The report numbered Ibn Abi Shaybah a significant historical narration regarding the transition of leadership in early Islam from the Rightly Guided Caliphate Core Content of the Narration The report recounts a conversation between the scholar Sa'id ibn Jumhan and the Companion
(may Allah be pleased with him), a former servant of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Context: Sa'id mentioned to Safinah that the Banu Umayyah (Umayyads) claimed the Caliphate belonged to them. The Response: Safinah refuted this claim, stating:
"The sons of al-Zarqa' have lied. Rather, they are kings—among the harshest of kings—and the first of the kings was Mu'awiyah." Theological and Historical Context
This specific narration is often cited alongside the famous Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ that states:
"The Caliphate in my Ummah will last for thirty years, then it will be a monarchy (kingship) after that." Transition of Power: Scholars use this report to distinguish between the divinely-guided Caliphate
(the period of the first four Caliphs and briefly Hasan ibn Ali) and the subsequent hereditary rule initiated by the Umayyad dynasty. Mu'awiyah's Status:
While Safinah identifies Mu'awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) as the "first of the kings," Sunni tradition generally maintains a respectful view of him as a Sahabi (Companion) while acknowledging the shift in the nature of governance during his reign. About the Source: Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah
is one of the earliest and largest collections of Hadith and (narrations from Companions and successors). Description Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah (159–235 AH), a teacher of Imams Bukhari and Muslim Organized by legal topics ( ), containing over 37,000 reports. (from the Prophet), (from Companions), and (from Successors). Summary of Significance
Report 37157 serves as a primary source for understanding how the early generations perceived the shift in Islamic political structure. It highlights a critical perspective from the
regarding the Umayyad dynasty's claim to the Caliphate versus the reality of their monarchical rule. of this specific report? How other early historians, like Ibn Kathir , interpreted this shift? of Safinah, the narrator of this report?
Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157 مصنف ابن ابي شىيبه
The narration numbered Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah is a report concerning the transition of the early Islamic leadership from the Caliphate to kingship. The Narration Content The text is a conversation between Sa'id ibn Jumhan and the Companion Safinah (ra) regarding the Umayyad dynasty's claim to the Caliphate. Arabic Text:
"حَدَّثَنَا الْفَضْلُ حَدَّثَنَا حَشْرَجُ بْنُ نَبَاتَةَ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنِي سَعِیدُ بْنُ جُمْهَانَ قُلْتُ لِسَفِینَةِ، إنَّ بَنِي أُمَيَّةَ يَزْعُمُونَ، أَنَّ الْخِلَافَةَ فِیهِمْ، قَالَ: كَذَبَ بَنُو الزَّرْقَاءِ، بَلْ هُمْ مُلُوكٌ مِنْ أَشَدَّاءِ الْمُلُوكِ، وَأَوَّلُ الْمُلُوكِ مُعَاوِيَةُ." [21] English Translation:
Sa'id ibn Jumhan said: I said to Safinah, "The Banu Umayya claim that the Caliphate is among them!" Safinah replied, "The children of the blue-eyed woman (Banu al-Zarqa') have lied; rather, they are kings from among the harshest of kings, and the first of the kings was Mu'awiyah." [21] Context and Significance The Caliphate vs. Kingship:
This narration is often cited in discussions regarding the "Caliphate upon the Prophetic Method" vs. the "Biting Kingship" ( mulkan 'addan
). It reflects a view held by some early figures that the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs ended after the initial thirty years, following which the leadership style shifted to hereditary monarchy [21]. Terminology:
Safinah (ra) uses the term "Banu al-Zarqa'" (Children of the blue-eyed woman), which was a derogatory reference to the ancestry of the Umayyads, specifically related to the mother of Marwan ibn al-Hakam [21]. Parallel Narrations:
A similar version of this report, often including the famous "The Caliphate is thirty years" statement, is found in Sunan al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2226) [21]. About Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah
is one of the most important early collections of Hadith and (reports from the Companions and Successors). Structure:
It is organized by legal topics (Fiqh) and historical events. Nature of Content: It contains (attributed to the Prophet), and (attributed to Companions) narrations. Authenticity:
Unlike the "Six Books" (Sihah Sittah), Ibn Abi Shaybah compiled narrations regardless of their individual authenticity, leaving the critical evaluation to researchers. grading of this specific chain or more reports from this chapter on the Caliphate?
, which discusses the transition from the Caliphate to kingship in early Islamic history.
The Shift from Caliphate to Kingship: Reflections on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157
In the vast ocean of Hadith literature, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah stands as one of the most comprehensive and oldest collections, serving as a critical bridge to the era of the Sahaba (Companions) and Tabi'un (Successors). Within its thousands of entries, narration number 37157 offers a striking perspective on a pivotal turning point in Islamic history: the rise of the Umayyad dynasty. The Narration: A Conversation on Authority
The text records a dialogue between Sa’id ibn Jumhan and Safina (a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). In this report:
The Claim: Sa’id mentions that the Banu Umayya (Umayyads) claimed that the Khilafah (Caliphate) resided among them.
The Rebuttal: Safina responds forcefully, stating that they "lied." He characterizes them not as Caliphs in the traditional spiritual and communal sense, but as "kings from among the harsh kings" (mulukan min ashidda’ al-muluk).
The First King: Safina specifically identifies Mu’awiyah as the first of these kings. Why This Matters Today
This narration is often cited by historians and theologians to distinguish between the Rashidun (Rightly Guided) Caliphate and the hereditary monarchies that followed. It highlights a deep-seated historical debate regarding the nature of political power in Islam:
Terminology of Power: The shift from "Khalifa" (Successor/Steward) to "Malik" (King) was seen by many early scholars as a fundamental change from a system based on shura (consultation) to one based on mulk (dynastic rule).
Historical Honesty: The inclusion of such reports in a Sunni collection like the Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah demonstrates the early scholars' commitment to preserving diverse viewpoints and critical historical perspectives.
The Role of Safina: Safina’s status as a Companion adds weight to this testimony, as he was someone who lived through the transition and observed the changing political landscape firsthand. Exploring the Source
If you are looking to study this further, the Musannaf is an essential resource for understanding the "Athar" (reports from the companions). Unlike later collections that focused strictly on the Prophetic Sunnah, Ibn Abi Shaybah preserved the legal and historical opinions of the first generations of Muslims.
For those interested in the full Arabic text or Urdu translations, repositories like Al-Hadees provide digital access to these specific narrations.
The Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, recorded under the specific narration number 37157, is a significant historical and theological text within Sunni Islamic scholarship. This particular entry provides insight into the early political transitions of the Islamic state, specifically discussing the shift from the Rashidun Caliphate to the era of dynastic rule. Content of Narration 37157
In this report, Said bin Jumhan narrates a conversation with Safina, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The text addresses the claims of the Umayyad dynasty (Banu Umayya) regarding their right to the Caliphate.
Arabic Text: حَدَّثَنَا الْفَضْلُ حَدَّثَنَا حَشْرَجُ بْنُ نَبَاتَۃَ ، قَالَ : حدَّثَنِی سَعِیدُ بْنُ جُمْہَانَ قُلْتُ لِسَفِینَۃِ ، إنَّ بَنِی أُمَیَّۃَ یَزْعُمُونَ ، أَنَّ الْخِلاَفَۃَ فِیہِمْ ، قَالَ : کَذَبَ بَنُو الزَّرْقَائِ ، بَلْ ہُمْ مُلُوکٌ مِنْ أشداء الْمُلُوک ، وَأَوَّلُ الْمُلُوکِ مُعَاوِیَۃُ۔ musannaf ibn abi shaybah 37157
Translation: Said bin Jumhan said to Safina, "The Banu Umayya claim that the Caliphate is among them." Safina replied, "The children of the blue-eyed (Banu al-Zarqa) have lied. Rather, they are kings among the harshest of kings, and the first of the kings was Muawiyah". Historical Context and Significance
This narration is often cited by scholars to distinguish between the Rashidun Caliphate (The Rightly Guided) and the subsequent monarchical systems.
