When Allah gave to His Apostle the war booty on the day of Hunain, he distributed that booty
amongst those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Islam), but did not give anything to
the Ansar. So they seemed to have felt angry and sad as they did not get the same as other people had
got. The Prophet (ﷺ) then delivered a sermon before them, saying, "O, the assembly of Ansar! Didn't I
find you astray, and then Allah guided you on the Right Path through me? You were divided into
groups, and Allah brought you together through me; you were poor and Allah made you rich through
me." Whatever the Prophet (ﷺ) said , they (i.e. the Ansar) said, "Allah and his Apostle have more favours
to do." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "What stops you from answering the Messenger of Allah?" But whatever he
said to them, they replied, "Allah and His Apostle have more favours to do." The Prophet (ﷺ) then said,
"If you wish you could say: 'You came to us in such-and-such state (at Medina).' Wouldn't you be
willing to see the people go away with sheep and camels while you go with the Prophet (ﷺ) to your
homes? But for the migration, I would have been one of the Ansar, and if the people took their way
through a valley or mountain pass, I would select the valley or mountain pass of the Ansar. The Ansar
are Shiar (i.e. those clothes which are in direct contact with the body and worn inside the other
garments), and the people are Dithar (i.e. those clothes which are not in direct contact with the body
and are worn over other garments). No doubt, you will see other people favoured over you, so you
should be patient till you meet me at the Tank (of Kauthar).
Narrated by Narrated `Abdullah bin Zaid bin `Asim:
Context
This hadith recounts an incident after the Battle of Hunain when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ distributed the war booty. He favored those whose hearts were newly reconciled to Islam, which led to feelings of discontent among the Ansar, who felt overlooked. The Prophet ﷺ addressed their concerns, reminding them of their past state of guidance and unity through him, emphasizing their importance and the need for patience in the face of future challenges.
Modern Application
In today's context, this hadith highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of all community members, especially those who have recently embraced a cause. It serves as a reminder to foster unity and support among diverse groups, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Jihad and Prophetic Conduct because it illustrates the Prophet's ﷺ leadership during a military campaign and his efforts to maintain unity and morale among his followers.
And Allah has favored some of you over others in provision. But those who were favored would not hand over their provision to those whom their right hands possess so they would be equal to them therein. Then is it the favor of Allah they reject?
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.
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.
They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the bounties [of war]. Say, "The [decision concerning] bounties is for Allah and the Messenger." So fear Allah and amend that which is between you and obey Allah and His Messenger, if you should be believers.
And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
This hadith is #4143 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 `Abdullah bin Zaid bin `Asim:.