What is Sunan an-Nasa'i 4029 about?

This hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i (Book of The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed]), narrated by Abu Umamah bin Sahl and 'Abdullah bin 'Amir bin Rabi'ah said:, states: ""We were with 'Uthman when he was under siege and we could hear what was said from Al-Balat. 'Uthman came in one day, then he came out, and said: 'They are threatening to kill me.' We said: 'Allah wil…"

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 Sunan an-Nasa'i, which contains 5,768 hadiths across 52 books. It is hadith number 4029 in the Book of The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed].

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

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Sunan an-Nasa'i #4029

The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed]

Sahih

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

أَخْبَرَنِي إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ يَعْقُوبَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عِيسَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو أُمَامَةَ بْنُ سَهْلٍ، وَعَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَامِرِ بْنِ رَبِيعَةَ، قَالاَ كُنَّا مَعَ عُثْمَانَ وَهُوَ مَحْصُورٌ - وَكُنَّا إِذَا دَخَلْنَا مَدْخَلاً نَسْمَعُ كَلاَمَ مَنْ بِالْبَلاَطِ - فَدَخَلَ عُثْمَانُ يَوْمًا ثُمَّ خَرَجَ فَقَالَ إِنَّهُمْ لَيَتَوَاعَدُونِي بِالْقَتْلِ ‏.‏ قُلْنَا يَكْفِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَلِمَ يَقْتُلُونِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ لاَ يَحِلُّ دَمُ امْرِئٍ مُسْلِمٍ إِلاَّ بِإِحْدَى ثَلاَثٍ رَجُلٌ كَفَرَ بَعْدَ إِسْلاَمِهِ أَوْ زَنَى بَعْدَ إِحْصَانِهِ أَوْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَوَاللَّهِ مَا زَنَيْتُ فِي جَاهِلِيَّةٍ وَلاَ إِسْلاَمٍ وَلاَ تَمَنَّيْتُ أَنَّ لِي بِدِينِي بَدَلاً مُنْذُ هَدَانِي اللَّهُ وَلاَ قَتَلْتُ نَفْسًا فَلِمَ يَقْتُلُونَنِي

"We were with 'Uthman when he was under siege and we could hear what was said from Al-Balat. 'Uthman came in one day, then he came out, and said: 'They are threatening to kill me.' We said: 'Allah will suffice you against them.' He said: 'Why would they kill me? I heard the Messenger of Allah say: It is not permissible to shed the blood of a Muslim except in one of three cases: A man who reverts to Kufr after becoming Muslim, or commits adultery after being married, or one who kills a soul unlawfully. By Allah, I did not commit adultery during Jahiliyyah or in Islam, I never wished to follow any other religion since Allah guided me, and I have never killed anyone, so why do they want to kill me?'"

Narrated by Abu Umamah bin Sahl and 'Abdullah bin 'Amir bin Rabi'ah said:

Context

This hadith recounts a moment during the siege of Uthman, where he reflects on the sanctity of Muslim life. He recalls the Prophet ﷺ stating that the blood of a Muslim is sacred and can only be shed under specific circumstances. Uthman's words highlight the gravity of unjust violence and the importance of adhering to Islamic principles.

Modern Application

In modern contexts, this hadith underscores the need for justice and the protection of human life. It serves as a reminder to approach conflicts with a focus on resolution rather than violence, advocating for justice and compassion in all interactions.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Blood Money and Punishments (Hudud) because it discusses the conditions under which blood may be shed and the serious implications of unjust killing.

Blood Money Punishments (Hudud)