Eat of what Allah has provided for you and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.
The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
And what Allah restored [of property] to His Messenger from them - you did not spur for it [in an expedition] any horses or camels, but Allah gives His messengers power over whom He wills, and Allah is over all things competent.
Nor [is there blame] upon those who, when they came to you that you might give them mounts, you said, "I can find nothing for you to ride upon." They turned back while their eyes overflowed with tears out of grief that they could not find something to spend [for the cause of Allah].
This hadith is #2745 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:.