Book: Dalail an-Nubuwwah by Bayhaqi

Chapter on the Narration of the Messenger of Allah's Speaking of His Lord's Graces

It has come in reference to the saying of Allah the Almighty, "And as for the favor of your Lord, report it." And what has been mentioned about its characteristics through an abridged path, we have specified in the Book of Marriage from the Book of Sunan what pertains to it from the rulings.

Hadith on the Prophet's Words

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "I was aided by dread, and I was given concise speech, and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth were placed in my hand." Abu Huraira said: "The Messenger of Allah passed away while you were all busy in tearing the earth to pieces."

Narrated by Muslim in Sahih from Abdul Hamid and Muhammad bin Rafi' from Abdul Razzaq.

Further Narrations

It was narrated to us by Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz, Abu Muhammad bin Abi Hamid al-Muqri', Abu Bakr al-Qadi, and Abu Sadiq bin Abi al-Fawaris, they said: It was narrated to us by Abu al-Abbas, Muhammad ibn Ya'qub, who narrated to us by Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn 'Abd al-Hakam, who narrated to us by Ibn Wahb.

Hadith of the Messenger (peace be upon him)

Yunus narrated from Ibn Shihab, from Sa'id bin Al-Musayyib, from Abu Huraira, who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "I was sent with concise speech and was made victorious by awe, while I was asleep, the keys of the treasures of the earth were brought to me and placed in my hand." Abu Huraira said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has passed away, and you are turning them over."

Interpretation of the Hadith

According to Ali bin Ahmad bin Abdan, narrated by Ahmad bin Ubaid, who reported from Ubaid bin Shareek and Ibn Milhan, who said that Yahya bin Bukair narrated from Al-Laith, from Uqail, from Ibn Shihab, from Sa'id bin Al-Musayyib, that Abu Huraira said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) narrating this hadith in the same way. Ibn Shihab added, 'It reached me that the concise words are such that Allah the Almighty gathers for Him the numerous matters that were written in the books before in one or two matters like it." This hadith is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Further Narrators of the Hadith

Reported by Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz, Abu Bakr Al-Qadi, Abu Muhammad bin Abi Hamid Al-Muqri, and Abu Sadiq Al-Attar, they said: 'Abu Al-Abbas Muhammad bin Ya'qub reported to us, who reported from Muhammad bin Abdillah bin Abdil Hakam, who reported from Ibn Wahb, who reported from Amr bin Al-Harith that Abu Yunus, the servant of Abu Huraira, narrated to him from Abu Huraira, from the Messenger of Allah, who said:...

Hadith on Prophet Muhammad's Honors and Achievements

Key Points: Prophet Muhammad mentioned that he was granted six unique qualities among the prophets:

1. Ability to strike fear in the hearts of enemies.
2. Given comprehensive speech.
3. Granted keys to the treasures of the earth.
4. Allowed spoils of war.
5. The earth was made pure and a place of worship for him.
6. Commissioned to all humanity.
7. The line of prophets culminated in him.

Related Narrations

The narration also mentions other details about Prophet Muhammad's distinctive characteristics:

• His name was foretold as Ahmad.
• The earth was made pure for him.
• His nation was made the best among nations.

Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Jaabir ibn Abdullah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "I have been given five things that no one before me was given: Every Prophet was sent specifically to his own people, but I have been sent to all red and black people. Booties of war have been made lawful for me, and it was not made lawful for anyone before me. The earth has been made a place of worship and a means of purification for me, so whenever the time of prayer comes for any man, he can pray. I have been given victory with awe cast into the hearts of the enemy, within the range of a month's journey. I have been granted intercession."

It was narrated by Al-Bukhari in Sahih from Muhammad ibn Sinan from Hushaym, and narrated by Muslim from Yahya ibn Yahya.

Seeking the Prophet at Night

Abu Dharr reported: "I sought the Messenger of Allah one night, and someone told me that he had gone to some of the valleys. I found him standing in prayer, elongating his prayer. Then, he said: 'Tonight, I have been given five things that no one before me was given. I have been sent to the black and red (meaning jinn and mankind), and victory has been granted to me through awe that terrifies the enemy for a month's journey. The earth has been made a place of worship and a means of purification for me, and I have been allowed spoils of war which were not allowed to anyone before me. I was told to ask for more, but I left it as intercession for my Ummah against those who do not associate partners with Allah.'"

This narration was reported by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad and Abu Dawood in the Book of Prayer regarding places where prayer is prohibited.

Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Narrated by Ibn Abbas, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"I have been given five things which were not given to any before me. Earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a means to perform purification, so whenever the time of prayer is due for any of my followers, they can pray wherever they are. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection). Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only, but I have been sent to all mankind. The prophets were given miracles containing special meanings, but what I have been given is divine inspiration which Allah has revealed to me. So I hope that my followers will outnumber the followers of the other Prophets on the Day of Resurrection."

It is also reported that while the Prophet was on his miraculous night journey, he was granted three things: the five daily prayers were enjoined upon him, the conclusion of Surah al-Baqarah was bestowed upon him, and forgiveness was granted to his followers who do not commit shirk (ascribing partners) to Allah.

Rewards and Blessings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

It was narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "I have been favored over people in three ways: The entire earth has been made a place of worship for me and a means of purification; the rows of our followers are like the rows of angels; and I have been given the treasures beneath the Throne, and no one before me and after me has been given the like of them."

Prophetic Authority

Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned that he was given the equivalent of the Torah's seven, the Psalms' hundred, the Gospels' twofold, and was favored with the decisive.

Inheritance of Knowledge

Additionally, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "We are the last (to come) but the first on the Day of Resurrection, although they were given the Book before us, and we were given it after them. This is their day which was prescribed for them, but they disputed in it. So Allah guided us for it, and the people are following us: the Jews tomorrow, and the Christians the day after tomorrow."

These teachings are essential parts of the prophetic tradition, as recorded in various Hadith collections such as Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Hadith of Ibn Uyaynah

Reported by Abu al-Zinad: Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz and Abu Abdullah Isaac bin Muhammad bin Yusuf al-Susi said: Abu al-Abbas Muhammad bin Ya'qub informed us, who narrated from Al-Rabi' bin Sulaiman al-Muradi and Said bin Uthman, who said: Bishr bin Bakr narrated to us from Al-Awza'i, who narrated from Abu Ammar, from Abdullah bin Furukh, from Abu Huraira, that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "I am the leader of the descendants of Adam on the Day of Judgment, and the first from whom the earth will split open, and the first intercessor, and the first whose intercession will be accepted."

Abu Abdullah Isaac bin Muhammad al-Susi informed us that Abu al-Abbas told us, who narrated from Al-Abbas bin al-Walid, who was informed by Abu Huraira, who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "I am the master of the children of Adam on the Day of Judgment," and he mentioned the same hadith. This was reported by Muslim in Sahih from a different chain through Al-Awza'i.

Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz informed us, Muhammad bin Abi Ahmed bin Ali al-Muqri, who narrated from Al-Hasan bin Sufyan, who told us it was reported by Abu Bakr bin Abi Shaybah, who narrated from Muhammad bin Bishr, who narrated from Abu Hayyan, from Abu Zur'ah, from Abu Huraira, who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was brought meat and he lifted his hand towards it, and it pleased him, so he took a bite from it, then said: "I am the master."

The Gathering on the Day of Judgment

On the Day of Resurrection, people will be gathered, but do you know why? Allah will gather the first and the last on a leveled field. The sun will approach the people, causing them distress and anguish that they cannot bear. Some will say to others: "Do you not see the state we are in? Do you not see what has befallen us? Do you not see who can intercede for you with your Lord?"

Appeal to Adam

People will turn to Adam and say: "O Adam! You are the father of mankind, created by the hands of Allah. Intercede for us with your Lord. Do you not see what we are going through? Do you not see what has reached us?" Adam will respond, confessing that he disobeyed as he was forbidden from the tree.

Nuh (Noah) Addressed

When Adam refuses, people will then go to Nuh (Noah) and implore him to intercede, acknowledging his status as the first messenger. Despite their pleas, Nuh will also decline, citing his own supplication to Allah against his people.

Turning to Ibrahim (Abraham)

Next, they seek Ibrahim (Abraham), recognizing him as a prophet of Allah and beseeching him to intercede for them. Ibrahim, too, declines, mentioning Allah's wrath that day and his own deceitful actions.

Appeal to Musa (Moses)

After Ibrahim, they approach Musa (Moses), extolling him as the messenger of Allah. But even Musa will decline to intercede, emphasizing the severity of Allah's anger and recalling his past deeds.

Conversation between the Prophets

In this dialogue, Moses and Jesus plead to each other, with Moses urging people to turn to Jesus, emphasizing the severity of God's anger on that day. Turning to Jesus, the requests continue as Jesus redirects them to Muhammad, affirming his status as the Seal of the Prophets.

Prophetic Intercession Chain

As people approach Muhammad seeking intercession, he guides them on how to approach the Divine throne. Muhammad's profound connection is evident as he prostrates and receives unique praises, leading to a special command followed by his intercession for his people, ensuring their entry to paradise through the gate reserved for his followers.

Geographical Comparisons

Descriptions of the vast expanse of paradise are presented, comparing its width to distances between known locations like Mecca and Medina or Mecca and Busra, elucidating the immense scale of heavenly rewards and provisions.

Hadith Narration: Intercession on the Day of Judgment

Reported by Muslim in his Sahih from Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shayba, and also narrated by Bukhari from another source, from Abu Hayyan.

Chain of Narration:

• Abu Abdullah Al-Husayn ibn Umar ibn Burhan Al-Ghazzal informed us in Baghdad.
• Isma'il ibn Muhammad Al-Saffar narrated to us.
• Al-Hasan ibn Arafah informed us.
• Al-Qasim ibn Malik Al-Muzanni narrated from Al-Mukhtar ibn Fulfoul, from Anas ibn Malik, who said:
  "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'I am the first intercessor on the Day of Resurrection, and I am the one with the most followers on that day. Among the prophets, there will be some who will come on the Day of Resurrection accompanied by only one follower.'"

Muslim also narrated it in Sahih from another source, from Al-Mukhtar ibn Fulfoul.

Another Narration:

• Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz informed us.
• Abu Al-Abbas Muhammad ibn Ya'qub narrated to us.
• Muhammad ibn Ishaq Al-Saghani informed us.
• Yunus ibn Muhammad narrated from Layth ibn Sa'd, from Yazid ibn Hadi, from 'Amr ibn Abi 'Amr, from Anas, who said:
  "I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say: 'I will be the first person for whom the earth will split open on the Day of Resurrection, and I will be given the flag of praise, and I will be the leader of all people on that day. I will be the first to enter Paradise on the Day of Resurrection, and I will come to the gate of Paradise and take hold of its ring. They will ask, 'Who is this?' I will reply, 'I am Muhammad.' They will then open it for me, and I will find the Almighty. I will prostrate to Him, and then He will say, 'Raise your head, O Muhammad, and speak, you will be listened to and intercede.'"

Hadith on Intercession

When the Day of Resurrection comes, I will prostrate myself beneath the Throne and will say: O my people, O my people! Then God will say: Go to those for whom you intercede, for every one of them who has the weight of a grain of barley of faith in their hearts, bring them out of the Fire into Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that even if someone has half a grain of barley in their heart, then another of mustard seed, and then releases everyone who adores Allah without associating partners with Him. This hadith has been narrated through various chains of narration.

Intercession at the Gate of Paradise

It has been narrated that on the Day of Resurrection, the Prophet (peace be upon him) will come to the gate of Paradise and seek to enter. The angels will ask him who he is, and he will respond that he is Muhammad, upon which they will say they have been commanded not to open the gate for anyone before him. This narration is recorded in Sahih Muslim, through different narrators.

The Position of the Prophet

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, "I am the leader of the messengers, and this is not out of arrogance. I am the seal of all prophets, again not out of pride. And I am the first intercessor and the first for whom intercession will be accepted, and this is not out of pride." This hadith is reported through various chains of narration.

Translation of a Classical Arabic Text

Hadith Narration: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "On the Day of Judgment, I will be the leader of the people, their orator, and the one who intercedes for them, yet no boasting."

Chain of Transmission: This narration was conveyed by Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan ibn Fork, from Abdullah ibn Ja'far, from Yunus ibn Habib, from Abu Dawud At-Tayalisi, from Ali ibn Zaid, from Abu Nadrah who reported that Ibn Abbas delivered a sermon in Basra.

Meaning of the Hadith: The Prophet mentioned that every prophet has a supplication granted during their lifetime, and on the Day of Judgment, he will hold a supplication reserved for interceding for his nation. He emphasized being the leader of the children of Adam on that Day without any arrogance. The narration includes a mention of Jesus Christ stating his absence and delegation of intercession.

Reference: This Hadith can be found in Tirmidhi's collection under the Book of Virtues, narrated as a good Hadith (3613).

Reflections on the Intercession of the Prophets

In this profound hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) speaks of the Day of Judgment, highlighting the crucial role of intercession by the Prophets. He likens his intercession to a seal that allows the pouring out of blessings until the Final Judgment. He emphasizes his humility before Allah's will, stating that his intercession is granted only when Allah permits.

Prophetic Intercession Process

On the Day of Resurrection, people will seek the Prophet's intercession before Allah, who will then call upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to intercede. However, each Prophet, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, will humbly decline, narrating their past mistakes and the limits of their intercession. The ultimate intercessor will be Prophet Muhammad, who will be granted the privilege of interceding for mankind.

Significance of Intercession

This sequence underscores the unique status of the Prophets in Islam and their interconnectedness in the Divine plan. The hadith ends with the anticipation of the final intercessor, Prophet Muhammad, whose praise of Allah is unparalleled. His intercession signifies the mercy and justice of Allah, illustrating the connection between human actions and divine judgment.

The Prophet's Intercession for His Ummah

When the Day of Judgment comes, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) will intercede on behalf of his ummah. He will raise his head and say, "O Lord, my ummah, my ummah." Permission will be granted to him to take out those who had goodness in their hearts from the Fire. He will then come back and prostrate, and it will be said to him, "Raise your head and ask, you will be given intercession for those whom you interceded for."

The Story of Adam and the Prophet's Excellence

It is narrated that when Allah created Adam, he showed him the excellence of some of his descendants over others. Adam saw a radiant light at the end of his descendants and asked, "O Lord, who is this?" Allah replied, "This is your son Ahmad (referring to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). He is the first and the last, he is the foremost intercessor."

Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad

Narrated by Anas bin Malik: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "I am the first to be resurrected when people are resurrected, the leader when they are gathered, the speaker when they are silent, the intercessor when they are in captivity, and the one who gives glad tidings when they are in despair. The banner of praise will be in my hand on that Day, as well as the keys to the treasures of the heavens. I am the most honorable among the children of Adam before my Lord, without pride. A thousand servants will encircle me like hidden pearls."

Additional Narration

Abu Manṣūr relates from Ahmad ibn ʿAlī al-Dalbaganī from Abū Bakr al-Ismāʿīlī that, "Your Lord may well station you in the high station of al-maḥmūd." My Lord may well grant me the right to intercede."

God's Chosen Beloveds

Indeed, Allah the Exalted chose Ibrahim as His beloved, and your companion (referring to Prophet Muhammad) is Allah's beloved. On the Day of Judgment, Muhammad will be the most honorable among all creation. It is then read: "Your Lord may well exalt you to a laudable station." It is narrated that the best of Adam's offspring are five: Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and the best of them is Muhammad. Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet said: "The master of the children of Adam is five: Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad. Muhammad is the best of the children of Adam, and he is the best of them."

The Significance of Friday

Abdullah bin Salam stated during a gathering on a Friday that it is one of the greatest days, for on that day Adam was created and the Hour will occur. He further expressed that the most noble creation of Allah is indeed Muhammad. When asked about the angels, he replied that they are mere creation like the earth, the sky, the clouds, the mountains, the winds, and other creatures, whereas the most honorable creation in the sight of Allah is Muhammad. He emphasized that Paradise is in the sky and Hellfire is on the earth. On the Day of Judgment, Allah will resurrect creation and prophets in succession until Ahmad and his followers are the last to be gathered. (Source: Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak)

Event of the Bridge Over Hell

In a narration, it is mentioned that a bridge will be placed over Hell. A caller will then announce, "Where are Ahmad (Prophet Muhammad) and his community?" Prophet Muhammad will stand up, followed by his community, both the righteous and the sinners. They will take the bridge and Allah will make the eyes of the enemies blind. There will be a commotion, and Prophet Muhammad and the righteous will be saved, welcomed by angels showing them their abodes in Paradise on their right and left, until they reach their Lord, where they will be given thrones. This hadith is also mentioned in the stories of other prophets.

The Mercy of Belief in Allah and His Messenger

It is narrated that whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger will receive mercy in this world and the Hereafter. Those who do not believe will be spared from immediate punishment in the form of earthquakes, transformations, and stonings afflicting nations, and that is mercy in the world.

The Excellency of Prophet Muhammad

Ibn Abbas mentioned that Allah has favored Prophet Muhammad above the inhabitants of the heavens and the prophets. When asked about this excellence, Ibn Abbas explained that Allah favored Prophet Muhammad as He warned the inhabitants of the heavens that whoever claims to be a deity besides Him will be thrown into Hell, just as the wrongdoers will be punished. Additionally, Allah informed Prophet Muhammad that He has granted Him a manifest victory.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

May Allah forgive your past and future sins.

They asked Ibn Abbas, "What makes the Prophet better than other prophets?"
He replied, "Because Allah says: 'We did not send any messenger except in the language of his people.' And Allah said to Muhammad: 'We have sent you as a mercy to all the worlds.' So Allah sent him to both humans and jinn."

Abu Al-Husayn Ibn Al-Fadl Al-Qattan informed us, Abu Sahl Ibn Ziyad Al-Qattan told us, Al-Hasan Ibn Al-Abbas Al-Razi narrated to us, Muhammad Ibn Aban narrated to us, Ibrahim Ibn Al-Hakam Ibn Aban narrated from his father, from Ikrimah, from Ibn Abbas, mentioning the Prophet (peace be upon him) after the verse. It was written for him a release from the Fire, and in the end, Allah sent him to the jinn and humans saying, 'O people, I am the Messenger of Allah to you.'

Muhammad Ibn Musa Ibn Al-Fadl informed us, Abu Al-Abbas Al-Asamm informed us, Al-Hasan Ibn Ali Ibn Affan informed us, Abu Usamah narrated from Abu Uthman Al-Makki, from Abdullah Ibn Kathir, from Mujahid regarding the verse saying it was a voluntary act for him. He said, 'No one performed voluntary acts except the Prophet (peace be upon him) because his past and future sins had been forgiven. So whatever deed done in addition to the obligatory is considered voluntary, as he does not perform it to atone for sins. People perform acts other than the obligatory to seek forgiveness for their sins, whereas people do not have voluntary acts, they are exclusively for the Prophet (peace be upon him).'

Abu Salih Ibn Abi Tahir Al-Anbari informed us, narrated by my grandfather Yahya Ibn Mansur, the opening verse of Surah Al-Fath.

The Saying of Ibn Abbas

It was narrated by Abu al-Jawza that Ibn Abbas said, "Allah did not create a creation dearer to Him than Muhammad (peace be upon him). I have never heard Allah swear by the life of anyone except by the life of Muhammad. He said, 'By your life, they are indeed wandering blindly in their drunkenness, and by Your life, they are indeed wandering blindly in their drunkenness.'"

The Hadith of Ibn Umar

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "I have been given preference over Adam (peace be upon him) in two qualities. When Satan was a disbeliever, Allah aided me until he became a believer. And my wives have been a source of comfort for me, whereas the wife of Adam was a source of trouble for him due to her mistake."

Chain of Narration

This narration was relayed by Muhammad ibn al-Walid ibn Aban, who is known in the narration circles. The chain of narration includes prominent figures such as Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz, Abu Sa'id Amru ibn Muhammad ibn Mansur al-Adl, and Abu al-Hasan, among others.

Rewards of Prophet Muhammad's Intercession

Abdul Rahman ibn Zaid ibn Aslam narrated from his father, from his grandfather, from Umar ibn Al-Khattab, who said that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "When Adam committed the sin, he said: 'O Lord! I ask You by the right of Muhammad to forgive me.' So Allah, Almighty and Exalted, said: 'O Adam! How did you know about Muhammad whom I had not yet created?' Adam replied: 'O my Lord! When You created me with Your hand and breathed into me of Your spirit, I raised my head and saw written on the pillars of the Throne: There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. So I knew that You did not embed beside Your name except the most beloved creation to You.' Allah, Almighty and Exalted, said: 'You have spoken the truth, O Adam! Indeed, I love the creation for his sake, and when you asked me by his right, I forgave you. If it were not for Muhammad, I would not have created you.'”

High Status of Prophet Muhammad's Progeny

It was narrated that Abu Ali Muhammad ibn Muhammad Al-Ash'ath Al-Kufi heard in Egypt, and while I was listening, he affirmed it. Abu Hassan Musa ibn Ismail ibn Musa ibn Ja'far ibn Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, in the city of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, narrated from his ancestors, up to his grandfather Al-Husayn ibn Ali, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The people of Paradise do not have any titles but that of Adam, for he is called by the name of his father, Muhammad, in reverence and honor.”

Exegesis of Surah An-Nur

Narrated by Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz, narrated by Abu Al-Abbas, who is Al-Asamm, narrated by Abu Ishaq Ibrahim ibn Ahmad As-Sahhaf Al-Kufi, narrated by Isa ibn Abdur-Rahman, narrated by Muhammad ibn Aban, from Abu Ishaq, from Alqamah and Al-Aswad regarding the saying of Allah the Almighty:

Do not make the supplication of the Messenger among you as the supplication of some of you to others. ...

Do not say, "O Muhammad," but say, "O Messenger of Allah" or "O Prophet of Allah."

This is from the Noble Verse (63) of Surah An-Nur.