Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal narrated from Abu Hurayra as follows:
"The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) promised us that there would be a military expedition (ghazwa) to India. If I were to be martyred in that expedition, I would be among the best of the martyrs. If I were to return, then I would be Abu Hurayra, the one freed from Hellfire."
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal narrated from Abu Hurayra as follows:
"My truthful and trusted friend, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), said to me: 'A group from this umma (community) will go to China and India.' If I participate in this expedition and am martyred, how excellent! But if I return, Allah will free me from the punishment of Hell." During the time of Muʿāwiya, in the forty-fourth year of the Hijra, the Muslims went on an expedition to India. Certain events took place there. Further explanation regarding these will be given later.
The governor of Ghazni, the great ruler Mahmud ibn Sebüktegin, went on a campaign to India around the year 400 of the Hijra. He entered there, killed some people, took others captive, and seized much wealth as spoils. He entered the city of Saminat, broke their greatest idol which they used to worship, and plundered their swords and ornaments. Then he returned strengthened, safe, and victorious.