Question
What is the authenticity of this narration?
‘Abdullah bin Salmah narrates that two men who were oiling their heads and leaving Haman [Bathing Area] came to Ali and He asked them : “Who are you?” They replied : We are Muhajirin. ‘Ali said to them : “The real Muhajir is ‘Ammar ibn Yasir ”
Answer
This narration is recorded in Fadailus Sahabah of Imam Ahmad. It is also recorded in Al Mu’jamul Kabir of Imam Tabarani (rahimahumallah) with slight variation in the wording.
‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators of Tabarani credible (rijaluhu rijalus sahih).
‘Abdullah ibn Salimah (rahimahullah) related: “Two men who had exited the bath area came to ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu). They were adorned and their hair was oiled. ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, ‘Who are you?’ They replied, ‘We are from the Muhajirun [i.e Those who migrated].’ ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, ‘The true Muhajir was ‘Ammar ibn Yasir (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).’”
(Fadailus Sahabah, Hadith: 1601, Al Mu’jamul Kabir; Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 9 pg. 292. Also see: Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 1 pg. 141)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar