Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1154

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Abu Nu‘aym related to us: Sulayman related to us, from Thabit, from Anas: I served the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, one day. When I thought I had finished serving him, I said, ‘The Prophet is taking a midday rest,’ and left him. Some boys were playing, so I stood watching their game. The Prophet came, approached them, and greeted them. Then he called me and sent me on an errand. He stayed in the shade until I came back to him. I was late returning to my mother, and she asked, ‘What kept you?’ I said, ‘The Prophet sent me on an errand.’ She asked, ‘What was it?’ I said, ‘It is a secret of the Prophet.’ She said, ‘Keep the Messenger of Allah’s secret.’ I never told anyone what that errand was; if I were going to tell it to anyone, I would have told you.