Question

Are the correct words of the famous Hadith: “Khayrul quruni qarni” or “Khayru ummati qarni”?

Answer

This Hadith has been reported with several different wordings;

Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded three versions of this narration:

1) Khayru ummati qarni (خير امتي قرني)

2) Khayrun nasi qarni (خير الناس قرني)

3) Khayrukum qarni (خيركم قرني)

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2651, 3650 and 3651)

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded the following words:

3) Khayrul qarni qarni (خير القرن قرني)

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 540 -vol. 17- with a weak chain. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10, pg. 20)

Hafiz Ibn ‘Asakir (rahimahullah) has recorded the following words:

4) Khayrul quruni qarni (خير القرون قرني)

(Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 67, pg. 37 with a weak chain)

The first three would be the ideal wordings as these are the wordings recorded by Imam Bukhari and numerous other Muhaddithun.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar

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