Question

What is the original wording and authenticity of the following?

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has mentioned that sometimes Allah Ta’ala wishes to elevate the rank of a certain person in Jannah, but this persons good deeds are not enough that he can reach this rank, therefore Allah Ta’ala puts him through some trial and tribulation, and then gives him the strength to make sabr, then through this sabr, Allah elevates his rank in Jannah.

Answer

The actual translation of the Hadith in question is as follows:

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

“When a person does not have enough good deeds to reach a certain level in Jannah, but Allah Ta’ala wants him to attain that level, then Allah Ta’ala tests him and puts him through difficult trials so that Allah may make him reach that level (in Jannah)”

(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 2908)

Similar narrations have also been recorded in Mustadrak Hakim, Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Abu Ya’la and Al Mu’jamul Kabir of Tabarani.

(Refer: Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1, pg. 344 and Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 2, pg. 292)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar