Question

Is there a Hadith that the Angel of death came to Musa (‘alayhis salam) to take his soul, but Musa (‘alayhis salam) slapped/hit the angel, and burst his eye.

Answer

Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1339, 3407 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2372)

The commentators of Hadith explain that the Angel of death had come in Human form to inform Musa (‘alayhis salam) regarding his death and not to remove his soul. Musa (‘alayhis salam) unaware that this was the Angel of death, hit him because he saw a human in his house who entered without permission. We have been granted permission to poke someone in the eye if they peep into a person’s home without permission.

(Refer: Al Minhaj of ‘Allamah Nawawi, Hadith: 6101 and Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3407)

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar