What is Sunan Ibn Majah 4176 about?

This hadith from Sunan Ibn Majah (Book of The Book of the Sunnah), narrated by It was narrated that Hudhaifah bin Yaman said:, states: ""The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'I do not know how long I will stay among you, so follow the example of these two after I am gone,' and he pointed to Abu Bakr and `Umar.""

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 Sunan Ibn Majah, which contains 4,345 hadiths across 38 books. It is hadith number 4176 in the Book of The Book of the Sunnah.

I searched for a different number — is this the right hadith?

Hadith numbering varies across editions and translations (USC-MSA, Dar as-Salam, Fath al-Bari, and others). If you followed a link citing a different number but landed here, you may have been redirected to the canonical version in our library. If you were looking for a different hadith entirely, use the search bar to find it by text.

‹

#4175

#4176

Sunan Ibn Majah

#4177

›

Sunan Ibn Majah #4176

The Book of the Sunnah

Sahih

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

حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُؤَمَّلٌ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ مَوْلًى، لِرِبْعِيِّ بْنِ حِرَاشٍ عَنْ رِبْعِيِّ بْنِ حِرَاشٍ، عَنْ حُذَيْفَةَ بْنِ الْيَمَانِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ إِنِّي لاَ أَدْرِي قَدْرَ بَقَائِي فِيكُمْ فَاقْتَدُوا بِاللَّذَيْنِ مِنْ بَعْدِي ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَأَشَارَ إِلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ ‏.‏

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'I do not know how long I will stay among you, so follow the example of these two after I am gone,' and he pointed to Abu Bakr and `Umar."

Narrated by It was narrated that Hudhaifah bin Yaman said:

Context

In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advises his followers to emulate the examples of Abu Bakr and Umar, two of his closest companions, as he expresses uncertainty about his remaining time among them. This guidance emphasizes the importance of leadership and following righteous examples in the community. The takeaway is the significance of strong leadership in maintaining the integrity of the faith.

Modern Application

Today, this principle can be applied by looking to respected leaders and mentors in various fields who exemplify integrity and dedication. Following their example can inspire others to act ethically and responsibly.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Leadership and Authority and Prophetic Example because it highlights the importance of following exemplary leaders and the Prophet's (ﷺ) guidance on leadership.

Leadership and Authority Prophetic Example