While I was standing in the row on the day (of the battle) of Badr, I looked to my right and my left
and saw two young Ansari boys, and I wished I had been stronger than they. One of them called my
attention saying, "O Uncle! Do you know Abu Jahl?" I said, "Yes, What do you want from him, O my
nephew?" He said, "I have been informed that he abuses Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). By Him in Whose Hands my
life is, if I should see him, then my body will not leave his body till either of us meet his fate." I was
astonished at that talk. Then the other boy called my attention saying the same as the other had said.
After a while I saw Abu Jahl walking amongst the people. I said (to the boys), "Look! This is the man
you asked me about." So, both of them attacked him with their swords and struck him to death and
returned to Allah'S Apostle to inform him of that. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, "Which of you has killed
him?" Each of them said, "I Have killed him." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, "Have you cleaned your
swords?" They said, "No. " He then looked at their swords and said, "No doubt, you both have killed
him and the spoils of the deceased will be given to Mu`adh bin `Amr bin Al-Jamuh." The two boys
were Mu`adh bin 'Afra and Mu`adh bin `Amr bin Al-Jamuh.
Narrated by Narrated `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf:
Context
This hadith recounts an event from the Battle of Badr, where two young Ansari boys expressed their determination to confront Abu Jahl, who was known for insulting the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Their bravery and commitment to defend the honor of the Prophet (ﷺ) led them to successfully kill Abu Jahl, showcasing their loyalty and courage. The Prophet (ﷺ) acknowledged their actions and confirmed their shared responsibility in the act.
Modern Application
The courage displayed by the young boys in this hadith inspires individuals today to stand up for their beliefs and defend those who are wronged. It highlights the importance of taking action against injustice, even when faced with formidable opposition, and encourages a sense of responsibility towards one's community and values.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Historical Prophetic Events and Prophetic Biography because it illustrates a significant moment in Islamic history and highlights the character and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during the Battle of Badr.
So they set out, until when they met a boy, al-Khidh r killed him. [Moses] said, "Have you killed a pure soul for other than [having killed] a soul? You have certainly done a deplorable thing."
It is We who relate to you, [O Muhammad], their story in truth. Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.
So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah - never will He waste their deeds.
And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], "I will surely kill you." Said [the former], "Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].
It was not [proper] for the people of Madinah and those surrounding them of the bedouins that they remain behind after [the departure of] the Messenger of Allah or that they prefer themselves over his self. That is because they are not afflicted by thirst or fatigue or hunger in the cause of Allah, nor do they tread on any ground that enrages the disbelievers, nor do they inflict upon an enemy any infliction but that is registered for them as a righteous deed. Indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of the doers of good.
This hadith is #3012 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of One-fifth of Booty to the Cause of Allah (Khumus). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf:.