What is the status of this narration?
اتخذوا السودان فإن ثلاثة منهم من سادات أهل الجنة لقمان الحكيم والنجاشي وبلال المؤذن
Make Africans/dark skinned people [leaders] for three of them will be among the leaders of Jannah; Luqman Al Hakim, Najashi and Bilal Al Muadhin (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
Answer:
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).
(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 11482)
However, Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) and other Muhaddithun have declared the Hadith a fabrication. ‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) states, ‘If the Hadith is not a fabrication, then it is extremely weak’
(Kitabul Majruhin, vol. 1 pg. 203, Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 100, Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 2 pg. 33. Also see Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 460 and Al Mudawi)
The following narration should be quoted instead:
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best of African men were three; Bilal (radiyallahu ‘anhu), Luqman and Mihja’.”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 3 pg. 284. See here)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar