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