Question

What is the explanation of the following part of a Hadith in Sahih Muslim?

“Wallaahi ma bi illa karahiyatu ay yatasha-aman nasu bi awwali may yaqumu fi maqami Rasulillah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam”

Answer

These words were by uttered by Sayyidah ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was in his final illness and instructed that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) lead the Sahabah in Salah.

Sayyidah ‘Aishah explains why she tried to dissuade Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and make excuses on behalf of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr hoping that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) appoints someone else to perform the Salah. She (radiyallahu ‘anha) says:

“I feared the people may take a bad omen from the first person to take the place of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)” [Perhaps some may say that Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam passed away due to Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) taking his place]

(Sahih Muslim: Hadith: 418. Also see: Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 4445)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar