Question

Is it correct that Sayyidah ‘Aishah (radiyallahu anha) had mentioned that whoever wanted to hear the sound of the pond of Kawthar should put their fingers in their ears?

Answer

Imam Ibn Jarir At Tabari (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as the statement of Sayyidah ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha).

Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) said: “Whomsoever wishes to hear the sound of [the river] of Kawthar, should place his fingers in his ears.”

(Tafsir Tabari, Surah Al Kawthar, vol. 24, pg. 681)

‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has stated that there is an omission in the chain [thus rendering it weak].

(Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 70)

Imam Daraqutni (rahimahullah) has also recorded a similar narration as a Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). ‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) has stated that this version corroborates the version above.

(Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 553)

‘Allamah Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) has explained that this means, he will hear a sound similar to that of the flowing of Kawthar, and not the actual sound of Kawthar. (ومعنى هذا أنه يسمع نظير ذلك، لا أنه يسمعه نفسه)

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Al Kawthar, vol. 7, pg. 670)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar