Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Sahih. Sahih hadiths are considered the most authentic grade in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sahih al-Bukhari, which contains 7,277 hadiths across 97 books. It is hadith number 6244 in the Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq).

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#6243

#6244

Sahih al-Bukhari

#6245

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Sahih al-Bukhari #6244

Q: What is Sahih al-Bukhari 6244 about?

This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)), narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:, states: "I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "My example and the example of the people is that of a man who made a fire, and when it lighted what was around it, Moths and other insects started falling into…"

To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الزِّنَادِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، أَنَّهُ حَدَّثَهُ أَنَّهُ، سَمِعَ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ إِنَّمَا مَثَلِي وَمَثَلُ النَّاسِ كَمَثَلِ رَجُلٍ اسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًا، فَلَمَّا أَضَاءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُ جَعَلَ الْفَرَاشُ وَهَذِهِ الدَّوَابُّ الَّتِي تَقَعُ فِي النَّارِ يَقَعْنَ فِيهَا، فَجَعَلَ يَنْزِعُهُنَّ وَيَغْلِبْنَهُ فَيَقْتَحِمْنَ فِيهَا، فَأَنَا آخُذُ بِحُجَزِكُمْ عَنِ النَّارِ، وَأَنْتُمْ تَقْتَحِمُونَ فِيهَا ‏"‏‏.‏

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "My example and the example of the people is that of a man who made a fire, and when it lighted what was around it, Moths and other insects started falling into the fire. The man tried (his best) to prevent them, (from falling in the fire) but they overpowered him and rushed into the fire. The Prophet (ﷺ) added: Now, similarly, I take hold of the knots at your waist (belts) to prevent you from falling into the Fire, but you insist on falling into it."

Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:

Context

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate his role in guiding humanity away from sin and towards salvation. He compares himself to a man trying to save moths from a fire, symbolizing the struggle to protect people from the consequences of their actions. This highlights the urgency and importance of heeding prophetic guidance to avoid spiritual harm.

Modern Application

Today, this metaphor serves as a reminder for individuals to seek guidance and support from religious teachings to avoid harmful behaviors. It encourages believers to be mindful of their choices and to rely on spiritual leaders for direction in their lives.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Day of Judgment and Afterlife because it emphasizes the consequences of one's actions in the context of divine judgment and the afterlife.

Day of Judgment Afterlife