Question

Whoever goes before the imam in any posture of Salah his face will change to a donkey.

Is this a Hadith? and if yes what is the explanation?

 

Answer

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Doesn’t the one among you who raises his head before the Imam fear, that Allah could turn his head into that of a donkey’s?!.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 691)

Explanation

1. The Hadith commentators mention that this could apply literally for some people.

‘Allamah ‘Ayni (rahimahullah) has warned that if it doesn’t happen immediately one should not be deceived. Since several people receive their punishment later in life.

He has cited sources stating that certain sinners had their faces disfigured prior to their death. This could also be the case with some perpetrators of the above sin.

(‘Umdatul Qari, Hadith: 691)

2. It could also be in its figurative meaning, which would be: that such a person will become foolish and dumb minded, like a donkey is.

(‘Umdatul Qari and Fathul Bari, Hadith: 691)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar