Is this narration authentic?
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said:
“The one who has passed away will move up in his position, and he will say, ‘O my Rabb, what’s going on?’ It will be said to him, ‘[This is due to] your child seeking forgiveness for you” (Al Adabul Mufrad)
Answer
Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as the statement of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) in Al Adabul Mufrad.
(Al Adabul Mufrad, Hadith: 36)
However, Imams Ibn Majah, Ahmad and Ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahumullah) have recorded this a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
The wording of this version [as in Musnad Ahmad] is as follows:
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah Ta’ala will elevate the ranks of a person in Jannah. He will say, ‘O My Rabb, How am I achieving this?’ Allah Ta’ala will say, ‘Through your child seeking forgiveness on your behalf.’
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3660, Musnad Ahmad, vol. 2 pg. 509, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 30359)
‘Allamah Busiri (rahimahullah) has declared the chain reliable (isnadun sahih rijaluhu thiqat).
(Zawaid Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1245)
Therefore, this may be quoted as a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
Also see here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar