"I was sitting with the Messenger of Allah when a man said: 'O Messenger of Allah! The people have lost interest in horses and put down their weapons, and they say there is no Jihad, and that war has ended.' The Messenger of Allah turned to face him and said: 'They are lying, now the fighting is to come. There will always be a group among my Ummah who will fight for the truth, for whom Allah will cause some people to deviate, and grant them provision from them, until the Hour begins and until the promise of Allah comes. Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection. It has been revealed to me that I am going to die and will not stay long, and you will follow me group after group, striking one another's necks. And the place of safety for the believers is Ash-Sham.'"
The Book of Horses, Races and Shooting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3561
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i addresses the misconception that jihad had ended, with the Prophet (peace be upon him) clarifying that fighting in Allah's cause would continue until the Day of Judgment.
Contextual Analysis
The questioner observed people abandoning military preparation, assuming warfare had ceased. The Prophet's response corrected this erroneous belief, emphasizing the perpetual nature of armed struggle for truth.
This occurred during a period of relative peace, warning against complacency in religious obligation and military readiness.
Scholarly Commentary
"They are lying" - A strong refutation against those claiming jihad's abolition, establishing that armed struggle remains obligatory when conditions require it.
"A group among my Ummah" - Refers to the victorious faction (at-tā'ifat al-mansūrah) that will uphold truth through combat until the Final Hour.
"Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses" - Metaphor indicating divine blessings and rewards connected to maintaining warhorses and military preparedness.
"Ash-Sham" - The Levant region is designated as the believers' secure haven during tribulations, a prophecy fulfilled throughout Islamic history.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
Maintaining military capability remains a collective obligation (farḍ kifāyah) upon the Muslim community.
The prophecy confirms that truth will always have defenders, providing consolation during periods of weakness and division.
The narration combines immediate contextual guidance with eschatological prophecies, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Prophetic guidance.