Question:
Kindly provide me with the authenticity of the following narration:
When Ya’qub (‘alayhis salam) was in grief, the angel of death appeared before him and Ya’qub (‘alayhis salam) asked: “Did you remove the soul of Yusuf (‘alayhis salam)? The angel replied in the negative. Consequently Ya’qub (‘alayhis salam) was relieved and comforted.
Answer:
This narration has been recorded by Imam Ibn Abi Hatim (rahimahullah) as the statement of Nadhr ibn ‘Arabi, who was a Tabi’i. Furthermore, When Nadhr ibn ‘Arabi quoted it, he commenced it with the words: بلغني [i.e. It has reached me…].
Therefore, it seems to be sourced from Historical Narrations (Israiliyyat), and should be quoted as such.
(Tafsir Ibn Abi Hatim, Surah Yusuf, Verse: 87; Also see: Ruhul Ma’ani, Surah Yusuf, Verse: 87)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar