64/87. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 4468 — Usama Was Beloved to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم
The dispatch of Usama bin Zaid ﵄ by the Prophet (saws) during his fatal illness
Hadith About Usama’s Leadership and the Prophet’s Love
Sahih Bukhari : 4468
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 4468
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَاصِمٍ الضَّحَّاكُ بْنُ مَخْلَدٍ، عَنِ الْفُضَيْلِ بْنِ سُلَيْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى بْنُ عُقْبَةَ، عَنْ سَالِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، اسْتَعْمَلَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أُسَامَةَ ـ فَقَالُوا فِيهِ ـ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " قَدْ بَلَغَنِي أَنَّكُمْ قُلْتُمْ فِي أُسَامَةَ، وَإِنَّهُ أَحَبُّ النَّاسِ إِلَىَّ ".
Narrated Salim's father: The Prophet (ﷺ) appointed Usama as the commander of the troops (to be sent to Syria). The Muslims spoke about Usama (unfavorably ). The Prophet (ﷺ) said, " I have been informed that you spoke about Usama. (Let it be known that ) he is the most beloved of all people to me."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 4468In-book reference : Book 64, Hadith 483USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 5, Book 59, Hadith 744
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 4468
This hadith focuses on Usama’s appointment as commander. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم appointed him over troops, but some Muslims spoke unfavorably about him. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم answered the matter directly. He said he had been informed that they spoke about Usama, and he made clear that Usama was the most beloved of all people to him. A hadith about Usama bin Zaid leadership teaches us to be careful before criticizing a person appointed to a role. The text does not give a long defense or list of reasons. It shows the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم addressing the criticism and affirming his love for Usama in strong words.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم appointed Usama as commander of troops.
- Some people spoke unfavorably about Usama’s appointment.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم answered by stating Usama’s beloved status to him.
