Question
Is the below Hadith sahih as it contains ‘Asim ibn Bahdalah who has been criticised for his defective memory ?
Sayyiduna Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) once asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), “Which people are tested most severely? Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied, ‘The Ambiya, then the next best, then the next best’ [i.e. The honourable noble ones who are closest to Allah Ta’ala]. A person is tested in accordance to [the strength/weakness] of his Din [Iman]. If he is firm on his Din, his trials will be more severe. If he is weak in his Din, then he is tried according to his strength of his Din. Man will continue being tested until he is left walking upon the earth free of sins.”
Answer
This Hadith has been declared authentic by the following Muhaddithun (rahimahumullah):
1) Imam Tirmidhi (Hasanun Sahih). (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2398)
2) Imam Ibn Hibban. (Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 2901)
3) Imam Hakim and ‘Allamah Dhahabi concurs. (Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1 pg. 40/41)
As mentioned in this answer, many Muhaddithun have declared ‘Asim ibn Bahdalah acceptable and his Hadiths will be declared sound unless proven otherwise. The fact that the Muhaddithun have declared this Hadith authentic, proves that ‘Asim did indeed report this Hadith accurately.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar