Question

Is the Hadith in Al Matalibul ‘Aliyah regarding the last person to enter Jannah who will have 1000 assistants with radiating light in 1000 palaces and there will be a distance of 1000 years between each palace authentic?

 

Answer

The words in question are recorded in Musnad Ishaq ibn Rahuyah.

This is part of a lengthy narration wherein Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported to Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibnul Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu) a narration regarding the scene of the Hereafter and the events that will occur on Qiyamah. The narration goes on to explain that the last person remaining will have minimal light and he will barely make it over the bridge [sirat].

The part in question explains when he gains entry into Jannah:

“A man with radiating light will appear before him and when he sees him he will fall in prostration. The man will ask, ‘What is the matter?’ He will reply, ‘Aren’t you My Rabb?’ He will say, ‘I am only an assistant, you will have 1000 more assistants in 1000 palaces, the distance between each palace is the distance of 1000 years….'”

(Musnad Ishaq ibn Rahuyah; Refer: Al Matalibul ‘Aliyah, Hadith: 4539, Mukhtasar Ithafus Sadah Al Maharah, Hadith: 8668)

 

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has declared the chain authentic (هذا إسناد صحيح متصل رجاله ثقات) and ‘Allamah Busiri (rahimahullah) has also declared the chain authentic (بسند صحيح).

(Al Matalibul ‘Aliyah, Hadith: 4539, Mukhtasar Ithafus Sadah Al Maharah, Hadith: 8668)

 

See another part of the Hadith here.

 

Note: Although this Hadith has been reported as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu), the nature of the narration is not such that could be said by applying logic. It will therefore be understood that he heard this from Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) (مرفوع حكما).

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar