Is this Hadith authentic?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
‘The Quran was revealed in one fifth part, whoever memories it in one fifth parts would not forget it, except for Surah Al An’am, which was revealed in its entirety, seen off by seventy angels from each heaven until they delivered it to the Prophet. Never has it been recited over a sick person, without Allah granting him a cure’.
Answer
This is part of a lengthy narration recorded by Imam Bayhaqi and Hafiz Khatib Al Baghdadi (rahimahumallah), but has been deemed as a fabrication by Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahullah). The narration is therefore not suitable to quote. Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has also expressed reservation with regards to its authenticity.
(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 2211, Tarikh Baghdad, vol. 8 pg. 211, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 1 pg. 291. Also see Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1 pg. 300)
However there are numerous narrations which state that Surah Al An’am was revealed all at once and that the horizon was filled with Angels escorting this Surah when it was to be revealed. This can be quoted.
(Refer: Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 2 pg. 315, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 2208-2210, Fadailul Quran of Qasim ibn Sallam, pg. 129 and Fadhailul Quran of Ibn Durays, pgs. 94-96)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar