The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مَسْلَمَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا حَاتِمُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي عُبَيْدٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ سَلَمَةَ بْنَ الأَكْوَعِ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ مَرَّ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَلَى نَفَرٍ مِنْ أَسْلَمَ يَنْتَضِلُونَ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " ارْمُوا بَنِي إِسْمَاعِيلَ، فَإِنَّ أَبَاكُمْ كَانَ رَامِيًا ارْمُوا وَأَنَا مَعَ بَنِي فُلاَنٍ ". قَالَ فَأَمْسَكَ أَحَدُ الْفَرِيقَيْنِ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ. فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " مَا لَكُمْ لاَ تَرْمُونَ ". قَالُوا كَيْفَ نَرْمِي وَأَنْتَ مَعَهُمْ. قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " ارْمُوا فَأَنَا مَعَكُمْ كُلِّكُمْ ".
The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by some people of the tribe of Bani Aslam who were practicing archery. The
Prophet said, "O Bani Isma`il ! Practice archery as your father Isma`il was a great archer. Keep on
throwing arrows and I am with Bani so-and-so." So one of the parties ceased throwing. Allah's
Apostle said, "Why do you not throw?" They replied, "How should we throw while you are with them
(i.e. on their side)?" On that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Throw, and I am with all of you."
Narrated by Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa`:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encounters a group from the tribe of Bani Aslam practicing archery. He encourages them to continue their practice, reminding them of their heritage as descendants of Isma'il, a skilled archer. When one group hesitates to shoot because the Prophet (ﷺ) is with the opposing side, he reassures them that he supports all of them. This highlights the importance of participation and unity in activities, regardless of divisions.
Modern Application
This principle can be applied today in various team sports or group activities where individuals may feel hesitant to participate due to perceived favoritism. Encouraging inclusivity and participation fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork, allowing everyone to contribute and feel valued.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Jihad and Prophetic Conduct because it emphasizes the importance of participation in activities related to skill and heritage, as well as the Prophet's (ﷺ) inclusive approach to leadership.
And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you, taking precaution and carrying their arms. Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you in one [single] attack. But there is no blame upon you, if you are troubled by rain or are ill, for putting down your arms, but take precaution. Indeed, Allah has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.
And you did not kill them, but it was Allah who killed them. And you threw not, [O Muhammad], when you threw, but it was Allah who threw that He might test the believers with a good test. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
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.
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.
This hadith is #2782 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa`:.