Riyad as-Salihin, 1335

'Uqbah bin 'Amir Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Allah will admit three persons to Jannah for one arrow; the maker who has a good motive in making it, the one who shoots it, and the one who hands it up for shooting. So shoot and ride, but I like your shooting (more) than your riding. He who gives up archery after becoming adept in it for lack of interest, neglects a (great) blessing." (Or said,) "One who does so is ungrateful." [Abu Dawud].

وعنه، رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ ‏"‏إن الله يدخل بالسهم الواحد ثلاثة نفر الجنة‏:‏ صانعه يحتسب في صنعته الخير، والرامي به ومنبله‏.‏ وارموا واركبوا، وأن ترموا أحب إلي من أن تركبوا‏.‏ ومن ترك الرمي بعد ما علمه رغبة عنه فإنها نعمة تركها‏"‏ أو قال‏:‏ ‏"‏كفرها‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Book 11, Hadith 51

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadiths: 1) We are instructed to learn the arts of fighting and marksmanship, which are very effective means of strength we are required to possess against the disbelievers. 2) Abandoning marksmanship is a sin, for it constitutes slackness and weakness. 3) The believers are encouraged to cooperate in piety and righteousness. One single arrow may cause three persons to enter Paradise.

Related hadiths4