Mukhtasar Muslim

Narrated from Sayyiduna Sahl bin Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said on the day of the battle of Khaybar: “I will give this flag to the person at whose hand Allah will grant victory, and he loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love him.” Then the people spent the whole night discussing who would be given this honor by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). When morning came, everyone went to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) hoping that the flag would be given to him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Where is Ali bin Abi Talib?” The people replied, “O Messenger of Allah! His eyes are sore.” Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent for him, applied his saliva to his eyes, and prayed for him, so he was completely cured as if he had no ailment. Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave him the flag. Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) submitted, “O Messenger of Allah! Shall I fight them until they become like us (i.e., Muslims)?” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Proceed gently until you reach their ground, then invite them to Islam and inform them of what is obligatory upon them from the rights of Allah. By Allah, if Allah guides a single person through you, it is better for you than red camels.”