Is this narration authentic?
‘Urwah said, “A man from the Ansar quarrelled with Zubayr ibn Al ‘Awwam (radiyallahu ‘anhu) in the presence of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about about a stream/canal which both of them used for irrigation. The Ansari said, ‘Let the water through,’ but Zubayr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) refused to do so. So they brought their case to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told Zubayr (radiyallahu ‘anhu), ‘Zubayr, irrigate, and then let the water pass through to your neighbour.’ The Ansari became angry and said, ‘[Have you passed this ruling] because he is your aunt’s son?’ The face of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) changed colour and then he said, ‘Irrigate O Zubayr, and then retain the water until it reaches the wall.’ Zubayr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, ‘By Allah, I think that this Verse was revealed regarding this incident, “No, by your Rabb, they are not believers until they make you their judge in the disputes that break out between them.”‘ (Surah Nisa, Verse: 65)
Answer
Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahumallah) have recorded this incident. The Hadith is therefore authentic.
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2359-2360, Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2357)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar