I heard `Ali saying, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) sent me, Az-Zubair and Al-Miqdad somewhere saying, 'Proceed
till you reach Rawdat Khakh. There you will find a lady with a letter. Take the letter from her.' " So,
we set out and our horses ran at full pace till we got at Ar-Rawda where we found the lady and said (to
her). "Take out the letter." She replied, "I have no letter with me." We said, "Either you take out the
letter or else we will take off your clothes." So, she took it out of her braid. We brought the letter to
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and it contained a statement from Hatib bin Abi Balta a to some of the Meccan pagans
informing them of some of the intentions of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "O Hatib!
What is this?" Hatib replied, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Don't hasten to give your judgment about me. I was
a man closely connected with the Quraish, but I did not belong to this tribe, while the other emigrants
with you, had their relatives in Mecca who would protect their dependents and property . So, I wanted
to recompense for my lacking blood relation to them by doing them a favor so that they might protect
my dependents. I did this neither because of disbelief not apostasy nor out of preferring Kufr
(disbelief) to Islam." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), said, "Hatib has told you the truth." `Umar said, O Allah's
Apostle! Allow me to chop off the head of this hypocrite." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Hatib participated in
the battle of Badr, and who knows, perhaps Allah has already looked at the Badr warriors and said,
'Do whatever you like, for I have forgiven you."
Narrated by Narrated 'Ubaidullah bin Abi Rafi`:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sends Ali, Zubair, and Al-Miqdad to retrieve a letter from a woman, which contained sensitive information about the Muslims' plans. This incident illustrates the importance of loyalty and the seriousness of sharing information that could endanger the community. The Prophet's response to Hatib's actions reflects a balance between justice and understanding.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of loyalty and discretion in our communications. In today's context, it encourages individuals to be mindful of the information they share, especially when it involves sensitive matters that could affect the safety and integrity of their community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Authority and Prophetic Conduct because it showcases the Prophet's leadership in addressing a breach of trust while also demonstrating his understanding of human motivations.
May Allah pardon you, [O Muhammad]; why did you give them permission [to remain behind]? [You should not have] until it was evident to you who were truthful and you knew [who were] the liars.
Allah has already forgiven the Prophet and the Muhajireen and the Ansar who followed him in the hour of difficulty after the hearts of a party of them had almost inclined [to doubt], and then He forgave them. Indeed, He was to them Kind and Merciful.
And those with excuses among the bedouins came to be permitted [to remain], and they who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat [at home]. There will strike those who disbelieved among them a painful punishment.
And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most Knowing of what they conceal -
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.' "
This hadith is #2885 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated 'Ubaidullah bin Abi Rafi`:.