It is narrated from Sayyiduna Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) went on a military expedition in which Khalid bin al-Walid was the commander of the vanguard. Rabah and his companions passed by a slain woman who had been killed in the vanguard's action. They all stood by her, marvelling at her build, until the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) arrived there. The people made way for him (peace and blessings be upon him), and when he (peace and blessings be upon him) saw her, he said: "Alas! This one was not among those who fight." Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) looked at the faces of the people and said to one man: "Go and catch up with Khalid bin al-Walid and tell him that he must by no means kill any child (offspring) or any hired labourer (servant)." This hadith is sahih (authentic) on the condition of the two Shaykhs (Bukhari and Muslim), but they did not record it.