Hadith 1121

وعن أبي رافع رضي الله عنه قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم : « إني لا أخيس بالعهد ولا أحبس الرسل » رواه أبو داود والنسائي وصححه ابن حبان.
Abu Rafi’(RAA) narrated that The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “I do not break a covenant or imprison messengers.” Related by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i. Ibn Hibban graded it as Sahih.
Hadith Reference بلوغ المرام / 1121
Hadith Grading محدثین: صحيح
Hadith Takhrij «أخرجه أبوداود، الجهاد، باب في الإمام يستجن به في العهود، حديث:2758، وابن حبان (الإحسان):7 /191، حديث:4857.»
Related hadith on this topic
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Safi ur-Rahman Mubarakpuri
Takhrij:
«أخرجه أبوداود، الجهاد، باب في الإمام يستجن به في العهود، حديث:2758، وابن حبان (الإحسان):7 /191، حديث:4857.»©Explanation:
➊ Breaking covenants and committing treachery is not permissible in Islam.
➋ In fact, the incident is as follows: Abu Rafi’, before accepting Islam, came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) as an envoy on behalf of the disbelievers. As soon as he beheld the blessed countenance and radiant face of the Prophet, he was granted the good fortune of entering the fold of Islam. Then he submitted: “O Messenger of Allah! Now my heart is not willing to return, so please keep me here.” At this, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “I do not break covenants nor commit treachery, nor do I detain envoys with me.”
➌ From this, it is understood that it is the responsibility of the government to send envoys back safely and in well-being. Even if they themselves request to stay, they should still be sent back, because an envoy or messenger who comes to someone is, in effect, under their protection.
➍ Islam has taught respect for envoys, whether they are disbelievers or Muslims.
Source: Bulugh al-Maram: Commentary by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri, Page: 1121
Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi
Benefits and Issues:
The meaning of Imam Abu Dawood's statement is that the incident of Abu Rafi' took place at a time when there was an agreement between the Muslims and the disbelievers that any person coming from the disbelievers' side would be returned, even if he was a Muslim.
Because of this agreement, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) returned Abu Rafi'.
Now, there is no need to act in this manner.
Except if, even now, such an agreement is made between the Muslims and the disbelievers somewhere.
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood – Commentary by Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi, Page: 2758