What is the meaning of the following part of the Hadith in Sahih Muslim:
إن بعضكم على بعض أمراء
inna ba’dakum ala ba’din umara
Answer
When ‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) descends, the leader at that time [Al Mahdi] will ask him to lead the Salah. He will say, ‘No, Some of you are [suitable] leaders over others, This is as an honour from Allah for this Ummah’ [i.e. Someone from this Ummah should lead the Salah].
The commentators explain that if ‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) had to lead the Salah, some people may get a misconception that he has come as a Nabi with a new Shari’ah. Therefore he will opt to be a Muqtadi [for that salah].
(Refer: Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 156, Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3449, vol. 6 pg. 494 and Fathul Mulhim, vol. 2 pg. 138)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar