It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that we were in a battle (Mu'tah) when the people suddenly fled. We said, "How will we face the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when we have fled from the battlefield?" Then this verse was revealed: «إِلَّا مَنْ تَوَلَّىٰ لِلْقِتَالِ» [الأنفال: 16] "Except for one who turns aside to fight." We said, "We will not go to Madinah so that no one sees us." Then we said, "If we go (it would be better)." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) finished the Fajr prayer, so we said, "We are fugitives." The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "You are those who will return to attack, not those who flee." Then we kissed the blessed hand of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He said, "I am your central figure; you should come to me."