Question

Could you mention the reference and authenticity of Hadith which states that Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) was well-known in the heavens? This was due to him deeming himself small and reciting Surah Ikhlas in abundance.

 

Answer

Imam Fakhrud Din Razi (rahimahullah) has cited this incident in his Tafsir.

He writes: “It has been reported that once Jibril (‘alayhis salam) was with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) when Abu Dharr al Ghifari (radiyallahu ‘anhu) approached. Jibril (‘alayhis salam) said: “This is Abu Dharr who has come.” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked, “Do you recognise him?” Jibril (‘alayhis salam) replied, “He is more popular among us than among you.” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked, “How did he attain this virtue?” He replied, “Due to him regarding himself as insignificant and his frequent recital of ‘Qul Huwallahu Ahad’ [i.e. Surah Ikhlas].”

(Tafsir Razi, beginning of Surah Ikhlas, vol. 11 pg. 7245)

 

I have not come across this narration in any primary source nor have I come across a chain. I am therefore unable to verify the authenticity.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

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التخريج من المصادر العربية

تفسير الرازي: (١١/ ٧٢٤٥) (سورة الإخلاص، الآية: ١)
وروي: «أنه كان جبريل عليه السلام مع الرسول عليه الصلاة والسلام إذ أقبل أبو ذر الغفاري، فقال جبريل:
هذا أبو ذر قد أقبل، فقال عليه الصلاة والسلام: أو تعرفونه؟ قال: هو أشهر عندنا منه عندكم، فقال عليه الصلاة والسلام: بماذا نال هذه الفضيلة؟ قال لصغره في نفسه وكثرة قراءته قل هو الله أحد».