1343 – On the authority of Abū Mūsā (may Allah be pleased with him): A Bedouin came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, “Messenger of Allah, one man fights for spoils, another fights so that he may be spoken of, and another fights so that his position may be seen.” In another wording: “He fights out of bravery, or he fights out of tribal zeal.” In yet another wording: “And he fights out of anger. Which of these is fighting in Allah’s cause?” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied, “Whoever fights so that the word of Allah is uppermost, he is the one fighting in Allah’s cause.” Agreed upon.

[Explanation]
These hadiths set out several matters related to jihad for the sake of Allah, among them the practice of archery. It has already been mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ declared, “Truly, strength lies in archery,” and he repeated this three times.

The narrations the author has gathered in this chapter encourage learning archery, and make it clear that whoever abandons archery after Allah has granted him the skill is showing ingratitude for a blessing; in some reports the Prophet ﷺ actually disavowed such a person.

Other reports state: “Lands will be opened up for you and Allah will suffice you, so let none of you be unable to amuse himself with his arrows.”

From these and similar texts we learn the recommendation to acquire proficiency in archery, and that a person should learn how to shoot, even with light weapons, because he does not know what circumstances may confront him. Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ even allowed a prize to be set for an archery contest—for example, two people shooting with rifles or comparable weapons, placing a reward between them that is taken by whichever of them hits the target.