Question

Is there a Hadith in which is mentioned Nabi Sulayman (‘alayhis salaam) forgetting to say insha Allah before going to his wives and as a result the children conceived were not as desired?

Please also provide the explanatory notes.

Answer

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

‘Nabi Sulayman (‘alayhis salam) once said: “I will sleep with a hundred – or ninety nine- wives/slaves tonight, all of whom shall deliver horsemen who will strive in Allah’s way. His companion [Angel] said to him: ‘say insha Allah.’ But he [forgetfully] did not say so verbally.

None of them conceived, but one who delivered a deformed child.

By the oath of Allah! Had he said insha Allah, they would have all [given birth to males who would’ve] strove in Allah’s path as horsemen.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2819  and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 4261-4266)

1. The commentators explain that Nabi Sulayman (‘alayhis salam) actually forgot to say the insha Allah.

2. It is also possible that he sufficed on having this in his heart, and didn’t see the need to say it verbally.

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3424 and ‘Umdatul Qari, Hadith: 2819)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar