The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، سَمِعَ يَحْيَى بْنَ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، حَدَّثَنِي مَنْصُورٌ، وَسُلَيْمَانُ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ عَبِيدَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، أَنَّ يَهُودِيًّا، جَاءَ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ يَا مُحَمَّدُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُمْسِكُ السَّمَوَاتِ عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ وَالأَرَضِينَ عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ، وَالْجِبَالَ عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ، وَالشَّجَرَ عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ، وَالْخَلاَئِقَ عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ، ثُمَّ يَقُولُ أَنَا الْمَلِكُ. فَضَحِكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَتَّى بَدَتْ نَوَاجِذُهُ ثُمَّ قَرَأَ {وَمَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ}. قَالَ يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ وَزَادَ فِيهِ فُضَيْلُ بْنُ عِيَاضٍ عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ عَبِيدَةَ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ فَضَحِكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم تَعَجُّبًا وَتَصْدِيقًا لَهُ.
A Jew came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "O Muhammad! Allah will hold the heavens on a Finger, and the
mountains on a Finger, and the trees on a Finger, and all the creation on a Finger, and then He will
say, 'I am the King.' " On that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) smiled till his premolar teeth became visible, and then
recited:--
'No just estimate have they made of Allah such as due to him....(39.67) `Abdullah added: Allah's
Apostle smiled (at the Jew's statement) expressing his wonder and belief in what was said.
Narrated by Narrated `Abdullah:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) responds to a Jewish man's statement about Allah's dominion over creation. The Prophet's (ﷺ) laughter signifies his acknowledgment of the profound truth in the statement, followed by a reminder of Allah's greatness. This interaction illustrates the importance of recognizing and respecting divine authority.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages us to reflect on the majesty of Allah in our daily lives. Acknowledging His power can inspire humility and gratitude, influencing how we approach challenges and our understanding of the world.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Authority and Divine Majesty because it emphasizes the greatness of Allah and the importance of recognizing His supreme power.
They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal, while the earth entirely will be [within] His grip on the Day of Resurrection, and the heavens will be folded in His right hand. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.
And the Jews say, "The hand of Allah is chained." Chained are their hands, and cursed are they for what they say. Rather, both His hands are extended; He spends however He wills. And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in transgression and disbelief. And We have cast among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. Every time they kindled the fire of war [against you], Allah extinguished it. And they strive throughout the land [causing] corruption, and Allah does not like corrupters.
Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allah humiliates - for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allah does what He wills.
Indeed, Allah holds the heavens and the earth, lest they cease. And if they should cease, no one could hold them [in place] after Him. Indeed, He is Forbearing and Forgiving.
This hadith is #7131 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated `Abdullah:.