Question
Please mention the Hadith and the authenticity regarding the angel waiting for three hours/periods of time before writing down a bad deed.
Answer
Imam Hakim and Imam Tabarani (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration.
‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared one of the narrators very weak.
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4 pg. 262, Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 17, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 208. Also see: Targhib, vol. 2 pg. 469)
However, Imams Tabarani and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded a similar Hadith which states that the sinner is given respite for six hours/periods of time. The narrators of this version are reliable. See here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar