Question
Kindly provide the authenticity of the narration recorded by Imam Ishaq ibn Rahuyah wherein Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) related a Hadith to Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibnul Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu) regarding the last person to enter Jannah.
In this narration, it is said that the last person to cross the sirat [i.e. bridge, and enter Jannah] will open a door made of green emeralds, finding 70 more doors, each containing maidens, couches, and servants. He will then sit with his wife, after which she will hand him a goblet. Thereafter, she will say: “Ever since I handed you the goblet, you have most certainly become 70 times more handsome than you were!”
He will then reply: “And surely you, since the time you handed me the goblet, have [also] become 70 times more beautiful”
(Musnad Ishaq ibn Rahuyah; Ithaful Khiyaratil Maharah, Hadith: 7684, and Al-Matalibul ‘Aliyah, Hadith: 4539)
Answer
Both ‘Allamahs Busiri and Ibn Hajar (rahimahumallah) have graded the chain of this narration as authentic.
(Ithaful Khiyaratil Maharah, Hadith: 7684, and Al-Matalibul ‘Aliyah, Hadith: 4539; Also see: Al ‘Ilal of Daraqutni, Hadith: 854, Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 2 pgs. 376-377, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pgs. 342-343, Ad-Durrul Manthur, Surah Qalam, Verse: 42)
Gist of the narration
This narration portrays events which will occur on the Day of Judgement. It discusses how each nation will be dealt with, along with the believers and hypocrites. It then discusses how the believers will cross the sirat [bridge]. In conclusion, mention is made regarding the last man to successfully cross the sirat [bridge] and what he will enjoy upon finally entering Jannah [paradise], subsequent to him constantly asking Allah Ta’ala to admit, and take him further therein.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar