Other reports exist as well, and the proofs for this chapter are numerous and well–known. Success is granted only by Allah.

[Explanation]
The author—may Allah have mercy on him—cites under the heading “The Miracles of the Saintly Friends of Allah and Their Merit” several prophetic narrations. Among them is the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—about the story of ʿĀsim ibn Thābit al-Ansari and his companions. The Prophet ﷺ dispatched them—ten men in all—as a covert reconnaissance unit: ʿayn, meaning spies upon the enemy, and sarīyah, meaning he sent them secretly. When they neared Mecca, a band from the tribe of Hudhayl became aware of them. Around one hundred accomplished archers set out, tracked their footprints, and surrounded them.

The Hudhaylites offered the Muslims safe conduct, pledging not to kill them if they would surrender. ʿĀsim, however, said, “By Allah, I will never place myself under the protection (dhimmah) of a disbeliever,” for the disbeliever has betrayed Allah, and whoever betrays Allah will betray the servants of Allah.

For this same reason, when Abu Musa al-Ashʿari—may Allah be pleased with him—wrote to ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab—may Allah be pleased with him—explaining that he had a Christian who was exceptionally skilled at bookkeeping and asking permission to appoint him over the public treasury, ʿUmar replied, “I do not trust one who has betrayed Allah and His Messenger. Every disbeliever is treacherous, so do not place him over the treasury.”

Abu Musa wrote again: “A man of his expertise and quality in accounting is seldom found.” ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab answered with a brief letter:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate. From the Commander of the Believers, ʿAbd Allah ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab: the Christian is dead. And peace.”

One curt sentence—nothing more.