Can this narration be quoted?
Sayyiduna Zubayr ibnul ‘Awwam (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that on one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) turned his gaze towards Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) and mentioned:
‘This person has been granted emancipation from the fire of Jahannam by Allah Ta’ala’
It was on that occasion that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) received the title ‘Atiq.
Answer
Imam Bazzar (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration. ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators reliable (thiqat).
(Musnad Bazzar; Al Bahruz Zakkhar, Hadith: 2213, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 9 pg. 40)
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded a similar narration. See here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar