Question

Where is it mentioned that Sayyiduna Talhah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) used himself as a shield to block arrows from reaching Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)?

Answer

Many of the Muhaddithun have stated that Sayyiduna Talhah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) used himself as a shield to protect Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and that his hand was pierced by an arrow during the process.

(Al-Isti’ab, pg. 765 Number: 1280, Sifatus Safwah, vol. 1, pg. 125, Usdul Ghabah, vol. 3, pg. 85, Number: 2627, Al-Isabah, vol. 3, pg. 430-433, Number: 4285; Also see: Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 4064)

Hereunder are two narrations on this topic:

Sayyiduna Qays ibn Abi Hazim (rahimahullah) has mentioned:

“I saw that the hand of [Sayyiduna] Talhah [radiyallahu ‘anhu], which he used to protect Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), had become paralyzed.”

(Sahih Bukhari along with Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3724 and 4063)

Sayyiduna Talhah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has narrated:

“When it was the day of Uhud, an arrow struck me [whilst defending Rasulullah – sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam-] and I said: Hass [i.e., a sound denoting pain].

He [i.e., Rasulullah – sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam-] remarked: Had you said: “bismillah” the Angels would have soared up with you whilst the people watched.’”

(Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 214; Also see: Al-Mujtaba, Hadith: 3149, Al-Mukhtarah, Hadith: 848, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 9, pg. 149, and Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3724)

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Farhan Shariff

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar