What is Sahih Muslim 5860 about?

This hadith from Sahih Muslim (Book of The Book of Virtues), narrated by Anas reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had the best disposition amongst people. He sent me on an errand one day, and I said:, states: "By Allah, I would not go. I had, however, this idea in my mind that I would do as Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) had commanded me to do. I went out until I happened to come across children who had been playing i…"

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 Muslim, which contains 7,459 hadiths across 57 books. It is hadith number 5860 in the Book of The Book of Virtues.

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

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#5859

#5860

Sahih Muslim

#5861

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Sahih Muslim #5860

The Book of Virtues

Sahih

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

حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو مَعْنٍ الرَّقَاشِيُّ، زَيْدُ بْنُ يَزِيدَ أَخْبَرَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، حَدَّثَنَا عِكْرِمَةُ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ عَمَّارٍ - قَالَ قَالَ إِسْحَاقُ قَالَ أَنَسٌ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنْ أَحْسَنِ النَّاسِ خُلُقًا فَأَرْسَلَنِي يَوْمًا لِحَاجَةٍ فَقُلْتُ وَاللَّهِ لاَ أَذْهَبُ ‏.‏ وَفِي نَفْسِي أَنْ أَذْهَبَ لِمَا أَمَرَنِي بِهِ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَخَرَجْتُ حَتَّى أَمُرَّ عَلَى صِبْيَانٍ وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ فِي السُّوقِ فَإِذَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَدْ قَبَضَ بِقَفَاىَ مِنْ وَرَائِي - قَالَ - فَنَظَرْتُ إِلَيْهِ وَهُوَ يَضْحَكُ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ يَا أُنَيْسُ أَذَهَبْتَ حَيْثُ أَمَرْتُكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ نَعَمْ أَنَا أَذْهَبُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَنَسٌ وَاللَّهِ لَقَدْ خَدَمْتُهُ تِسْعَ سِنِينَ مَا عَلِمْتُهُ قَالَ لِشَىْءٍ صَنَعْتُهُ لِمَ فَعَلْتَ كَذَا وَكَذَا أَوْ لِشَىْءٍ تَرَكْتُهُ هَلاَّ فَعَلْتَ كَذَا وَكَذَا ‏.‏

By Allah, I would not go. I had, however, this idea in my mind that I would do as Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) had commanded me to do. I went out until I happened to come across children who had been playing in the street. In the meanwhile, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came there and he caught me by the back of my neck from behind me. As I looked towards him I found him smiling and he said: Unais, did you go where I commanded you to go? I said: Allah's Messenger, yes, I am going. Anas further said: I served him for nine years but I know not that he ever said to me about a thing which I had done why I did that, or about a thing I had left as to why I had not done that.

Narrated by Anas reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had the best disposition amongst people. He sent me on an errand one day, and I said:

Context

Anas narrates that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was known for his excellent character. When Anas was sent on an errand, he initially hesitated but ultimately obeyed. The Prophet (ﷺ) approached him playfully, demonstrating his kindness and approachability. This interaction highlights the importance of positive reinforcement and gentle guidance in leadership.

Modern Application

In contemporary settings, this hadith encourages us to lead with kindness and understanding. Whether in parenting, teaching, or management, fostering a supportive environment can motivate others to follow guidance willingly and positively.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Conduct and Prophetic Example because it exemplifies the Prophet's (ﷺ) gentle demeanor and effective leadership style.

Prophetic Conduct Prophetic Example