Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 39738 — What I have preserved

Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sent an army to Mu'tah and appointed Sayyiduna Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) as its commander, and if he were killed, then Sayyiduna Ja'far (may Allah be pleased with him) would be commander, and if he too were killed, then Ibn Rawahah would be commander. Sayyiduna Ibn Rawahah (may Allah be pleased with him) stayed behind the army and prayed the Friday prayer with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He (peace and blessings be upon him) saw him and asked: "What kept you behind (the army)?" He replied: "(I stayed back) to pray the Friday prayer with you (peace and blessings be upon him)." He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "One morning or one evening in the way of Allah is better than the world and all that is in it."