People will remain on good as long as they do not delay Maghrib

Question

What is the source of this Hadith?

لا تزال أمتي بخير -أو قال على الفطرة- ما لم يؤخروا المغرب إلى أن تشتبك النجوم

 

Answer

Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded this Hadith.

When ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir (radiyallahu ‘anhu) was appointed over Egypt, he once delayed Maghrib. Abu Ayyub Al Ansari (radiyallahu ‘anhu) questioned him regarding this to which he replied that he became preoccupied.  Abu Ayyub (radiyallahu ‘anhu) asked, “Did you not hear Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say:

‘My ummah will remain on good -or on the [Sunnah]- as long as they do not delay Maghrib until the stars become intertwined.'”

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 421)

 

‘Stars becoming intertwined’ refers to the time when stars of all sizes emerge and it appears that they are joined due to their number. This happens when it becomes dark.

(Sharh ibn Raslan, Hadith: 418)

 

Also see here

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar