you are looking on” (Al-Wāqiʿah 56:83–84). The first part of a human being to die is the lower part of his body; the soul then rises through the body until it reaches the throat, whereupon the Angel of Death takes hold of it. We ask Allah to grant both us and you a good and happy end. Allah is the One who grants success.

91 – The Fifth ḥadith

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that on the Day of Uḥud the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) picked up a sword and said, “Who will take this from me?” They stretched out their hands, each one saying, “I will, I will.” He then said, “Who will take it with its due?” The people held back, so Abū Dujānah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I will take it with its due.” He took it and split the heads of the idolaters with it. Narrated by Muslim.

Abū Dujānah’s name was Samāk ibn Kharasha. The phrase “the people held back” means they hesitated; “split with it” means he cleaved; “the heads of the idolaters” means their skulls.

[Commentary]

In this ḥadith Anas relates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) took part in the Battle of Uḥud, one of the major engagements he personally led. Uḥud is a mountain near Madinah. The reason for the battle was that, after Quraysh had lost their leaders and nobles at Badr, they wished to take revenge on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). They advanced upon Madinah intending to attack him, so when the Prophet learned of their approach he consulted his Companions. Some advised remaining inside the city, saying that if the enemy entered Madinah they could be shot with arrows while the Muslims were protected in their houses, while others