Shias creating doubts regarding Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu
Question:-
A person asked me regarding the relationship between Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu and Ka’ab Al Ahbaar. He claims that they were very good friends and he taught Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu many Jewish sayings or so-called “wisdoms”, to the extent that, once Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrated a Hadith and mentioned that he is not sure if it came from Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, or Ka’ab Al Ahbaar. The manner in which the question was posed seems that they are attempting to instill doubts regarding the reliability of Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu.
Answer:-
Yes, it is undoubtedly the plot of the Shias to discredit Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu and create doubts in the Ahadith that he narrated. These enemies of Islam, unfortunately, hate the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum, but the companions of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam are certainly beloved to Allah Ta’ala, His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah. Some years ago, the very same Shias tried discrediting and humiliating Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu by means of a ‘Muslim’ comedian in South Africa. It is quite evident that the audience attending the comedy show were not the most pious of people, yet they took strong objection (without any hesitation) against such mockery. In fact, they threatened to beat up the comedian at the show. It is only then that an apology was issued.
On one occasion, Marwaan Bin Hakam became angry at Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu and said, in anger, to him, “People say that Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates so many Ahadith but he did not remain long in the company of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. You came to Madinah only a few years before the demise of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam.” Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu replied, “This is true that I came into the company of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam after the battle of Khaibar and at that time, my age was thirty. From that moment onwards, I became the shadow of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and remained with him at all times until he left this world. I used to go to the home of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and remained in his service. I performed Salaah behind him and rode along with him when he went for Hajj. I participated alongside Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam in the battles after my acceptance to Islam. I take an oath by Allah! I am more acquainted with Hadeeth than others.” [Re:- Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah Pg.108 Vol.8 / Al-Isaabah Pg.205 Vol.7]
In another narration, it is reported that Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu explained the reason for narrating so many Ahadith, which we have recounted below:
“You say that Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates many Ahadith, whereas the Muhajireen do not. Allah is my witness to the reality that the Muhaajireen would tend to their land, but I was a poor person who possessed nothing but a few morsels to fill my belly. Therefore, I had the opportunity to remain most of the time in the company of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. When they were absent, I was present before Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. When they would forget something, I would remember it.”
Once Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Whoever spreads his shawl on the ground and then wraps it around him, will never forget anything that I say to him thereafter.” I spread my shawl on the ground and Rasulullah recited. When he completed his recitation I wrapped the shawl around me. I take an oath by Allah, I never forgot whatever I heard from Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam thereafter.” [Re:- Fathul Baari Pg.224 Vol.1 / Musnad-e-Ahmad Pg.270 Vol.12]
It is recorded in another narration wherein Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu says, “From that moment onwards, I never forgot any Hadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam.” [Re:- Bukhari Pg.22 Vol.1 / Al Bidaayah Wan Nihaayah Pg.105 Vol.8 / Tirmidhi 3770]
Once a person came to Zaid Bin Thaabit Radiallahu Anhu and asked him for a ruling. He replied, “Go and ask Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu.” He then related the following incident: “Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu and a certain person were sitting along with us in the Masjid, engaged in supplication and Dhikr. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam then entered and sat with us and we all became silent. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam then said, “Continue as you were doing.” Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu and the other person began supplicating loudly and Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was saying ‘Ameen’ as they supplicated.
Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu supplicated, “O Allah! Whatever my friend has supplicated for, grant me the same and I also ask from You such knowledge that is never forgotten.” Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Ameen!” We then turned to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and said, “O Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, we also ask for such knowledge that is never forgotten.” He replied, “The youngster from Dous (the tribe of Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu) has surpassed you.” [Re:- Tahtheebut Tahtheeb Pg.266 Vol.12 / Al-Isaabah Pg.208 Vol.4 / Fathul Baari Pg.226 Vol.1]
Here, Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu is saying that he never forgot anything that he heard from Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, whereas these enemies of the Sahaabah are claiming that he cannot recall whether the statement was from Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam or Ka’ab Al Ahbaar. If doubt is created in Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu, then the 5374 Ahadith that he narrated will be discredited. We should be aware of the trickery and deception of these Shias. May Allah Ta’ala protect us and the Ummah. Ameen!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 22 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 / 19 October 2022