The Iman of those after Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)

This Hadith is recorded in a Hadith Juz’ (collection) of Hasan ibn ‘Arafah and other Hadith collections with a weak chain.

(Juz’ Hasan ibn ‘Arafah, Hadith: 19)

However, Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) has cited corroborating narrations and has stated that the Hadith in question is supported. It is therefore suitable to quote. ‘Allamah Suyuti (rahimahullah) has also stated that there are many chains for this Hadith which he has collected.

(Al Amalil Mutlaqah, pg. 39, Tadribur Rawi, vol. 4 pg. 346)

Translation

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked [the Sahabah]: “Which creation’s Iman is the most amazing/strange to you?” They replied, ‘The Angels.’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Why should they not believe when they are by their Rabb ‘Azza Wa Jalla?’ They said, ‘Then the Prophets.’ Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Why shouldn’t they believe when revelation comes down to them?’ The Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) said, ‘Then us.’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Why shouldn’t you believe whereas I am in your midst?’ Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then said, ‘The creation whose faith amazes me the most is of those people who will be after you, they will find [the Quran and Sunnah] and they will believe in what it contains.’”

Note: Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) expressing amazement at the Iman of those after him/latter part of this ummah does not necessitate that their Iman is better than that of the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum). Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is actually explaining that since the Angels, Prophets and Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) had witnessed things that would naturally boost their Iman, it is praiseworthy that those after him, despite not seeing Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) still acquire Iman.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar