What is the status of the following Hadith?
لما بعث الله عز وجل موسى إلى فرعون قال رب ، أي شيء أقول ؟ قال قل أهيا شراهيا
(Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Answer
Hafiz Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) has cited this narration as you have stated. The full translation is as follows:
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says:
“When Allah sent Musa to Fir’awn, Musa (‘alayhis salam) said, ‘O my Rabb, what should I say’? Allah said, say ‘Ahya sharahiya’”
A’amash (rahimahullah) explains that this phrase means, ‘I [Allah] am the ever living before everything and the ever living after everything’.
(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Taha, verse: 46)
Hafiz Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) says that the chain of narrators is good (jayyid), but this is something strange (shay-un gharib)
Note: This narration should be quoted as reported, i.e: as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar