Musnad Ahmad 22566

Translation

✧ Abdullah b. Rabah al-Ansari came to us, and the Ansar used to give him understanding in religion. I went to him while he was in the tent of Sharik b. al-A'war on the road to al-Mirbad, and people had gathered around him. He said: Abu Qatadah al-Ansari, the horseman of the Messenger of God ﷺ, narrated to us, saying: The Messenger of God ﷺ sent out the army of commanders and said: "Zayd b. Harithah is over you; if Zayd is struck down, then Ja'far b. Abi Talib; if Ja'far is struck down, then Abdullah b. Rawahah al-Ansari." Ja'far jumped up and said: "May my father and mother be your ransom, O Messenger of God. I was not afraid that you would appoint Zayd over me." He said: "Go forth, for you do not know which of that is better." So they set out and remained as long as God willed. Then the Messenger of God ﷺ ascended the pulpit and ordered it to be announced: "Prayer is gathering." The Messenger of God ﷺ said: "News has come — or: news spent the night, or: news returned — Abd al-Rahman was uncertain. Shall I tell you about this army of yours that went out? They set out and met the enemy. Zayd was struck down as a martyr, so ask forgiveness for him." The people asked forgiveness for him. "Then Ja'far b. Abi Talib took the banner and pressed upon the people until he was killed as a martyr. I bear witness for him to martyrdom, so ask forgiveness for him. Then Abdullah b. Rawahah took the banner and planted his feet firmly until he was killed as a martyr, so ask forgiveness for him. Then Khalid b. al-Walid took the banner, and he was not one of the commanders; he appointed himself." Then the Messenger of God ﷺ raised his two fingers and said: "O God, he is a sword of Your swords, so give him victory." From that day on Khalid was named the Sword of God. Then he said: "Go forth and reinforce your brothers, and let no one stay behind." He said: So the people went forth in intense heat, on foot and riding.

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