What is the level of authenticity of this narration?
Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) states, “The first to reside on earth were the Jinn. They spread corruption and bloodshed in it and killed one another. So, Allah sent Iblis with an army of Angels and he fought them until they were forced to settle on islands and mountain tops. Allah then created Adam and placed him on earth. Thus, Allah says, ‘I will place upon earth a successor.’”
Answer
Imam Tabari (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) with a slightly weak chain.
(Tafsir Tabari; Jami’ul Bayan, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah: Al Baqarah, Verse: 30. Refer: Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 1 pg. 301, number: 1151)
Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has recorded a similar statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma). He has declared this version authentic and Hafiz Dhahabi concurs.
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 2 pg. 261)
The narration in question is suitable to quote as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar