Question

What is the reference for the Hadith which states that a man asked his children to cremate him after he dies and scatter the ash on a windy day. He did this out of fear of Allah so he was forgiven

Answer

Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahumallah) have recorded several versions of this incident. The following version has been recorded on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“There was a man who had transgressed [by committing many sins]. Before he could pass away, he said to his sons, ‘When I die, cremate me, crush me and then scatter [the dust/ash] in the wind. By Allah, if my Rabb gets hold of me, He will punish me with a punishment more severe than He has inflicted on anyone.’ When he died, [they fulfilled his request]. Allah Ta’ala commanded the earth, saying, ‘Gather up what is in you of him.’ It did so. Suddenly he was standing and Allah Ta’ala asked, ‘What motivated you to do what you did?’ He said, ‘O My Rabb, Your fear!’ [Allah Ta’ala] forgave him.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3481, 7506 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2756)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar