Praise be to Allah,
Sufyaan [ibn’ Uyaynah] narrated to us from [ibn Sulaymaan from Anas ibn Maalik who said,
“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) never grieved over anyone killed in an expedition [he had despatched] as he grieved over those who were called al-Qurra’ (the reciters). Concerning them, the verse, ‘Inform our people that we are pleased [with Allah] and that [He is] pleased with us’ was revealed.” [Anas ibn Maalik was asked, “Regarding who was this verse revealed?” He replied, “It was revealed concerning those Muslims who were killed at the Well of Ma’oonah.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 111. The isnaad of this hadeeth is Saheeh according to the conditions set by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.)
Note:
This verse was later abrogated. (LB). This incident took place in the month of Safar in the fourth year of the Prophet’s mission fourteen months after the Battle of Uhud. One of the chiefs of the Bedouin tribe of Banu ‘Aamir suggested to the Prophet (PBUH) to send some of his companions to the people of Najd, saying that they would favorably respond to his call and that he would provide protection to them. The Prophet (PBUH) sent seventy of the reciters of the Qur’an (called al-Qurraa’). However, when they reached the Well of Ma’oonah, they were treacherously ambushed and killed.
Source:
Thulaathiyyaat Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reports of Imaam Ahmad that have only three narrators between him and the Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Saalim as–Saffaareenee al–Hanbalee ~(1114 –1188 AH)