AbuZumayl said: I asked Ibn Abbas, saying: What is that I find in my breast? He asked: What is it? I replied: I swear by Allah, I cannot speak about it. He asked me: Is it something doubtful? and he laughed. He then said: No one could escape that, until Allah, the exalted, revealed: "If thou went in doubt as to what we have revealed unto thee, and ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee." He said: If you find something in your heart, say: He is the first and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent, and He has full knowledge of all things.
Narrated by Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas:
Context
This hadith involves a conversation between Ibn Abbas and Abu Zumayl regarding feelings of doubt. Ibn Abbas humorously acknowledges that doubt is a common experience and refers to a verse from the Quran that encourages seeking knowledge from those who have received divine revelation before. This exchange highlights the importance of addressing doubts with knowledge and faith.
Modern Application
In today's world, individuals often encounter doubts about their beliefs or decisions. This hadith encourages people to seek knowledge and guidance from trusted sources, such as religious leaders or scholars, to help clarify their uncertainties and strengthen their faith.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Knowledge and Divine Revelation because it emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge from those who have received divine guidance, as illustrated in the conversation between Ibn Abbas and Abu Zumayl.
So if you are in doubt, [O Muhammad], about that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so never be among the doubters.
[Say], "Then is it other than Allah I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book explained in detail?" And those to whom We [previously] gave the Scripture know that it is sent down from your Lord in truth, so never be among the doubters.
Say, "Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it. And He knows that which is in the heavens and that which is on the earth. And Allah is over all things competent.
Then would you possibly leave [out] some of what is revealed to you, or is your breast constrained by it because they say, "Why has there not been sent down to him a treasure or come with him an angel?" But you are only a warner. And Allah is Disposer of all things.
O you who have believed, do not ask about things which, if they are shown to you, will distress you. But if you ask about them while the Qur'an is being revealed, they will be shown to you. Allah has pardoned that which is past; and Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.
This hadith is #5112 from Sunan Abu Dawud, in the Book of General Behavior (Kitab Al-Adab). It is graded Hasan Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas:.
