Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Tomorrow I will give the flag to a man with whose leadership Allah will grant
(the Muslim) victory." So the people kept on thinking the whole night as to who would be given the
flag. The next morning the people went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and every one of them hoped that he would
be given the flag. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Where is `Ali bin Abi Talib?" The people replied, "He is
suffering from eye trouble, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." He said, "Send for him and bring him to me." So when
`Ali came, the Prophet (ﷺ) spat in his eyes and invoked good on him, and be became alright as if he had
no ailment. The Prophet (ﷺ) then gave him the flag. `Ali said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Shall I fight them (i.e.
enemy) till they become like us?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Proceed to them steadily till you approach near
to them and then invite them to Islam and inform them of their duties towards Allah which Islam
prescribes for them, for by Allah, if one man is guided on the right path (i.e. converted to Islam)
through you, it would be better for you than (a great number of) red camels."
Narrated by Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ announces that he will give the flag to a man who will lead the Muslims to victory. The anticipation among the companions reflects their eagerness to serve and support the Prophet ﷺ. When Ali is chosen, the Prophet ﷺ emphasizes the importance of inviting others to Islam rather than resorting to violence, showcasing the essence of the Prophetic mission.
Modern Application
This hadith highlights the importance of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. In modern contexts, it encourages leaders to prioritize guidance and education over conflict, fostering a culture of understanding and compassion.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Conduct and Prophetic Mission because it illustrates the Prophet's ﷺ approach to leadership and his emphasis on 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 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.
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
O Prophet, urge the believers to battle. If there are among you twenty [who are] steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you one hundred [who are] steadfast, they will overcome a thousand of those who have disbelieved because they are a people who do not understand.