Fath al-Rabbani

Narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abi Hadard (may Allah be pleased with him): The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent us towards the mountain or place of Idham. So I set out with a group of Muslims; Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah Harith bin Rabi’i and Sayyiduna Muhallim bin Jathamah (may Allah be pleased with them both) were also part of this group. We set out, and when we reached the plain of Idham, ‘Amir Ashja’i passed by us. He was a young man riding a camel, carrying some goods and a water-skin of milk and ghee. He greeted us with salam, so we did not attack him, but Muhallim bin Jathamah attacked him and killed him with the weapon he had, and took his camel and belongings. When we came to the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we related this incident to him, and regarding us, this Qur’an was revealed: {یَا أَ یُّہَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوْا إِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِی سَبِیلِ اللّٰہِ فَتَبَیَّنُوا وَلَا تَقُولُوْا لِمَنْ أَ لْقٰی إِلَیْکُمُ السَّلَامَ لَسْتَ مُؤْمِنًا تَبْتَغُونَ عَرَضَ الْحَیَاۃِ الدُّنْیَا فَعِنْدَ اللّٰہِ مَغَانِمُ کَثِیرَۃٌ کَذٰلِکَ کُنْتُمْ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَمَنَّ اللّٰہُ عَلَیْکُمْ، فَتَبَیَّنُوا إِنَّ اللّٰہَ کَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِیرًا} … O you who have believed! When you go forth in the cause of Allah, investigate carefully, and do not say to one who offers you peace, “You are not a believer,” seeking the goods of worldly life; for with Allah are many spoils. You yourselves were like that before, then Allah conferred His favor upon you, so investigate carefully. Indeed, Allah is ever, with what you do, fully acquainted.