The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ أَبِي الْعَبَّاسِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، قَالَ لَمَّا كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِالطَّائِفِ قَالَ " إِنَّا قَافِلُونَ غَدًا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ ". فَقَالَ نَاسٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لاَ نَبْرَحُ أَوْ نَفْتَحَهَا. فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " فَاغْدُوا عَلَى الْقِتَالِ ". قَالَ فَغَدَوْا فَقَاتَلُوهُمْ قِتَالاً شَدِيدًا وَكَثُرَ فِيهِمُ الْجِرَاحَاتُ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِنَّا قَافِلُونَ غَدًا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ ". قَالَ فَسَكَتُوا فَضَحِكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم. قَالَ الْحُمَيْدِيُّ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ بِالْخَبَرِ كُلَّهُ.
When Allah Apostle was in Ta'if (trying to conquer it), he said to his companions, "Tomorrow we will
return (to Medina), if Allah wills." Some of the companions of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "We will not
leave till we conquer it." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Therefore, be ready to fight tomorrow." On the following
day, they (Muslims) fought fiercely (with the people of Ta'if) and suffered many wounds. Then
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Tomorrow we will return (to Medina), if Allah wills." His companions kept
quiet this time. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) then smiled.
Narrated by Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar:
Context
During the campaign at Ta'if, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) expressed his intention to return to Medina the next day, contingent on Allah's will. Some companions insisted on staying to conquer the city. The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged them to prepare for battle, leading to a fierce fight where many were wounded. Afterward, he reiterated his plan to leave, which prompted silence among his companions, leading to a smile from the Prophet (ﷺ).
Modern Application
This hadith highlights the importance of flexibility and readiness in our plans. In today's fast-paced world, we often set goals and timelines, but we must remain open to change and adapt as circumstances evolve. Embracing this mindset can lead to more effective decision-making and teamwork.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Community and Prophetic Conduct because it illustrates the Prophet's (ﷺ) leadership in guiding his companions through challenging situations while also respecting their opinions.
If Allah should return you to a faction of them [after the expedition] and then they ask your permission to go out [to battle], say, "You will not go out with me, ever, and you will never fight with me an enemy. Indeed, you were satisfied with sitting [at home] the first time, so sit [now] with those who stay behind."
If you [disbelievers] seek the victory - the defeat has come to you. And if you desist [from hostilities], it is best for you; but if you return [to war], We will return, and never will you be availed by your [large] company at all, even if it should increase; and [that is] because Allah is with the believers.
They say, "If we return to al-Madinah, the more honored [for power] will surely expel therefrom the more humble." And to Allah belongs [all] honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.
Return to them, for we will surely come to them with soldiers that they will be powerless to encounter, and we will surely expel them therefrom in humiliation, and they will be debased."
This hadith is #5855 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar:.
