Question

Can you please send me the correct Hadith regarding Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying something like the Ummah are like moths falling into a fire and I am grabbing you to save you

 

Answer

Imams Bukhari and Muslim (rahimahumallah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu). The correct wording is as follows:

“The example of me and people is like a man who lights a fire and when it brightens up what is around it, moths/butterflies and creatures [that are attracted to fire] begin to fall into it. He begins to remove them from it, but they overpower him and rush into it. I am taking hold of your waists to keep you back from the Fire while [you] are rushing into it.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6483 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2284 with slight variation in the wording)

 

Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has also recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu). The wording of this version is as follows:

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“My example and you example is that of a person who lit a fire and insects and moths began to fall in it. He tries to drive them away. I am taking hold of you by your waist but you are escaping from my hands.”

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2285)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar