Maulana Zakariyah Kandahlawi writes in his article, The Beard of a Muslim and its Importance: “when he (the dead person) is placed in his grave he will first be shown the countenance of Rasulullah (PBUH).” What book of Ahadith tells us that a dead person will be shown the Holy face of Rasulullah sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam? I am not aware of any such hadith. Thank you.
The Hadith which Hadhrat Shaykh Zakariyya is referring to in his book, ‘The
beard of a Muslim and its importance’ can be found in the following books of
Hadith: Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasaa-ee, Ahmad, Mishkaat.
In the Arabic version of the same book, which is approved by the world
renown Shaykh Abdullah ibn Abdul-Aziz ibn Baaz. The translator mentions,
‘The seeing of the holy Countenance is one of the two views of the eminent
scholars of Hadith.’ (Sharh Qastalaani)
The second view of the scholars of Hadith is that all the veils between
himself (the deceased) and the beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam)
will be lifted, whereby the person will see Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam). Therefore, the word ‘this’ which is used in all these Ahaadith is
not referring to a person who is absent. (Fataawa Mahmoodiya vol.12 pg.104)
Hereunder are the extracts of the various Ahaadith which you can refer to:
1. In the Hadith of Barraa ibn Azi (Radhiallaahu Anhu), these words have
been used, ‘Who is this (man) who was sent to you.’ (Ahmad / Mishkaat)
2. Hadith of Hadhrat Anas ibn Maalik (Radhiallaahu Anhu), ‘What do you say
concerning this Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).’ (Bukhari; Muslim)
3. In Abu Dawud, Nasaa-ee and Ahmad, the following words are used, ‘What do
you say concerning this man.’ (Targheeb vol. 4 pg.364)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.