Majma al-Zawaid — Hadith 1411

Sayyiduna al-Asla' bin Sharik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: I used to saddle the she-camel of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). On a cold night I became sexually impure (junub), and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) intended to set off. I did not like to saddle his she-camel while I was in a state of sexual impurity, and I also feared that if I took a ritual bath with cold water I would die or fall ill. So I instructed a man from the Ansar, and he saddled it for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). I placed some stones, heated water with them, took a ritual bath, and then caught up with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Asla', what is the matter? Why does the saddle you prepared look somewhat different to me?" I said: "O Messenger of Allah, I did not saddle it; a man from the Ansar saddled it." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: "Why is that?" I said: "I had become sexually impure, and I feared for myself, so I instructed that man to saddle it; then I placed stones, heated water and took a ritual bath with it." The narrator said: Then Allah Almighty revealed this verse: "O you who believe, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated," up to: "Indeed, Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving."
Al-Tabarani recorded it in al-Mu'jam al-Kabir; its chain contains al-Haytham bin Zurayq. Some have said: His hadith is not corroborated.