Question

Kindly provide me with the authenticity of the following narration:

When Ya’qub (‘alayhis salam) was in grief, the angel of death appeared before him and Ya’qub (‘alayhis salam) asked: “Did you remove the soul of Yusuf (‘alayhis salam)? The angel replied in the negative. Consequently Ya’qub (‘alayhis salam) was relieved and comforted.

Answer

This narration has been recorded by Imam Ibn Abi Hatim (rahimahullah) as the statement of Nadhr ibn ‘Arabi, who was a Tabi’i. Furthermore, When Nadhr ibn ‘Arabi quoted it, he commenced it with the words: بلغني [i.e., It has reached me…].

Therefore, it seems to be sourced from Historical Narrations (Israiliyyat), and should be quoted as such.

(Tafsir Ibn Abi Hatim, Surah Yusuf, Verse: 87; Also see: Ruhul Ma’ani, Surah Yusuf, Verse: 87)

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Farhan Shariff

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar