—in the good that awaits you, and know that Allah the Exalted will surely support you, as He, Most High, says: “And whoever puts his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him” (al-Ṭalāq 65:3).

This episode is also proof of the Prophet’s ﷺ excellent care for his community: he did not single out any one person to receive the sword; rather, he left the matter open to everyone present. Likewise, anyone whom Allah has placed in charge of others must avoid favoritism and refrain from any action that people might interpret as preferential treatment, for partiality breeds division and weakens the group. If, however, someone possesses a merit not found in the rest and the leader grants him something while clearly explaining to the group that it is because of that unique merit, then there is no harm in doing so. Allah is the One who grants success.

92—The Sixth Narration: Al-Zubayr ibn ʿAdī reported: “We went to Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) and complained to him about what we were suffering at the hands of al-Ḥajjāj. He said, ‘Be patient, for no time will come upon you except that the one after it will be worse—until you meet your Lord. I heard this from your Prophet ﷺ.’” Recorded by al-Bukhārī.

[Explanation]
The author—may Allah have mercy on him—relates that al-Zubayr ibn ʿAdī and others came to Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him), the servant of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Anas lived to a ripe old age, remaining alive until roughly ninety years after the Hijrah, and during his lifetime he witnessed some of