Question:
Q1-I heard that when prophet S.A.W was in cave Thoor with Hazrat Abubakar R.A the snake which attacked Abubakar R.A was a Jin who was waiting to see prophet .S.A.W since Isa A.S. time could you please relate the whole story with reference Jazakumullah.
Answer:
Hazrat Mufti Mahmoodul Hasan Gangohi (R.A.A.) once related this story which is mentioned in his Malfoozaat (spiritual discourses). He mentioned that this snake which attacked Abubakar (R.A.) in Cave Thoor was one of the disciples of Isaa (A.S.) and not Jinn. He forwarded his desire of seeing the Prophet (S.A.W.) to Isaa (A.S.). Isaa (A.S.) in turn made Du’aa to the Almighty Allah to fulfil the desire of his disciple. This Du’aa was accepted with the condition that he would have to take the form of a snake in order to see the Prophet (S.A.W.). The disciple accepted this condition and was turned into a snake. The disciple (in his snake form) hid in Cave Thoor after coming to know that the Prophet (S.A.W.) will stop in this cave at the time of Hijrah on his way to Madinah.
When the Prophet (S.A.W.) and Abubakar (R.A.), at the time of Hijrah stopped at this cave, Abubakar (R.A.) entered the cave and began filling up the holes in it to prevent any venomous creature from harming the Prophet (S.A.W.). He managed to cover all the holes except one which he covered by placing his heel on it. On seeing this, the disciple bit Abubakar (R.A.) so that he may remove his foot which would then allow him to see the blessed face of the Prophet (S.A.W.). (Malfoozaat Faqihul Ummat, Page 40)
We could not find this story in any reputable book of Tafseer or Islamic history, therefore its authenticity cannot be guaranteed.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Qasim bin Hashim Limbada
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
28 May 2004
08 Rabee’ul Aakhir 1425