Question

What is the meaning of the following part of the Hadith in Sahih Muslim:

إن بعضكم على بعض أمراء

inna ba’dakum ala ba’din umara

 

Answer

When ‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) descends, the leader at that time [Al Mahdi] will ask him to lead the Salah. He will say, ‘No, Some of you are [suitable] leaders over others, This is as an honour from Allah for this Ummah’ [i.e., Someone from this Ummah should lead the Salah].

The commentators explain that if ‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) had to lead the Salah, some people may get a misconception that he has come as a Nabi with a new Shari’ah. Therefore he will opt to be a Muqtadi [for that salah].

(Refer: Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 156, Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3449, vol. 6, pg. 494 and Fathul Mulhim, vol. 2, pg. 138)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar