Question:
How sound is the Hadith in Ibn Hibban reported by Abu Sa’id Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) regarding ninety nine (99) snakes in grave of a disbeliever?
Answer:
Imams Ahmad, Ibn Hibban (rahimahumallah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded this Hadith.
Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ninety nine snakes will be released upon the disbeliever in his grave. They will continue biting him until Qiyamah. If one snake from there were to blow on [a portion of] earth, it would never grow vegetation.”
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3 pg. 38, Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 3121)
Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith authentic (sahih). The Hadith is also corroborated. (See Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 3122)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar