Question

What is the source of the story that Sayyiduna Sa’d ibn Mu’adh (radiyallahu ‘anhu) was punished in the grave for being careless about urine. is this story authentic?

 

Answer

This is recorded in the following sources:

Tabaqat ibn Sa’d, vol. 3, pg. 430.

Kitabuz Zuhd of Hannad ibn Sariy, Hadith: 357,

Dalailun Nubuwwah of Bayhaqi, vol. 4, pg. 30 and others.

These narrations regarding Sayyiduna Sa’d ibn Mu’adh (radiyallahu ‘anhu) actually state that he was squeezed for a short while in the grave upon burial and then released. The reason for this squeeze is said to be: him not being particular about urine drops. No additional punishment is mentioned regarding him.

(Ithafus Sadatil Muttaqin, vol. 10, pg. 422)

Click here for more details concerning the “squeeze of the grave”.

Note 1: Sayyiduna Sa’d Ibn Mu’adh (radiyallahu ‘anhu) is a senior Ansari Sahabi, who has many merits in the Hadith and should always be respected- like all the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum). This should not be overshadowed by the temporary, light retribution he received upon burial in his grave.

‘Allamah Qurtubi (rahimahullah) has explained emphatically that this was a brief retribution for this Great Sahabi (radiyallahu ‘ahnu) after which there is no mention of further punishment.

It is only those who doubt his excellence and virtue who will claim otherwise.

(At-Tadhkirah, pg. 124)

Note 2: The above reprieve was the speciality of this illustrious Sahabi (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Others who are careless with urine are warned of ongoing punishment in the grave.

Note 3: In a narration of Sahih Bukhari (Hadith: 216) Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) pointed out the lasting punishment that certain inmates of the grave were experiencing because of carelessness with urine. That was definitely not Sayyiduna Sa’d ibn Mu’adh (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 216)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar