Question

Is there a Hadith which states the number of scriptures (Sahaif) that Shith (‘alayhis salam), Ibrahim (‘alayhis salam), Idris (‘alayhis salam) were given.

If so, what is the authenticity of the Hadith?

Answer

At the outset, it is imperative that we believe and accept all the books and scriptures that Allah Ta’ala revealed, on a whole, even without knowing their exact number.

Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has recorded a lengthy Hadith, on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) which states that fifty scriptures were revealed to Nabi Shith (‘alayhis salam), thirty to Idris (‘alayhis salam), ten to ‘Ibrahim (‘alayhis salam) and ten to Musa (‘alayhis salam) before revelation of the Tawrah.

(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 361)

The authenticity of this Hadith is debated based on a narrator in the chain. This narrator has been declared a liar by senior Muhaddithun like Imam Abu Zur’ah and Imam Abu Hatim (rahimahumallah). ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has declared him very weak.

However, Imam Ibn Hibban and Imam Tabarani (rahimahumallah) were of the view that he is reliable.

(Lisanul Mizan, vol. 1, pg. 381-382)

See here

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar