I went out of Medina towards Al-Ghaba. When I reached the mountain path of Al-Ghaba, a slave of
`Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf met me. I said to him, "Woe to you! What brought you here?" He replied,
"The she-camels of the Prophet (ﷺ) have been taken away." I said, "Who took them?" He said, "Ghatafan
and Fazara." So, I sent three cries, "O Sabaha-h ! O Sabahah !" so loudly that made the people in
between its (i.e. Medina's) two mountains hear me. Then I rushed till I met them after they had taken
the camels away. I started throwing arrows at them saying, "I am the son of Al-Akwa`"; and today
perish the mean people!" So, I saved the she-camels from them before they (i.e. the robbers) could
drink water. When I returned driving the camels, the Prophet (ﷺ) met me, I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) Those
people are thirsty and I have prevented them from drinking water, so send some people to chase
them." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O son of Al-Akwa`, you have gained power (over your enemy), so forgive
(them). (Besides) those people are now being entertained by their folk."
Narrated by Narrated Salama:
Context
In a moment of urgency, Salama rushed to rescue the Prophet's (ﷺ) she-camels from thieves. Despite the potential for conflict, he was advised by the Prophet (ﷺ) to exercise restraint and forgiveness. This incident illustrates the balance between taking action in defense and the value of mercy and forgiveness in Islam.
Modern Application
In today's world, this hadith reminds us of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. When faced with disputes or confrontations, choosing forgiveness over retaliation can lead to more harmonious relationships and community well-being.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Community Responsibility and Prophetic Conduct because it reflects the importance of taking action for the community while also embodying the Prophet's (ﷺ) teachings on mercy.
Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, "Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us." So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, "Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people."
[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 there came a company of travelers; then they sent their water drawer, and he let down his bucket. He said, "Good news! Here is a boy." And they concealed him, [taking him] as merchandise; and Allah was knowing of what they did.
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.
This hadith is #2916 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Salama:.