and killing multiplies.”

They asked, “What is that bloodshed, O Messenger of Allah?”

He replied, “Killing—killing.”

In Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān it is narrated from Abū Dharr who said:

“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, once mounted a donkey and had me ride behind him. He then said,

‘O Abū Dharr, what will you do when people are struck by a severe famine such that you cannot rise from your bed to reach your mosque—how will you behave?’

I answered, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’

He said, ‘Show self-restraint.’

He continued, ‘O Abū Dharr, what will you do when the people are overtaken by a devastating death, so that a house will be had for the price of a single slave—how will you act?’

I said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’

He said, ‘Be patient.’

‘O Abū Dharr, what will you do when people begin killing one another until the Stone of Oil is awash in blood—how will you act?’

I said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’

He said, ‘Stay in your house and lock your door.’

I asked, ‘What if I am not left alone?’

He said, ‘Then go to the people to whom you belong and remain with them.’

I asked, ‘Shall I take up my weapon?’

He said, ‘If…’