Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 39393 — Reports on the letters of the Prophet

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Sayyiduna Alqamah bin Mujazziz (may Allah be pleased with him) as commander of an expedition, and I was in that expedition. When he reached the head of his campaign, or, as he said, had covered part of the way, a group of the army asked him for permission, and he gave them permission. He appointed Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Hudhafah bin Qays al-Sahmi (may Allah be pleased with him) as their commander. I was among those who took part in the campaign with him. When we had covered part of the way, the people lit a fire to warm their hands and feet, or to prepare some food on it. Abdullah (the commander of the party) spoke, and he was a man given to joking and laughter: "Is it not obligatory upon you to hear and obey me?" The people said: "Of course!" Abdullah said: "Then will you carry out whatever I order you?" The people said: "Yes!" Abdullah said: "I strictly command you to jump into this fire." The narrator said: Some people stood up and prepared themselves for it. When Abdullah became certain that they were going to jump, he said: "Stop! I was only joking with you." When we returned, we mentioned this incident to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever among them (the commanders) orders you to commit a sin, do not obey him."