campaigning with Umm Sulaym and a group of women from the Ansar with her, who would provide water and treat the wounded. Al-Tirmidhi said (5): This is a hasan sahih (good and authentic) hadith. If it is said: The Prophet - may Allah bless him and grant him peace - used to take with him whichever of his wives was chosen by drawing lots, and he went out with 'A'ishah on several occasions. We reply (6): That is a single woman, whom he takes for his own need, and such is permissible for the commander when he has a need for it, but it is not permitted for the rest of the subjects, so that it does not lead to what we have mentioned.

Section: It is appropriate for the commander to be kind to his army and to travel with them at the pace of the weakest among them, so as not (7) to burden them. If the need arises for haste in travel, it is permissible for him; for the Prophet - may Allah bless him and grant him peace - traveled with great haste when the statement of 'Abdullah ibn Ubayy reached him: {The most honored one will surely expel the most humiliated one from it} (8), so that the people would be occupied and not delve into it (9). And [Ibn] (10) 'Umar traveled with haste when he was called for the sake of his wife Safiyyah (11) (12). The commander should not show favoritism toward those who agree with him in school of thought or lineage over those who disagree with him in those matters, so as not to break their hearts, causing them to abandon him when he is in need of them. He should frequently seek consultation with the people of sound judgment among his companions, for Allah the Exalted said: {And consult them in the matter} (13). He should choose the encampment sites for his companions, and if one man finds another whose horse has been injured, and the other person has excess (resources), it is recommended for him to