Is this Hadith authentic?
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: أنزل الله عليّ أمانين لأمتي وما كان الله ليعذبهم وأنت فيهم وما كان الله معذبهم وهم يستغفرون [الأنفال: 33] فإذا مضيت تركت فيهم الاستغفار إلى يوم القيامة
Answer:
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Musa (radiyallahu ‘anhu). He has declared the Hadith weak.
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3082)
However, Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) has recorded a similar corroborating narration. (Musnad Ahmad, vol. 4 pg. 393). The Hadith in question is well corroborated and suitable to quote.
See another corroborating narration here.
Translation
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah Ta’ala revealed two [guarantees] of safety for my ummah; ‘[Allah mentions] Allah does not punish people while you [Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] are present in their midst nor does Allah punish people while they are asking His forgiveness (Surah Al Anfal, Verse: 33).’ When I pass away, I will still leave seeking forgiveness till the Day of Qiyamah [thus those who seek forgiveness will be safe].’”
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar