Majma al-Zawaid — Hadith 6233

Sayyiduna Safwan bin Umayyah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: We were with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when Sayyiduna Urfutah bin Nahik al-Tamimi (may Allah be pleased with him) stood up and said: "O Messenger of Allah, my household and I obtain our provision through hunting. In it lies our share and in it lies our provision, but it keeps us from the remembrance of Allah and from offering the prayer in congregation, and we are also in need of it. So do you declare it lawful or do you declare it unlawful?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I declare it lawful, because Allah Almighty has made it lawful. It is a good work, and Allah Almighty is most worthy of accepting an excuse. Before me there were some Messengers of Allah Almighty, and all of them used to hunt and pursue game. As for the congregational prayer, it is sufficient for you that, when you are unable to join it because of seeking provision, you hold love for the congregation and its people. You should hold love for the remembrance of Allah and for those who remember Allah. You should seek lawful provision for yourself and your family, for that is equivalent to striving (jihad) in the path of Allah. And know that the help of Allah Almighty lies in righteous trade."
Al-Tabarani recorded it in al-Kabir. Its chain contains Bishr bin Numayr, who is matruk (abandoned).