Volume 8, Book 73, Number 226:
Narrated Usama bin Zaid:
That Allah’s Apostle rode over a donkey covered with a Fadakiya (velvet sheet) and Usama was
riding behind him. He was visiting Sa’d bin ‘Ubada (who was sick) in the dwelling place of Bani Al-
Harith bin Al-Khazraj and this incident happened before the battle of Badr. They proceeded till they
passed by a gathering in which ‘Abdullah bin Ubai bin Salul was present., and that was before ‘Ab –
dullah bin Ubat embraced Islam. In that gathering there were Muslims, pagan idolators and Jews,
and among the Muslims there was ‘Abdullah bin Rawaha.
When a cloud of dust raised by (the movement of ) the animal covered that gathering, ‘Abdullah
bin Ubai covered his nose with his garment and said, “Do not cover us with dust.” Allah’s Apostle
greeted them, stopped, dismounted and invited them to Allah (i.e. to embrace Islam) and recited to
them the Holy Qur’an. On that ‘Abdullah bin Ubai bin Salul said to him, “O man! There is nothing
better than what you say, if it is the truth. So do not trouble us with it in our gatherings, but if some –
body comes to you, you can preach to him.” On that ‘Abdullah bin Rawaha said “Yes, O Allah’s
Apostle! Call on us in our gathering, for we love that.” So the Muslims, the pagans and the Jews star –
ted abusing one another till they were about to fight with one another. Allah’s Apostle kept on quiet –
ening them till all of them became quiet, and then Allah’s Apostle rode his animal and proceeded till
he entered upon Sa’d bin ‘Ubada. Allah’s Apostle said, “O Sa’d! Didn’t you hear what Abu Habab
said?” (meaning ‘Abdullah bin Unbar). “He said so-and-so.” Sa’d bin Ubada said, “O Allah’s Apostle!
Let my father be sacrificed for you ! Excuse and forgive him for, by Him Who revealed to you the
Book, Allah sent the Truth which was revealed to you at the time when the people of this town had
decided to crown him (‘Abdullah bin Ubai) as their ruler.
So when Allah had prevented that with the Truth He had given you, he was choked by that, and
that caused him to behave in such an impolite manner which you had noticed.” So Allah’s Apostle
excused him. (It was the custom of) Allah’s Apostle and his companions to excuse the pagans and the
people of the scripture (Christians and Jews) as Allah ordered them, and they used to be patient
when annoyed (by them). Allah said: ‘You shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those
who received the Scripture before you…..and from the pagans (3.186)
He also said: ‘Many of the people of the scripture wish that if they could turn you away as disbe –
lievers after you have believed. …. (2.109) So Allah’s Apostle used to apply what Allah had ordered
him by excusing them till he was allowed to fight against them. When Allah’s Apostle had fought the
battle of Badr and Allah killed whomever He killed among the chiefs of the infidels and the nobles of
Quraish, and Allah’s Apostle and his companions had returned with victory and booty, bringing with
them some of the chiefs of the infidels and the nobles of the Quraish as captives. ‘Abdullah bin Ubai
Volume 8 – 1382 / 1700
SAHIH BUKHARI VOLUME 8 > BOOK 73: GOOD MANNERS AND FORM (AL-ADAB)
bin Salul and the pagan idolators who were with him, said, “This matter (Islam) has now brought out
its face (triumphed), so give Allah’s Apostle the pledge of allegiance (for embracing Islam.)”. Then
they became Muslims.