Question

Is this Hadith authentic?

“The flourishing of Jerusalem will mark the desertion of Yathrib (Madinah). The desertion of Yathrib will mark the start of Al-Malhamah [the great war that will start between ar-Rum and the Muslim forces before Muslims conquer Constantinople for the second time]. The start of Al-Malhamah will mark the conquering of Constantinople. The conquering of Constantinople will mark the appearance of Dajjal.”

Answer

This Hadith has been recorded in numerous Hadith collections as a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and as the statement of Sayyiduna Mu’adh ibn Jabal (radiyallahu ‘anhu) as well.

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4294, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 38364)

Hafiz Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith sound (hasan). The Hadith will also be declared sound by Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) based on his principle in his book “Hidayatur Ruwat”.

(An Nihayah Fil Fitan Wal Malahim, vol. 1, pg. 75 and Hidayatur Ruwat, Hadith: 5350)

Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as the statement of Sayyiduna Mu’adh ibn Jabal (radiyallahu ‘anhu) and has declared the Hadith authentic. ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) concurs. However this will be understood to be a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as the nature of this Hadith is not such that Sayyiduna Mu’adh (radiyallahu ‘anhu) could have made up applying his own logic.

(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4, pg. 420/421. Also see footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 38364 and Mizanul I’tidal. vol. 2, pg. 488/489)

Disclaimer: In principle, the signs of Qiyamah are ambiguous and nuanced and only Allah Ta’ala Knows their precise timing and exact application. One should certainly take heed from such Hadiths and signs, despite their application to specific events being open to interpretation.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar