Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

It is narrated from Hazrat Qais that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, sent the army of Dhat al-Salasil towards Lakhm, Juthum, and the people of the coast of Syria under the command of Hazrat Amr. The narrator says: His companions were few. The narrator says: Hazrat Amr told the people, "None of you should light a fire." This was very difficult for the people, so they spoke to Hazrat Abu Bakr to speak to Hazrat Amr about it. Hazrat Abu Bakr spoke to Hazrat Amr regarding this, so he said: "Whoever lights a fire, I will push that person into the same fire." Then Hazrat Amr fought the enemy and prevailed over them and uprooted their army. The people asked: "Should we not pursue the enemy?" Hazrat Amr replied: "No! I fear that their reinforcements may be present behind this mountain, by which they may cut the Muslims to pieces." When the people returned to the noble service of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, they complained to the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, about Hazrat Amr. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, asked: "O Amr! Are they telling the truth?" Hazrat Amr replied: "My companions were few. I feared that the enemy would be tempted by them due to their small number (that is why I forbade lighting a fire). Then, when Allah Almighty granted me victory over them, these people said: 'Pursue them.' I said: 'I fear that behind this mountain the enemy's reinforcements may be present, who would cut the Muslims to pieces.'" The narrator says: It is as if the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, praised Hazrat Amr's statement.