Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Sahih. Sahih hadiths are considered the most authentic grade in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sahih al-Bukhari, which contains 7,277 hadiths across 97 books. It is hadith number 6214 in the Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq).

I searched for a different number — is this the right hadith?

Hadith numbering varies across editions and translations (USC-MSA, Dar as-Salam, Fath al-Bari, and others). If you followed a link citing a different number but landed here, you may have been redirected to the canonical version in our library. If you were looking for a different hadith entirely, use the search bar to find it by text.

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#6213

#6214

Sahih al-Bukhari

#6215

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Sahih al-Bukhari #6214

Q: What is Sahih al-Bukhari 6214 about?

This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)), narrated by Narrated Sa`d:, states: "I was the first man among the Arabs to throw an arrow for Allah's Cause. We used to fight in Allah's Cause while we had nothing to eat except the leaves of the Hubla and the Sumur trees (desert trees…"

To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، حَدَّثَنَا قَيْسٌ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ سَعْدًا، يَقُولُ إِنِّي لأَوَّلُ الْعَرَبِ رَمَى بِسَهْمٍ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ، وَرَأَيْتُنَا نَغْزُو، وَمَا لَنَا طَعَامٌ إِلاَّ وَرَقُ الْحُبْلَةِ وَهَذَا السَّمُرُ، وَإِنَّ أَحَدَنَا لَيَضَعُ كَمَا تَضَعُ الشَّاةُ، مَا لَهُ خِلْطٌ، ثُمَّ أَصْبَحَتْ بَنُو أَسَدٍ تُعَزِّرُنِي عَلَى الإِسْلاَمِ، خِبْتُ إِذًا وَضَلَّ سَعْيِي‏.‏

I was the first man among the Arabs to throw an arrow for Allah's Cause. We used to fight in Allah's Cause while we had nothing to eat except the leaves of the Hubla and the Sumur trees (desert trees) so that we discharged excrement like that of sheep (i.e. unmixed droppings). Today the (people of the) tribe of Bani Asad teach me the laws of Islam. If so, then I am lost, and all my efforts of that hard time had gone in vain.

Narrated by Narrated Sa`d:

Context

In this hadith, Sa`d recounts his experience as the first Arab to throw an arrow in battle for Allah's cause, highlighting the hardships faced by early Muslims. He reflects on the struggles of fighting without adequate food and the subsequent feelings of despair when he perceives that his efforts may have been in vain. This narrative emphasizes the sacrifices made by the early Muslims and the importance of perseverance in faith.

Modern Application

This principle of perseverance can inspire individuals today to remain steadfast in their efforts, even when faced with challenges. Whether in personal goals or community projects, the spirit of dedication and resilience is vital for achieving meaningful outcomes.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Reward of Deeds because it reflects the sacrifices made for Allah's cause and the concern for the value of one's efforts.

Reward of Deeds