Is this Hadith authentic?
‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) narrates: ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiyallahu ‘anhu) came out of the house of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) during his fatal ailment. The people asked him, ‘O Abu Hasan! How is the health of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) this morning?’
‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, ‘This morning he is better, with the grace of Allah.’ ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) held ‘Ali by the hand and said, ‘Don’t you see him (about to die)? By Allah, within three days you will be the slave of the stick (i.e. under the command of another ruler). By Allah, I think that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) will die of this illness. I recognise the faces of the Banu ‘Abdil Muttalib when they are dying. So let us go to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and ask him who will take over [the Caliphate]. If the authority is given to us, we will know it, and if it is for other than us, we will know it and he can advise him to look after us.’
‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, ‘By Allah! If we ask Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) for it and he refuses, then the people will never give it to us. Besides, I will never ask Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) for it.’”
Answer
Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith. The Hadith is therefore authentic.
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 4447-6266)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar