What is the authenticity of the following narration?
Sayyiduna Abu Musa (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“The example of the guidance and knowledge which Allah has sent me with is like torrential rain which fell on a land. A fertile portion of it absorbed the water and caused abundant grass and vegetation to grow.
[The second type of land] was a portion of ground which was hard and rocky which retained the water [and did not absorb it], through which Allah Ta’ala caused others to benefit. They drank from it, gave their animals water and irrigated their crops.
[The third type of land] was barren; it could neither retain the water nor cause the crops to grow.
[The first type of land] is the example of the person who gained an understanding in the Din of Allah and benefits from that with which Allah has sent me. He acquires knowledge and teaches others. [The third type of land] is the example of the person who pays no attention [shows no regard/importance] to [the knowledge of Din] nor did he accept the guidance of Allah which I have been sent with”
Answer:
Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Musa Al Ash’ari (radiyallahu ‘anhu). The Hadith is therefore authentic.
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 79 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2282)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar