Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 30878 — What protects blood and spares a man

Sa'id bin Jubayr said: Sayyiduna Miqdad bin al-Aswad (may Allah be pleased with him) went out with a military detachment, and they passed by a man who was among his flock. They wanted to kill him, so he recited the statement La ilaha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah). At this Sayyiduna Miqdad (may Allah be pleased with him) said: He wishes that he could flee with his family and his wealth; that would be good for him. The narrator said: When they returned, they mentioned this incident before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and this verse was revealed: "O you who believe! When you go out (for jihad) in the way of Allah, investigate carefully, and do not say to one who greets you with salam, 'You are not a believer,' seeking the goods of the worldly life." He said: What is meant is the flock of goats. "For with Allah are abundant spoils. Such were you before Islam." He said: You used to hide your faith from the polytheists. "Then Allah bestowed His favor upon you." What is meant is that He gave Islam dominance. "So investigate carefully." He said: This is a warning from Allah. "Indeed, Allah is fully aware of whatever you do." [An-Nisa: 94]