Question
Is this Hadith authentic? – “Every generation that passes will be worse in immorality and ignorance than the ones before them.”
Answer
This is probably understood from the following Hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari:
Zubayr ibn ‘Adiy (rahimahullah) complained to Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) regarding the oppression of Hajjaj ibn Yusuf. Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, ‘Be patient, for no time [year] will come but that the time [year] after it will be worse than it until you meet your Rabb [i.e. until you pass away]. I heard this from your Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 7068)
Under the commentary of this Hadith, Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has cited a statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) recorded by Ya’qub ibn Shaybah (rahimahullah) wherein he said, “…[Due to the passing of the Scholars], Each day will have less knowledge than the previous day…”
(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 7068, vol. 13 pg. 21)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar