The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ حَفْصِ بْنِ غِيَاثٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، سَمِعْتُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَلْقَمَةَ، يَقُولُ قَالَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ فَقَالَ يَا أَبَا الْقَاسِمِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُمْسِكُ السَّمَوَاتِ عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ، وَالأَرَضِينَ عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ، وَالشَّجَرَ وَالثَّرَى عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ، وَالْخَلاَئِقَ عَلَى إِصْبَعٍ، ثُمَّ يَقُولُ أَنَا الْمَلِكُ أَنَا الْمَلِكُ. فَرَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ضَحِكَ حَتَّى بَدَتْ نَوَاجِذُهُ ثُمَّ قَرَأَ {وَمَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ}
A man from the people of the scripture came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "O Abal-Qasim! Allah will hold
the Heavens upon a Finger, and the Earth on a Finger and the land on a Finger, and all the creation on
a Finger, and will say, 'I am the King! I am the King!' " I saw the Prophet (after hearing that), smiling
till his premolar teeth became visible, and he then recited: -- 'No just estimate have they made of Allah
such as due to him... (39.67)
Narrated by Narrated `Abdullah:
Context
In this narration, a man from the People of the Book approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and described the majesty of Allah, illustrating His power over creation. The Prophet (ﷺ) responded with a smile and recited a verse highlighting the inadequacy of human understanding of Allah's true greatness. This interaction emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating divine sovereignty.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder of the greatness of Allah and the limitations of human perception. In contemporary life, it encourages individuals to reflect on their beliefs and the majesty of creation, fostering a sense of humility and reverence.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Majesty and Divine Sovereignty because it discusses the grandeur of Allah and His control over the universe.
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.
Do you not see that Allah has made subject to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth and amply bestowed upon you His favors, [both] apparent and unapparent? But of the people is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge or guidance or an enlightening Book [from Him].
O Mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve - then indeed, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is Allah Knowing and Wise.
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 #7132 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated `Abdullah:.
