Musnad Ahmad

It is narrated from Hazrat Mu’adh (may Allah be pleased with him) that once he rode on a donkey “whose name was Ya’foor and whose rope was made of palm fiber,” and said, “Mu’adh! Ride on it.” I submitted, “O Messenger of Allah! You go ahead.” The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) again said, “You also ride on it.” As soon as I sat behind, the donkey threw us off. The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stood up laughing, and I began to feel sorry for myself. This happened three times in the same way. Finally, the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mounted and set off. After a short while, the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) extended his hand behind and lightly struck my back with a whip and, calling my name, said, “O Mu’adh! Do you know what right Allah has over His servants?” I submitted, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah’s right over His servants is that they worship Him alone and do not associate anything with Him.” Then, after going a little further, he struck my back again and the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O Mu’adh! Do you know what right the servants have over Allah if they do so?” I submitted, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “That right is that Allah will admit them to Paradise.”