It was recorded by Aḥmad and others, and I have documented it in this volume under number (2995), and in abbreviated form in the second volume (840).

Ḥudhayfah ibn al-Yamān (raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhu) said: People used to ask the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallá Allāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) about good, but I used to ask him about evil out of fear that it might overtake me. So I said: O Messenger of Allāh! We were in ignorance and evil, then Allāh brought us this good [and we are in it], [and He brought you], so is there any evil after this good [as there was before it?]. He said: "O Ḥudhayfah, learn the Book of Allāh and follow what is in it, (three times)." I said: O Messenger of Allāh! Is there any good after this evil? He said: "Yes." [I said: What is the protection from it? He said: "The sword."] I said: And is there any good after that evil? (In another narration: I said: Is there anything left after the sword?) He said: "Yes, and in it (in another narration: there will be leadership (in another wording: a group) over impurities, and a truce upon) deception."