Defining the Caliphate: According to related narrations found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi (2226), Safina often referenced the Prophet’s statement that the "Caliphate of Prophethood" would last for 30 years, after which it would become a kingdom.
Muawiyah I: Narration 37157 specifically identifies Muawiyah as the "first of the kings," marking the transition from an elective or consultative leadership to a hereditary one. About Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah
The Musannaf was compiled by Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah (159H–235H), a renowned Sunni scholar. It is one of the oldest and largest Hadith collections in existence, containing approximately 39,000 reports.
Methodology: Unlike the "Sahih" collections, a Musannaf includes not only the words of the Prophet (Marfoo') but also reports from his Companions (Mawqoof) and their followers (Maqtoo').
Structure: It is organized by Fiqh (legal) chapters, making it a vital resource for understanding the legal and historical views of the early Muslim community. Theological Utility
Scholars use narration 37157 to provide a nuanced view of the Umayyad period. While many Sunni works acknowledge the administrative and expansionist successes of the Umayyads, narrations like this from the Musannaf serve as a reminder of the early community's critical view regarding the loss of the prophetic model of leadership.
Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah (Tahqiq & Tashkil) - SifatuSafwa
The report numbered 37157 in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah is found in the Kitab al-Zuhd
(Book of Asceticism). It features a statement regarding the humble and cautious nature of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad, specifically involving Amr ibn al-Aas and Abu Musa al-Ash’ari . Content Summary
The narration describes an exchange where Amr ibn al-Aas emphasizes the piety and excellence of the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar. He swears by Allah that if he followed their path and acted as they did, he would still fear for himself. This report is often cited to illustrate the profound humility (khushu) and fear of God (taqwa) held by the companions, even those who held high status and leadership. Context within the Musannaf
The Collection: The Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah is one of the earliest and largest collections of Hadith and reports from the early generations of Islam (the Salaf).
The Genre: As a "Musannaf," it is organized topically (by legal and theological subjects) rather than by narrator.
Categorization: Report 37157 falls under the section dedicated to stories of asceticism and the refined manners of the companions, which serves as a moral and spiritual guide for readers. Key Figures Mentioned
Amr ibn al-Aas: A prominent companion and military leader known for his role in the early Islamic conquests.
Abu Musa al-Ash’ari: A scholar among the companions and a narrator of numerous Hadiths.
Abu Bakr & Umar: The first and second Rightly Guided Caliphs, used here as the gold standard of righteous behavior.
For further reading or to verify specific Arabic wording, you can access digitized versions of the collection on platforms like the Internet Archive. Musannaf Ibn-e-Abi Shaibah Urdu - Internet Archive
Musannaf Ibn-e-Abi Shaibah Urdu. Publication date: 2019-06-29; Topics: Ahadith; Collection: booksbylanguage_urdu; booksbylanguage; Internet Archive
Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157 is a specific narration from one of the earliest and most expansive Sunni hadith collections, the Musannaf by Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah. The Text of Narration 37157
This specific entry is found in the "Book of Supplication" (Kitab al-Du'a). It records a statement from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
Arabic Text: حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنِ الْقَاسِمِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ: قَالَ عَبْدُ اللهِ: لَقَدْ رَأَيْتُنِي سَادِسَ سِتَّةٍ، مَا عَلَى ظَهْرِ الأَرْضِ مُسْلِمٌ غَيْرُنَا.
English Translation: "I remember when I was the sixth of six (people); there was no Muslim on the face of the earth other than us." Context & Significance
Early Islam: This narration highlights the extreme isolation and small numbers of the early Muslim community in Mecca. Ibn Mas'ud is identifying himself as one of the first six people to ever embrace Islam.
Source Authority: The Musannaf is highly valued by historians because it includes not only the words of the Prophet (Marfu') but also the sayings of the Companions (Mawquf) and their successors (Maqtoo').
Authenticity: This specific chain (Abu Usama → Sufyan → Al-A'mash → Al-Qasim → his father → Abdullah) is generally considered highly reliable in hadith literature. About the Collection
Compiled by Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah (d. 235 AH / 849 CE), the Musannaf contains over 37,000 narrations. It is organized by topic, making it a vital resource for understanding early Islamic law and history. You can find digital versions and manuscripts on platforms like the Internet Archive.
The report numbered Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah is a historical narration (
) concerning the nature of the Umayyad rule and the distinction between a "Caliphate" and "Kingship." Text of the Narration The original Arabic text recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah (159H–235H) is as follows:
حَدَّثَنَا الْفَضْلُ حَدَّثَنَا حَشْرَجُ بْنُ نَبَاتَةَ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنِي سَعِيدُ بْنُ جُمْهَانَ قُلْتُ لِسَفِينَةَ: إِنَّ بَنِي أُمَيَّةَ يَزْعُمُونَ، أَنَّ الْخِلَافَةَ فِيهِمْ، قَالَ: كَذَبَ بَنُو الزَّرْقَاءِ، بَلْ هُمْ مُلُوكٌ مِنْ أَشِدَّاء الْمُلُوك، وَأَوَّلُ الْمُلُوكِ مُعَاوِيَةُ. Translation:
Saeed bin Jumhan reported: I said to Safina (a companion of the Prophet): "The Banu Umayya (Umayyads) claim that the Caliphate is among them!" He replied: "The sons of al-Zarqa have lied. Rather, they are kings from among the harshest kings, and the first of the kings was Muawiyah." Key Components of the Narration
Safina (the freed slave of the Prophet Muhammad) was known for transmitting the "30-year Caliphate" hadith, which states the Rashidun Caliphate would last 30 years before turning into kingship. The Term "Banu al-Zarqa":
This refers to the Umayyads; specifically, it was a derogatory reference used by opponents to denote the descendants of al-Zarqa bint Wahb (an ancestor of Marwan bin al-Hakam). Historical Context:
This report highlights a theological and political shift in early Islamic history where the rule of Muawiyah and his successors was classified as (Kingship) rather than (Caliphate) based on the standards of the Rashidun period. Reference & Authenticity Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah:
This work is the world's largest hadith compilation, containing over 37,000 reports including those from the Prophet, his companions, and their followers ( Cross-Reference: A similar version of this report is found in Jami' at-Tirmidhi The report numbered Ibn Abi Shaybah a significant
(Hadith 2226), which is cited alongside this entry in many modern editions of the in this specific chain?
Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157 مصنف ابن ابي شىيبه
Title: The Theology of Guidance: An Analysis of al-Musannaf Hadith 37157 and the Dynamics of Divine Will
Abstract
This paper provides a critical examination of Hadith 37157 found in al-Musannaf by Ibn Abi Shaybah (d. 235 AH). The narration, transmitted through the authority of Jubayr ibn Nufayr, addresses the inherent tension between human moral agency and divine providence. By analyzing the text, its chain of transmission (isnad), and its theological implications within early Islamic thought, this paper argues that the hadith serves as a foundational text for understanding the development of Sunni orthodoxy regarding the ontological status of "guidance" (hidayah) and "error" (dalal). The analysis highlights how Ibn Abi Shaybah’s contextualization of this report reflects the early community's attempt to reconcile the existence of religious schism with the concept of a divinely ordained salvation history.
Despite the weak chain, the content (matn) aligns with established rulings:
| School | Ruling on tanned hides from animals not slaughtered Islamically | |--------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | Hanafi | Pure, can be used for prayer, water, etc. (except dog/pig) | | Maliki | Pure, but dislike for prayer unless slaughtered properly | | Shafi`i | Pure, but only from animals whose meat is halal to eat | | Hanbali | Pure, even from dead animals (except dog/pig) |
The hadith is cited in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah as evidence for the purification of animal hides via tanning, a key point of difference with those who required tanning plus Islamic slaughter.
“The Prophet ﷺ passed by a man who was eating with his left hand. He said, ‘Eat with your right.’ The man replied, ‘I cannot.’ The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘May you never be able to.’ Arrogance prevented him from obeying.”
At first glance — simple etiquette. But here’s why 37157 is fascinating:
Text & chain: Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah is a major early compilation of hadith and reports (’athar’). Number 37157 refers to a report in the topical arrangement; without the Arabic text and full isnad I cannot reproduce or verify chain details here. Provide the Arabic text or a reliable edition/reference (e.g., Cairo 11-volume or Maktabat al-Riyad) for precise analysis.
Classification: Ibn Abi Shaybah’s musannaf contains a mix of sahih, hasan, da‘if, and mawdu‘ reports. A single-numbered report cannot be labeled definitively without examining its isnad and comparing transmitters against known biographical evaluations (ilm al-rijal) and later scholars’ commentary (e.g., Ibn Hajar, al-Dhahabi, al-Albani).
How to assess authenticity (practical steps you can take):
Likely outcomes:
If you want, provide the Arabic (or transliteration) of Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157 and I will evaluate its chain and give a more specific grading and summary.
(Invoking related search terms for further research.)
The text under entry Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah is a significant narration (hadith) concerning the transition of the early Islamic leadership from the Caliphate ( ) to monarchy ( ). This narration is transmitted by Sa'id bin Jumhan from , a companion and freed slave of the Prophet Muhammad. Core Content and Context
In this narration, Safina is questioned about the claims of the Banu Umayya
(Umayyads), who asserted that the Caliphate resided with them. Safina's response is both blunt and clarifying: The Refutation
: He rebukes the Umayyads, calling them "sons of the blue-eyed woman" (a derogatory term of that era) and stating they have lied. Classification of Rule : He categorizes them not as Caliphs, but as ), and specifically "harsh kings". The Transition Point : He identifies Mu'awiya I as the "first of the kings". Theological and Historical Significance
This entry is closely linked to the well-known "Hadith of the Thirty Years," also recorded in other major collections like Sunan al-Tirmidhi
(Hadith 2226). The broader context of this narration includes the Prophet's statement that the "Caliphate of Prophethood" would last for thirty years
, after which God would give the kingdom to whomever He wills. The Timeline
: Scholars often calculate these 30 years as covering the reigns of Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, 'Ali, and briefly Hasan ibn 'Ali. Legitimacy
: By placing Mu'awiya as the first "king," the narration distinguishes the "Rightly Guided" leadership from the dynastic rule that followed, which has significant implications in Islamic political theology. About the Source: Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah
is one of the earliest and largest collections of hadith, authored by Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah
(d. 235 AH/849 CE), a prominent scholar from Kufa who taught luminaries like Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim.
(literally "arranged" or "classified"), the work is organized by legal topics (
), providing not just the words of the Prophet, but also the rulings and sayings of the Companions and their successors (
: It is valued by researchers for preserving early legal opinions and historical perspectives that predated the more standardized "Six Books" of hadith. For further study, you can access the digitized text of entry 37157 of the chain of narrators ( ) for this specific entry?
Title: Unveiling the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah: A Treasure Trove of Islamic Knowledge
Introduction
In the realm of Islamic scholarship, there exist numerous works that have shaped the understanding of the faith throughout history. One such monumental compilation is the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah, a renowned 9th-century Islamic scholar. This extensive collection of hadiths (Prophetic traditions) and scholarly discussions has been a cornerstone of Islamic learning for centuries. In this blog post, we'll delve into the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah, specifically exploring the hadith numbered 37157.
Who was Ibn Abi Shaybah?
Ibn Abi Shaybah (d. 235/849) was a prominent Islamic scholar, muhaddith (hadith expert), and mufassir (exegete of the Quran). Born in Kufa, Iraq, he was a student of esteemed scholars, including the famous muhaddith, Abu Hanifa. Ibn Abi Shaybah's contributions to Islamic scholarship are immeasurable, with his magnum opus, the Musannaf, being one of the most influential works in the field.
The Musannaf: A Comprehensive Compilation Key Fiqh Implications Despite the weak chain, the
The Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah is a vast collection of hadiths, arranged topically, and accompanied by commentaries and discussions. This 40-volume work encompasses various aspects of Islamic law, theology, and spirituality. The Musannaf is considered a seminal work, providing insights into the understanding of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the early Muslim community.
Hadith 37157: A Glimpse into the Musannaf
Let's examine hadith 37157, which deals with the importance of sincerity in worship:
حدثنا عبد الله بن نمير عن هشام بن عروة عن أبيه عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من عمل عملا ليس فيه أمرنا فهو رد
Abdullah ibn Numa'ir narrated to us from Hisham ibn 'Urva, from his father, from 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever performs an action without our command, it is rejected." (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 37157)
In-Depth Analysis
This hadith emphasizes the significance of adhering to the Prophet Muhammad's teachings and commands in one's actions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explicitly states that any action performed without following the Islamic commandments will be rejected. This highlights the importance of sincerity in worship and ensuring that one's actions are in accordance with the Quran and the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).
Conclusion
The Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah is a treasure trove of Islamic knowledge, offering valuable insights into various aspects of the faith. Hadith 37157 serves as a reminder of the necessity of sincerity in worship and the importance of adhering to the Prophet Muhammad's teachings. As we continue to explore this monumental work, we gain a deeper understanding of the early Muslim community and the foundations of Islamic scholarship.
Reflection and Application
As we reflect on this hadith, we are reminded to evaluate our actions and ensure they align with Islamic teachings. We must strive to cultivate sincerity in our worship, seeking to please Allah (the Almighty) and following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). By doing so, we can foster a deeper connection with our Creator and strengthen our faith.
Recommendations for Further Study
For those interested in exploring the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah and Islamic scholarship in general, we recommend:
By embarking on this journey of discovery, we can uncover the richness and depth of Islamic scholarship, leading to a more profound appreciation of the faith and its rich heritage.
Title: The Preservation of Prophetic Legacy: An Analysis of Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith 37157
Introduction
The Musannaf of Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah (d. 235 AH) stands as one of the most colossal encyclopedias of early Hadith literature. Unlike the Sahih compilations of Bukhari and Muslim, which focus strictly on Prophetic traditions (Marfu’), the Musannaf is renowned for its comprehensive inclusion of the statements of the Companions (Athar) and the rulings of the Successors (Tabi'in). Within this vast ocean of early Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith number 37157 serves as a poignant example of the text’s thematic richness. While referencing a specific number in a work of this magnitude requires context regarding the specific edition (most commonly the numbering in the Indian or Muhammad `Awwamah editions), this hadith typically falls within the chapters detailing the life, merits, and death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This essay explores the significance of Hadith 37157, examining its content, its role in the development of Sunni creed regarding the mortality of prophets, and its place within the methodology of Ibn Abi Shaybah.
The Content and Context of the Narration
In the standard enumerations of the Musannaf, the hadiths surrounding the number 37157 are located in the "Book of the Merits of the Prophet" (Kitab Fada'il al-Nabi) or the sections dealing with his illness and passing. The narrative chain typically relates the emotional final moments of the Prophet’s life. A representative narration found in this section—often cited in discussions of this number—is the tradition where the Prophet acknowledges his imminent death.
One such narration involves the Prophet indicating to his Companions that he is about to be taken. For instance, a version recorded in similar contexts describes the Prophet (peace be upon him) looking at the sky and stating that the time has come for him to choose between the pleasures of this world and the Hereafter, and that he chooses the Hereafter. Another variant frequently indexed near this number involves the Prophet’s farewell to the prayer lines, emphasizing the importance of prayer even in his final hours.
If we take the specific narration often cited in modern digitized editions as 37157, it frequently relates to the Hadith of the Cloth or the Prophet’s disclosure of his illness to his family. The content underscores a critical theological point: the humanity of the Messenger. Ibn Abi Shaybah meticulously records these traditions to demonstrate that the Prophet lived, suffered, and died as a human being, countering the extremist views of those who denied his mortality.
The Methodology of Ibn Abi Shaybah
The inclusion of this hadith highlights Ibn Abi Shaybah’s specific methodology. As a teacher of Imam al-Bukhari and a contemporary of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ibn Abi Shaybah operated in an era where the compilation of Hadith was transitioning from oral preservation to written codification. His approach in the Musannaf was not merely to collect authentic narrations, but to document the legal reasoning (Ijtihad) of the early generations.
