Musnad Ahmad Hadith 14774

It is narrated from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that Hatib bin Abi Balta’ah wrote a letter to the people of Makkah, warning them that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) intended to wage jihad against them. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) informed his companions about a woman who had that letter and sent his companions after her, who obtained the letter from her hair. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Hatib, did you do this?” He replied, “Yes, but I did not do this to deceive the Messenger of Allah. I am certain that Allah will make His Messenger victorious and fulfill His command. However, the matter is that I was a stranger among the Quraysh. My mother was there, and I wanted to do them a favor so that they would take care of my mother.” Umar said, “Should I not strike off his neck?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Do you want to kill a man from the people of Badr? Do you not know that Allah looked upon the people of Badr from the heavens and said: ‘Do whatever you wish, for I have forgiven you.’”