1) I was told that seventy thousand (70 000) people will enter Jannah without reckoning. Is this true?
2) Does this Hadith literally mean the number 70000 or is there any other meaning?
Answer
1) This Hadith has been recorded by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahumallah). The Hadith is therefore authentic. See the full Hadith here.
2) ‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) states that the number 70 000 could have two possibilities; 70 000 literally or 70 000 was used to show a large number. He then says some have preferred this second explanation.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has cited several authentic Hadiths which mention that for every one thousand from the seventy thousand, seventy thousand more people will be granted entry without reckoning. [which would then bring the total to four million nine hundred and seventy thousand, 4970000]
(Refer: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 6541 and Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 1175)
These Hadiths cited by Hafiz ibn Hajar explicitly mention, that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked Allah Ta’ala for an increase in number. It is therefore possible that initially the number was literally 70 000. However, through Allah’s Mercy, and the request of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) this was then increased.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar