Mustadrak al-Hakim — Hadith 5694

Alqamah bin Waqqas narrates that when Sayyiduna Talhah, Sayyiduna al-Zubayr and Sayyidah Aishah (may Allah be pleased with them) set out to seek retribution for the blood of Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), they inspected their army at a place called "Dhat Irq", and there they found Urwah bin al-Zubayr and Abu Bakr bin Abd al-Rahman bin al-Harith bin Hisham too young and sent them back. Alqamah relates: I saw Sayyiduna Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him) preferring solitude above all else, sitting (anxiously) with his beard resting on his chest. I said to him: "O Abu Muhammad! I see that solitude is most beloved to you and that your beard is resting on your chest. If you dislike this day, then leave it; no one is forcing you into it." He said: "O Alqamah bin Waqqas! Do not blame me. We were a solid wall against others, but today we have become like two mountains, each advancing upon the other. However, for the failing that came from me in the matter of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), I see no expiation other than that my own blood be shed in seeking retribution for his blood." I said: "Then why are you taking your son Muhammad bin Talhah with you when your children are young? Leave him so that he may look after your estate after you." He replied: "He knows best himself. I do not like to hold back someone who has an intention (for jihad) in this matter." Alqamah says: I spoke to Muhammad bin Talhah about staying behind, and he said: "I would dislike having to go around asking people about my father (that is, I cannot abandon him)."