Question

I have seen your answer here regarding the Hadith on sleeping on the belly. However, I am finding a lot of dispute regarding the Sahabi of the Hadith in Abu Dawud?

Answer

You are correct in what you have mentioned. The Muhaddithun have differed extensively on the chain of this Hadith, regarding the name of the Sahabi who reported this Hadith as well as who exactly did the incident occur to.

‘Allamah Ibnu ‘Abdil Barr (rahimahullah) has cited approximately seven different names of this Sahabi.

(Refer: Al Isti’ab, vol. 2, pg. 325, Usdul Ghabah, vol. 3, pg. 97-98, Al Isabah, vol. 5, pg. 442-445, Tahdhibul Kamal, vol. 13, pg. 375. Also see: Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah’s footnotes on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 27215)

Although there is extensive difference of opinion, the Hadiths on this topic are well corroborated. Therefore the Hadith in question is suitable to quote.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar