Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 36060 — The sending of al-Numan bin Muqarrin

Al-Rabi' bin Khuthaym said: An old Jewish woman fell to Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam (may Allah be pleased with him) in his share. He passed by the Exilarch (Ra's al-Jalut, the head of the Jews) with her and said to him: "Will you buy this woman?" He spoke to the old woman and learned that she was of his religion. He asked: "For how much will you sell her?" Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "For four thousand." He said: "I have no need of her." Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam swore that he would not reduce it for him. Then the man whispered something to Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam and recited this verse of the Qur'an: "And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them" [Al-Baqarah: 85]. Then Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam said: "You?" He said: "Yes." He said: "You shall either buy this woman or leave your religion." He said: "I have taken her; give me back whatever you wish of her price." Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam took two thousand and returned two thousand to him.