Hadith # 91
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) took up a sword on the day of the battle of Uhud and said, "Who will take this sword from me?" Everyone stretched forth his hand saying: "I will take it; I will take it". He (the Prophet (PBUH)) said, "Who will take it with its full responsibility (i.e., to use it to fight Allah's enemies with it)?" The Companions hesitated. Abu Dujanah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "I shall take it;" and with it he cracked the skulls of the pagans.
[Muslim]
Commentary
This Hadith mentions the chivalry and distinction of Abu Dujanah (May Allah be pleased with him) but it should not be taken to mean that other Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) showed cowardice on that occasion. The latter had in fact hesitated to get the honour and reward attached with the Prophet's sword. It is evident from the fact that when the Prophet (PBUH) offered it without any condition everyone stretched his hand to take it.
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