Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) once said, ?Have you heard of a city whose one side is on the sea and the other on land?? The Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) replied, ?Yes, Oh Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).?
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) then said, ?Qiyaamah will not come until 70,000 from the Banu Ishaaq do not attack it. And when they will arrive, they will not use any weapons. Instead, they will recite ?Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar? and one side of the city will collapse. Then they will repeat it for the second time and the other side will collapse, and when they will say it for the third time, they will be able to enter and collect the booty. While they would be doing so, they will hear an announcement that the Dajjaal has appeared, so they will leave everything and return.? (Sahih Muslim Hadith7262)
Imaam Nawawiy (RA) and others have stated that this refers to the city of Constantinople. They also state that in some narrations the words, ?children of Ismaa?eel? are mentioned and this refers to the Arabs. (refer Sharhun nawawiy vol.9 pg.250-252; Takmilah Fathul Mulhim vol.6 pg.336-337)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai