Question

Please explain the following narration:

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Towards the end of time there will be people from my Ummah who will quote to you narrations which neither you nor your forefathers would’ve heard. Beware of them!”

(Introduction of Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 15-16, and Musnad Ahmad, vol. 2, pg. 32; Declared authentic (sahih) by Imams: Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 6766, and Hakim, vol. 1, pg. 103)

Answer

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has prophesized the emergence of liars and fabricators that will fabricate narrations and concoct false rulings as well as beliefs that were never heard of before. It is therefore imperative that one be cautious and verify the authenticity of such narrations (which seem far fetched and were previously unheard of) before sharing them.

Mulla ‘Ali Qari (rahimahullah) writes that it could also refer to certain aspects of our Din like discussions of creed (‘Aqidah and/or ‘Ilmul Kalam) that was previously never discussed with the general public.

(Mirqat, Hadith: 154, and Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 4780)

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Farhan Shariff

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar