On the day (of the battle) of Khaibar the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Tomorrow I will give the flag to somebody
who will be given victory (by Allah) and who loves Allah and His Apostle and is loved by Allah and
His Apostle." So, the people wondered all that night as to who would receive the flag and in the
morning everyone hoped that he would be that person. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, "Where is `Ali?" He
was told that `Ali was suffering from eye-trouble, so he applied saliva to his eyes and invoked Allah
to cure him. He at once got cured as if he had no ailment. The Prophet (ﷺ) gave him the flag. `Ali said,
"Should I fight them till they become like us (i.e. Muslim)?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Go to them patiently
and calmly till you enter the land. Then, invite them to Islam, and inform them what is enjoined upon
them, for, by Allah, if Allah gives guidance to somebody through you, it is better for you than
possessing red camels."
Narrated by Narrated Sahl:
Context
During the battle of Khaibar, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) announced that he would give the flag to a man who would be victorious and loved by Allah. This moment highlights the significance of love and devotion in one's actions, as well as the importance of inviting others to faith with patience.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages individuals to approach challenges with patience and to prioritize guiding others towards positive change. In personal interactions, fostering understanding and compassion can lead to more meaningful connections.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Jihad and Prophetic Conduct because it emphasizes the importance of striving for a noble cause and the compassionate approach to inviting others to Islam.
Already there has been for you a sign in the two armies which met - one fighting in the cause of Allah and another of disbelievers. They saw them [to be] twice their [own] number by [their] eyesight. But Allah supports with His victory whom He wills. Indeed in that is a lesson for those of vision.
And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing the enemy by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then he turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.
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.
Certainly was Allah pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muhammad], under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquillity upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest
And when Saul went forth with the soldiers, he said, "Indeed, Allah will be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is indeed of me, excepting one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand." But they drank from it, except a [very] few of them. Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said, "There is no power for us today against Goliath and his soldiers." But those who were certain that they would meet Allah said, "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient."
This hadith is #2887 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Sahl:.