Question

Is this narration authentic?

Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) narrates on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiyallahu ‘anhu):

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) instructed me to bring him paper, so that he may write that by which his Ummah will not deviate after him.” ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “I feared that he will pass away, so I told him, “I will [rather] memorise and retain it.” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “I advice you regarding Salah, Zakah, and that which your right hands possess.”

 

Answer

Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith. Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has also recorded a slightly longer version in Al Adabul Mufrad.

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1 pg. 90, Al Adabul Mufrad, Hadith: 156)

 

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has mentioned a portion of this narration in Fathul Bari, under the commentary of a Hadith, without criticising it, thereby rendering it authentic or sound. Shaykh Ahmad Shakir (rahimahullah) has also declared the chain sound (hasan).

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 2741, vol. 5 pg. 362, Musnad Ahmad; edition of Shaykh Ahmad Shakir, Hadith: 693, vol. 1 pg. 417. Also see: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 3 pg. 63)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar,

It should be noted that these are three of several final advices that Our Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) offered during his last moments.

Refer to Fathul Bari, 2741

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar