Question

What is the authenticity and the full narration about the Sahabi who was tied up. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent him a message through his father telling him to recite: “La hawla wa la quwwata illah billah” No sooner he recited this, the ropes tying him untied themselves.

Answer

Sayyiduna Malik Al-Ashja’i (radiyallahu ’anhu) complained to Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam) that his son was imprisoned by the non believers.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) advised him [and in one narration his wife too] to recite “La Hawla wala Quwwata illa billah” abundantly. He also asked him to send a message to his son to also recite the above frequently.
In some versions, they were told to adopt taqwa (piety) and sabr (patience) and to recite the last 2 verses of Surah Tawbah, while in others, Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said he would make du’a for him too.
Hardly much time passed until his son was freed, and he even brought with him – as booty- camels that he took from his capturers.

This incident has been reported by several Muhaddithun and Mufassirun with various chains and is suitable to quote.

References
Tafsir Ibn Abi Hatim, Tafsir Tabari, Surah Talaq, Verse: 2, Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 2, pg. 492, Dalailun Nubuwwah of Bayhaqi, vol. 6, pg. 106 ,
Also see; Targhib, vol. 2, pg. 445-446, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Ad-Durrul Manthur Surah Talaq, Verse: 2, & Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 2, pg. 181.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar