Question
Can you confirm the source and confirm the authenticity of the Hadith wherein Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) got the nickname Abu Turab?
Answer
Sayyiduna Sahl ibn Sa’d (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) says, “Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went to Fatimah (radiyallahu ‘anha)’s house and did not find ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) at home. He said, ‘Where is your cousin?’ She said, ‘We had a [difference of opinion], he became upset and went out. He did not take his midday nap [qaylulah] here.’
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to someone, ‘See where he is.’ He came back and said, ‘O Rasulullah! He is sleeping in the Masjid.’ Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went and he was laying there. His upper garment had fallen off from his side and some dust had come on him. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) began to dust it off, saying, ‘Get up, Abu Turab! Get up, Abu Turab!” [literally translated as, father of dust]
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 441 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2409)
The narration also mentions that this nickname had become beloved to him and he would become happy when addressed by the name “Abu Turab”.
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3703, 6204)
Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) is therefore known as:
- Abul Hasan and
- Abu Turab
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar