English translation
4321. Narrated Abū Qatāda: We set out along with the Prophet ﷺ during the year of (the battle of) Hunain, and when we faced the enemy, the Muslims (with the exception of the Prophet ﷺ and some of his Companions) retreated (before the enemy). I saw one of Al-Mushrikūn (pagans) overpowering one of the Muslims, so I struck the Mushrik (pagan) from behind his neck causing his armour to be cut off. The Mushrik (pagan) headed towards me and pressed me so forcibly that I felt as if I was dying. Then death took him over and he released me. Afterwards I followed 'Umar and said to him, "What is wrong with the people?"(1) He said, "The matter (or the decision) is with Allāh عزَّ وجلَّ." Then the Muslims returned (to the battle after the flight) and (after overcoming the enemy) the Prophet ﷺ sat and said, "Whoever had killed an infidel and has an evidence to this issue, will have the Salb (i.e., the belonging of the deceased e.g. clothes, arms, horses, etc.)." I (stood up) and said, "Who will be my witness?" and then sat down. Then the Prophet ﷺ repeated his question. Then the Prophet ﷺ said the same (for the third time). I got up and said, "Who will be my witness?" and then sat down. The Prophet ﷺ repeated the question again. So I got up. The Prophet ﷺ said, "What is the matter, O Abū Qatāda?" So, I narrated the whole story. A man said, "Abū Qatāda has spoken the truth, and the Salb [the belongings (spoils) of the deceased] is with me, so please compensate Abū Qatāda on my behalf." Abū Bakr said, "No! By Allāh, it will never happen that the Prophet ﷺ will leave a Lion of Allāh who fights for the sake of Allāh and His Messenger ﷺ and give his spoils to you." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Abū Bakr has spoken the truth. Give it (the spoils) back to him (O man)!" So, he gave it to me and I bought a garden in (the land of) Banū Salama with it (i.e., the spoils) and that was the first property I got after embracing Islām.