Question

Is this Hadith authentic?

Once Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) performed ‘Asr Salah and then went out. He saw Sayyiduna Hasan (radiyallahu ‘anhu) playing with the children and put him on his shoulder and said, ‘By my father, he resembles Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and does not resemble ‘Ali!’ Sayyiduna ‘Ali was laughing [in agreement].”

Answer

Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith in his Sahih. The Hadith is therefore authentic.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3542-3750)

One version of this Hadith mentions that this was a few days after the demise of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) writes, “This Hadith also communicates the virtue of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and his love for the family of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).”

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3542)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar