The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الأَحْوَصِ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو إِسْحَاقَ، عَنِ الْبَرَاءِ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ الْخَنْدَقِ وَهُوَ يَنْقُلُ التُّرَابَ حَتَّى وَارَى التُّرَابُ شَعَرَ صَدْرِهِ، وَكَانَ رَجُلاً كَثِيرَ الشَّعَرِ وَهْوَ يَرْتَجِزُ بِرَجَزِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ لَوْلاَ أَنْتَ مَا اهْتَدَيْنَا وَلاَ تَصَدَّقْنَا وَلاَ صَلَّيْنَا فَأَنْزِلَنْ سَكِينَةً عَلَيْنَا وَثَبِّتِ الأَقْدَامَ إِنْ لاَقَيْنَا إِنَّ الأَعْدَاءَ قَدْ بَغَوْا عَلَيْنَا إِذَا أَرَادُوا فِتْنَةً أَبَيْنَا يَرْفَعُ بِهَا صَوْتَهُ.
I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) on the day (of the battle) of the Trench carrying earth till the hair of his chest
were covered with dust and he was a hairy man. He was reciting the following verses of `Abdullah
(bin Rawaha): "O Allah, were it not for You, We would not have been guided, Nor would we have
given in charity, nor prayed. So, bestow on us calmness, and when we meet the enemy. Then make
our feet firm, for indeed, Yet if they want to put us in affliction, (i.e. want to fight against us) we
would not (flee but withstand them)." The Prophet (ﷺ) used to raise his voice while reciting these verses.
(See Hadith No. 432, Vol. 5).
Narrated by Narrated Al-Bara:
Context
During the Battle of the Trench, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demonstrated immense dedication and perseverance by physically participating in the labor of digging the trench. His actions were accompanied by a heartfelt supplication, reciting verses that acknowledged reliance on Allah for guidance and strength in the face of adversity. This moment highlights the importance of collective effort and spiritual fortitude in challenging times.
Modern Application
In today's world, this hadith encourages individuals to actively participate in community efforts, especially during difficult situations. It reminds us that hard work, combined with faith and reliance on Allah, can help us overcome challenges and support one another in times of need.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Military Might and Warfare and Prophetic Conduct because it illustrates the Prophet's (ﷺ) active involvement in a military endeavor while also showcasing his spiritual leadership.
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.
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.
[Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah repaid you with distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.
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.
This hadith is #2910 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Al-Bara:.