Please give me a reference and status of the famous incident of Sayyiduna Hanzalah (radiyallahu’anhu) being washed by the Angels after being martyred.
Answer
Imams Ibn Hibban and Hakim -among others- (rahimahumullah) have recorded on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Zubayr (radiyallahu’anhuma) that when Sayyiduna Hanzalah (radiyallahu’anhu) was martyred, Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) told the Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum):
‘Indeed the Angels are washing your companion’s body.’
When his wife was told so, she said: ‘He left for the battle whilst needing an obligatory bath (janabah).
Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said:
‘Therefore the Angels are washing him.’
(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 7025 and Mustadrak Hakim, vol.3 pg.204-205 )
Imams Ibn Hibban and Hakim have declared this narration as authentic (sahih)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar