Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question
“I received two vessels of knowledge from the Rasul of Allah (saw), I gave one of them away, as for the other one, if I were to dare to open its lid, you would behead me!”
Is the aforementioned narration from Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) authentic?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
Yes, the following narration of Abu Huraira is authentic
Imam al-Bukhari (Allah have mercy on him) narrates on the authority Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) that he said, “I have memorized from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) two containers (of knowledge): as for one of them, I have spread it amongst you; and as for the other, had I spread it amongst you, this throat (of mine) would have been cut.” [Bukhari]
Understanding This Narration
The scholars have discussed the commentary of this narration to great detail. The first of the two vessels (of knowledge) is understood to mean the knowledge of the rulings of the Sacred Law. The second, however, was understood in various ways, as follows:
1) Knowledge of coming tribulations
2) Knowledge of evil rulers and their descriptions
3) Spiritual realities that the commoner would not understand
[Mubarakpuri, Mir’at al-Mafatih]
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani