Mukhtasar Muslim

Abu Al-Nadr narrates from our master Abdullah bin Abi Awfa, who belonged to the tribe of Aslam and was among the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), from his book, that he wrote to Umar bin Ubaidullah when he set out towards the Haruriyyah (for battle), and he wanted to inform him of the practice of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): that during the days when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was in a state of battle with the enemy, he would wait until the decline of the sun, then he would stand among the people (the noble companions) and say, "O people! Do not wish to meet the enemy (in battle), and ask Allah for safety. But when you do face them, then be patient, and know that Paradise is under the shade of swords." Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) stood and supplicated thus: "O Allah! Revealer of the Book, Mover of the clouds, Defeater of the confederates, defeat them and grant us victory over them."