Question
I remember hearing somewhere that before the battle of Badr, three people used to share one camel, turn by turn. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was with Ali and another young Sahabi (radiyallahu ‘anhuma), and the two of them said to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) that they are young and can walk and that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wsallam) can ride the camel throughout the journey without sharing. The Messenger of Allah(saw) replied, “As for you being younger that’s true, but we all have the same strength. And as for sharing, don’t I want to earn good deeds like you all do?”
Would you please be so kind as to provide the full incident along with its reference and authenticity?
Answer
Imams Nasai, Ahmad, and others (rahimahumullah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Sunanul Kubra of Imam Nasai, Hadith: 8756, and Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1 pg. 411)
Both Imams Ibn Hibban and Hakim (rahimahumallah) have declared the Hadith authentic, and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has concurred.
(Sahih Ibn HIbban, Hadith: 5544, and Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 2 pg. 91)
The Full Narration
It has been reported on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) that he said:
“On the day of Badr, we were every three [persons] to a camel. Abu Lubabah and ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib were the two partners of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam).”
He [Ibn Mas’ud – radiyallahu ‘anhu] said: “And [when] it was Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) turn [to dismount and walk] they [Abu Lubabh and ‘Ali – radiyallahu ‘anhuma] said: ‘We will walk on your behalf [i.e. instead of you].’
He [i.e. Nabi – sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam] replied: ‘You two are neither stronger than me, nor am I in less need of the reward than you.’”
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1 pg. 411; Also see: Hashiyatus Sindhi, vol. 1 pg. 656)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar