Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (pbuh) (Al-Maghaazi)
Sahih
The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ وَاقِدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ حُمَيْدِ بْنِ هِلاَلٍ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَعَى زَيْدًا وَجَعْفَرًا وَابْنَ رَوَاحَةَ لِلنَّاسِ، قَبْلَ أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُمْ خَبَرُهُمْ فَقَالَ
" أَخَذَ الرَّايَةَ زَيْدٌ فَأُصِيبَ، ثُمَّ أَخَذَ جَعْفَرٌ فَأُصِيبَ، ثُمَّ أَخَذَ ابْنُ رَوَاحَةَ فَأُصِيبَ ـ وَعَيْنَاهُ تَذْرِفَانِ ـ حَتَّى أَخَذَ الرَّايَةَ سَيْفٌ مِنْ سُيُوفِ اللَّهِ حَتَّى فَتَحَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ ".
The Prophet (ﷺ) had informed the people of the martyrdom of Zaid, Ja`far and Ibn Rawaha before the
news of their death reached. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Zaid took the flag (as the commander of the army) and
was martyred, then Ja`far took it and was martyred, and then Ibn Rawaha took it and was martyred."
At that time the Prophet's eyes were shedding tears. He added, "Then the flag was taken by a Sword
amongst the Swords of Allah (i.e. Khalid) and Allah made them (i.e. the Muslims) victorious."
Narrated by Narrated Anas:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) mourns the loss of three martyrs, Zaid, Ja`far, and Ibn Rawaha, before the news of their deaths reaches the people. His tears reflect the profound sorrow felt for those who sacrificed their lives in battle. The narrative emphasizes the honor of martyrdom and the eventual victory granted to the Muslims through Khalid, who took over the command after the martyrs.
Modern Application
This hadith highlights the importance of honoring those who sacrifice for a greater cause. In today's world, we can apply this by remembering and respecting the contributions of those who serve in various capacities, whether in the military, community service, or any field where individuals put themselves at risk for others.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Justice and Martyrdom because it illustrates the honor bestowed upon those who sacrifice their lives for a noble cause and the divine support that follows such sacrifices.
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.
Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them - that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.
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.
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
And those who emigrated for the cause of Allah and then were killed or died - Allah will surely provide for them a good provision. And indeed, it is Allah who is the best of providers.
This hadith is #4080 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 Anas:.
