Question

Is the following story found in the Hadith and can it be quoted?

“When the animal dung on the ark of Nuh (‘alayhis salam) was becoming excessive, Allah Ta’ala ordered Nuh (‘alayhis salam) to poke the elephant’s trunk. When he did so, two pigs fell and started to eat the dung. When the rats started to gnaw and nibble on the ark, Allah Ta’ala ordered Nuh (‘alayhis salam) to hit in between the eyes of the lion. When he did so, a male and female cat fell from the nostril of the lion”

Answer

Imam Tabari (rahimahullah) has recorded a few versions of this as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) with a weak chain.

This narration seems to be sourced from Historical sources and not from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

(Tafsir Tabari, Surah, Hud, Verse: 37-39)

Hafiz Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) has deemed this narration strange [gharib].

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Hud, Verse: 37)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar