"Sulaiman bin Dawud said: 'Tonight I will go around ninety women, each of whom will bear a horseman who will perform Jihad in the cause of Allah.' His companion said to him: 'If Allah wills.' But he did not say: 'If Allah wills.' Then he went around to them all, but none of them got pregnant except a woman who bore half a man. By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! If he had said, 'If Allah wills,' they would all have performed Jihad in the cause of Allah as horsemen."
The Book of Oaths and Vows - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3831
This narration from Sulaiman bin Dawud serves as a profound lesson on the importance of invoking Allah's will in all matters. The Prophet's companion emphasizes that had Sulaiman said "Insha'Allah" (if Allah wills), all ninety women would have borne horsemen for jihad.
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith teaches us that human planning without reference to Divine Will is incomplete. Even when one is capable and determined, ultimate outcomes remain in Allah's Hands. The omission of "Insha'Allah" demonstrates reliance on one's own power rather than recognizing Allah's ultimate control over all affairs.
The consequence - only one woman bearing "half a man" - symbolizes the severe diminishment of blessings when we neglect to acknowledge Allah's role in our endeavors. This applies not only to major undertakings but to all aspects of life, reminding believers to always couple their efforts with spiritual consciousness.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
Scholars derive from this that saying "Insha'Allah" when making future plans is strongly recommended (mustahabb). It reflects proper tawhid (monotheism) by acknowledging that only Allah decrees what will occur.
The hadith also warns against excessive self-confidence and reminds us that true success in jihad or any righteous deed depends on Allah's permission and blessing, not merely human effort or intention.