On the day of Badr, the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered that the corpses of twenty four leaders of Quraish should be
thrown into one of the dirty dry wells of Badr. (It was a habit of the Prophet (ﷺ) that whenever he
conquered some people, he used to stay at the battle-field for three nights. So, on the third day of the
battle of Badr, he ordered that his she-camel be saddled, then he set out, and his companions followed
him saying among themselves." "Definitely he (i.e. the Prophet) is proceeding for some great
purpose." When he halted at the edge of the well, he addressed the corpses of the Quraish infidels by
their names and their fathers' names, "O so-and-so, son of so-and-so and O so-and-so, son of so-andso!
Would it have pleased you if you had obeyed Allah and His Apostle? We have found true what
our Lord promised us. Have you too found true what your Lord promised you? "`Umar said, "O
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! You are speaking to bodies that have no souls!" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "By Him in
Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, you do not hear, what I say better than they do." (Qatada said,
"Allah brought them to life (again) to let them hear him, to reprimand them and slight them and take
revenge over them and caused them to feel remorseful and regretful.")
Narrated by Narrated Abu Talha:
Context
This hadith describes an event during the Battle of Badr, where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addressed the deceased leaders of the Quraish, asking them if they would have obeyed Allah and His Messenger. This moment emphasizes the consequences of disbelief and the reality of divine retribution. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of one's choices in life and the ultimate accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Modern Application
The concept of accountability and the consequences of one's actions is relevant today as individuals navigate ethical decisions in their lives. This hadith encourages self-reflection and mindfulness about the choices we make and their impact on our lives and the lives of others.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Retribution and Punishments (Hudud) because it addresses the fate of those who opposed the message of Allah and highlights the consequences of their actions.
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 do not pray [the funeral prayer, O Muhammad], over any of them who has died - ever - or stand at his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.
It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allah 's enemies] in the land. Some Muslims desire the commodities of this world, but Allah desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
This hadith is #3813 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (pbuh) (Al-Maghaazi). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abu Talha:.