Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: Sayyiduna Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) was late in coming for the morning prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked him: What held you back? He said: I passed by (the house of) Sayyidah Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her). She was grinding at the hand-mill and the child was crying. I said: I will grind the mill in your place and you look after the child; or if you wish, I will look after the child and you grind the mill. She said: I am more tender towards my son than you (that is, I will look after the child). (Sayyiduna Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) said:) That is why I was late. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: You showed her mercy; may Allah Almighty have mercy on you.
Ahmad recorded this narration and its narrators are thiqat (trustworthy), except that the narrator Abu Hashim did not hear from Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him).
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب الزهد / 18258
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:إسنادہ منقطع
Hadith Takhrij«اخرجه احمد فى المسند (150/3) ، أخرجه مسند أحمد برقم: 12115»