Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) sent me, Az-Zubair bin Al-Awwam and Abu Marthad Al-Ghanawi, and all of us were
horsemen, and he said, "Proceed till you reach Rawdat Khakh, where there is a woman from the
pagans carrying a letter sent by Hatib bin Abi Balta'a to the pagans (of Mecca)." So we overtook her
while she was proceeding on her camel at the same place as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) told us. We said (to her)
"Where is the letter which is with you?" She said, "I have no letter with me." So we made her camel
kneel down and searched her mount (baggage etc) but could not find anything. My two companions
said, "We do not see any letter." I said, "I know that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) did not tell a lie. By Allah, if you
(the lady) do not bring out the letter, I will strip you of your clothes' When she noticed that I was
serious, she put her hand into the knot of her waist sheet, for she was tying a sheet round herself, and
brought out the letter. So we proceeded to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) with the letter. The Prophet (ﷺ) said (to Habib),
"What made you o what you have done, O Hatib?" Hatib replied, "I have done nothing except that I
believe in Allah and His Apostle, and I have not changed or altered (my religion). But I wanted to do
the favor to the people (pagans of Mecca) through which Allah might protect my family and my
property, as there is none among your companions but has someone in Mecca through whom Allah
protects his property (against harm). The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Habib has told you the truth, so do not say to
him (anything) but good." `Umar bin Al-Khattab said, "Verily he has betrayed Allah, His Apostle, and
the believers! Allow me to chop his neck off!" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O `Umar! What do you know;
perhaps Allah looked upon the Badr warriors and said, 'Do whatever you like, for I have ordained that
you will be in Paradise.'" On that `Umar wept and said, "Allah and His Apostle know best."
Narrated by Narrated `Ali:
Context
This narration recounts an incident where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sends companions to retrieve a letter from a woman who is believed to be delivering it to the pagans of Mecca. The Prophet's inquiry into the actions of Hatib bin Abi Balta'a reveals the complexities of loyalty and protection of one's family. Despite Hatib's actions, the Prophet (ﷺ) shows understanding and compassion, highlighting the importance of intention and faith.
Modern Application
In modern life, this hadith illustrates the significance of intentions behind our actions. It reminds us to consider the motivations behind our decisions and to approach situations with empathy, understanding that individuals may act out of concern for their loved ones.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Authority and Prophetic Conduct because it demonstrates the Prophet's leadership in addressing a sensitive issue and his compassionate response to a companion's actions.
[Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah repaid you with distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.
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.
If you do not aid the Prophet - Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us." And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah - that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
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.
And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allah," while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.