Question

Is the following Hadith authentic?

يوشك أن يأتي على الناس زمان لا يبقى من الإسلام إلا اسمه ولا يبقى من القرآن إلا رسمه مساجدهم عامرة وهي خراب من الهدى علماؤهم شر مَن تحت أديم السماء مِن عندهم تخرج الفتنة وفيهم تعود

Answer

The narration in question has been reported with a weak chain as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) with slight variation in the wording.

Some Muhaddithun like Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) have also recorded this narration as a Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Al ‘Uqubat of Imam Ibn Abid Dunya, Hadith: 8, Al Kamil Fi Du’afair Rijal, vol. 7, pg. 20 and Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 1763 and 1764. Also see Khalqu Af-‘alil ‘Ibad of Imam Bukhari, Hadith: 252)

One may quote this Hadith

Translation of the Hadith in question

There will come a time upon the people when nothing will remain of Islam except it’s name and nothing will remain of the Quran except it’s words. The Masjids will be splendidly furnished but devoid of guidance. The Scholars will be the worst people, trials will issue from them and the [harm of these trials will] revert to them.

Disclaimer: In principle, the signs of Qiyamah are ambiguous and nuanced and only Allah Ta’ala Knows their precise timing and exact application. One should certainly take heed from such Hadiths and signs, despite their application to specific events being open to interpretation.

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar