Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail went to Sham, inquiring about a true religion to follow. He met a Jewish religious scholar and asked him about their religion. He said, "I intend to embrace your religion, so tell me some thing about it." The Jew said, "You will not embrace our religion unless you receive your share of Allah's Anger." Zaid said, "'I do not run except from Allah's Anger, and I will never bear a bit of it if I have the power to avoid it. Can you tell me of some other religion?" He said, "I do not know any other religion except the Hanif." Zaid enquired, "What is Hanif?" He said, "Hanif is the religion of (the prophet) Abraham who was neither a Jew nor a Christian, and he used to worship None but Allah (Alone)" Then Zaid went out and met a Christian religious scholar and told him the same as before. The Christian said, "You will not embrace our religion unless you get a share of Allah's Curse." Zaid replied, "I do not run except from Allah's Curse, and I will never bear any of Allah's Curse and His Anger if I have the power to avoid them. Will you tell me of some other religion?" He replied, "I do not know any other religion except Hanif." Zaid enquired, "What is Hanif?" He replied, Hanif is the religion of (the prophet) Abraham who was neither a Jew nor a Christian and he used to worship None but Allah (Alone)" When Zaid heard their Statement about (the religion of) Abraham, he left that place, and when he came out, he raised both his hands and said, "O Allah! I make You my Witness that I am on the religion of Abraham."
Narrated by Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
Context
This hadith recounts the journey of Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail as he sought the true religion. His encounters with Jewish and Christian scholars revealed their beliefs, but he was determined to avoid God's anger and curse. Zaid's quest ultimately led him to embrace the Hanif faith, the monotheistic belief of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). This story illustrates the importance of seeking truth and understanding in one's faith journey.
Modern Application
In today's world, this hadith encourages individuals to seek knowledge and understanding about their beliefs and values. It highlights the importance of questioning and exploring different perspectives in the pursuit of truth, fostering a deeper connection with one's faith.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Faith and Belief and Prophet Ibrahim because it emphasizes the search for true faith and the significance of following the monotheistic teachings of Prophet Ibrahim.
Say, "Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path - a correct religion - the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among those who associated others with Allah."
And I have followed the religion of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And it was not for us to associate anything with Allah. That is from the favor of Allah upon us and upon the people, but most of the people are not grateful.
And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.
This hadith is #3664 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Ibn 'Umar:.