Archery (Ahadith 2543 – 2546)

Bismillah.

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 148 :
Narrated by Salama bin Al-Akwa (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) passed by some people of the tribe of Bani Aslam who were practicing archery. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “O Bani Ismail ! Practice archery as your father Isma’il was a great archer. Keep on throwing arrows and I am with Bani so-and-so.” So one of the parties ceased throwing. Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Why do you not throw?” They replied, “How should we throw while you are with them (i.e. on their side)?” On that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Throw, and I am with all of you.”

Cute. :)

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 149 :
Narrated by Abu Usaid (radiallaahu `anhu)
On the day (of the battle) of Badr when we stood in rows against (the army of) Quraish and they stood in rows against us, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “When they do come near you, throw arrows at them.”

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 150 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
While some Ethiopians were playing in the presence of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), ‘Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) came in, picked up a stone and hit them with it. On that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “O ‘Umar! Allow them (to play).” Ma’mar (the sub-narrator) added that they were playing in the Mosque.

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 151 :
Narrated by Anas bin Malik (radiallaahu `anhu)
Abu Talha (radiallaahu `anhu) and the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used to shield themselves with one shield. Abu Talha (radiallaahu `anhu) was a good archer, and when he threw (his arrows) the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) would look at the target of his arrows.

A Muslim should be able to defend his or herself from aggression (which requires physical strength) and should be prepared to struggle in the path of Allah, should the occasion arise. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said:

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.” (Reported by Muslim)

Further reading: Health Benefits of Archery