"We were with Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, and he got angry with a man from among the Muslims, and became very angry indeed. When I saw that, I said: 'O Khalifah of the Messenger of Allah, shall I strike his neck?' When I mentioned killing him, he stopped being angry with him and changed the subject. When we parted, he sent for me and said: 'O Abu Barzah, what did you say?' I said: 'I have forgotten what I said; remind me.' He said: 'Do you not remember what you said?' I said: 'No, by Allah.' He said: 'Don't you remember, when you saw me angry with a man, and said, 'I will strike his neck O Khalifah of the Messenger of Allah?' Don't you remember that? Would you really have done that?' I said: 'Yes, by Allah, and if you tell me to do it now, I will do it.' He said: 'By Allah, that is not for anyone after Muhammad .'"
Narrated by It was narrated from Yunus bin 'Ubaid, from Humaid bin Hilal, from 'Abdullah bin Mutarrif bin Ash-Shikhkhir, from Abu Barzah Al-Aslami, that he said:
Context
This narration involves an incident with Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, who became very angry with a fellow Muslim. When a suggestion was made to punish the man severely, Abu Bakr refrained from acting on that impulse. This moment illustrates the importance of controlling anger and the responsibility of leadership in making just decisions, reflecting the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ teachings on mercy and restraint.
Modern Application
In contemporary life, this hadith serves as a reminder to practice patience and to think carefully before reacting in anger. It encourages individuals to seek peaceful resolutions and to consider the consequences of their actions, especially in leadership roles.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Community and Prophetic Conduct because it emphasizes the importance of community harmony and the ethical behavior expected from leaders, as demonstrated by Abu Bakr's restraint.
[We said], "And take in your hand a bunch [of grass] and strike with it and do not break your oath." Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].
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.
This hadith is #4087 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed]. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from Yunus bin 'Ubaid, from Humaid bin Hilal, from 'Abdullah bin Mutarrif bin Ash-Shikhkhir, from Abu Barzah Al-Aslami, that he said:.