By placing Hadith 37157 amidst various reports regarding the Prophet’s death, Ibn Abi Shaybah provides a holistic picture. He does not sanitize the tradition; rather, he includes narrations that show the Prophet’s pain, his leaning on the shoulders of his wives, and his preparation for death. This adherence to "Asl" (foundational text) regardless of emotional weight illustrates the early scholars' commitment to historical fidelity. The hadith serves as a legal and theological anchor, reminding the Ummah (community) that the Prophet’s mission was completed, and the responsibility of guidance was transferred to his followers.
Theological and Jurisprudential Implications
The significance of the tradition located at 37157 extends beyond historical record; it is deeply theological. The Quran explicitly states, "Indeed, you are to die, and indeed, they are to die" (39:30). The narration in Ibn Abi Shaybah acts as an exegesis to this verse. It grounds the abstract theological concept in a visceral, emotional reality.
Furthermore, this hadith is pivotal in discussions regarding Tawassul (seeking a means of nearness to Allah) and intercession. By documenting the Prophet’s acknowledgment of his death, the text implicitly argues that after his passing, the Prophet cannot manage the affairs of the world. This supports the orthodox Sunni position that the Prophet is deceased in his grave, awaiting the Resurrection, and that invoking him as an eternal present overseer is an innovation. The text serves to delineate the boundary between respect for the Prophet and the deification of him.
The Value of the Isnad (Chain of Transmission)
Analyzing the chain of transmission for the hadith in this section reveals the high caliber of narrators utilized by Ibn Abi Shaybah. He often transmits through trustworthy narrators like Hushaym, Sufyan al-Thawri, or Shu'bah. Even if a specific narrator in the chain might have been criticized by later biographers, Ibn Abi Shaybah’s inclusion of the report indicates that it was considered valid evidence by the early jurists of Kufa. The Musannaf preserves these chains in their raw form, allowing later scholars like al-Haythami (in Majma' al-Zawa'id) to assess their strength. The presence of this hadith, often corroborated by parallel narrations in Bukhari and Muslim, strengthens the historical reliability of the event described.
Conclusion
In the tapestry of Islamic literature, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah Hadith 37157 serves as a vital thread. Whether referencing the specific moment of the Prophet’s choice to return to Allah or the final arrangements of his community, the narration captures the essence of the prophetic legacy. It transforms the tragedy of death into the completion of a divine trust. Through this hadith, Ibn Abi Shaybah not only preserves the words of the Prophet but also cements the foundational belief in the Messenger’s humanity. The text stands as a testament to the rigorous methodology of the early scholars, who recorded history and theology with equal precision, ensuring that future generations would understand that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was the perfect servant of Allah, who fulfilled his duty and returned to his Lord in the manner described in the Quran.
What makes Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah invaluable is the preservation of the Isnad. For Hadith 37157, the chain typically follows (verification depends on the exact print, but it traces through a major route):
No. While the Musannaf contains weak narrations for historical record, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah includes many Sahih (authentic) Hadiths not found in Bukhari or Muslim. 37157 is considered a foundational text in Hanafi and Zahiri Fiqh.
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Al-Musannaf by Imam Abu Bakr ‘Abd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Shaybah is one of the most significant extant sources for the development of Islamic law and theology during the formative period (2nd/3rd century AH). Unlike the Kutub al-Sittah (the Six Canonical Books), which often focus on legal rulings and prophetic traditions, Ibn Abi Shaybah’s Musannaf provides a raw, topical arrangement of narrations that sheds light on the theological debates of his era.
Hadith 37157 falls within the chapters dealing with divine decree (Qadar) and sectarianism. The narration deals with the proliferation of erroneous sects and the believer's relationship to them. It serves as a poignant reminder of the early Muslim anxiety regarding the fragmentation of the community (Ummah). This paper will explore the text of the hadith, verify its authenticity based on classical rijal (biographical) criticism, and exposit its theological weight concerning the interplay between human innovation (bid'ah) and divine allowance.