Hadith 3326

صَلْصَالٍ طِينٌ خُلِطَ بِرَمْلٍ فَصَلْصَلَ كَمَا يُصَلْصِلُ الْفَخَّارُ وَيُقَالُ مُنْتِنٌ يُرِيدُونَ بِهِ صَلَّ كَمَا يُقَالُ صَرَّ الْبَابُ وَصَرْصَرَ عِنْدَ الْإِغْلَاقِ مِثْلُ كَبْكَبْتُهُ يَعْنِي كَبَبْتُهُ فَمَرَّتْ بِهِ سورة الأعراف آية 189 اسْتَمَرَّ بِهَا الْحَمْلُ فَأَتَمَّتْهُ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ سورة الأعراف آية 12 أَنْ تَسْجُدَ .
(In Surah Ar-Rahman, the word) «صلصال» means such clay in which sand is mixed, and it sounds like baked clay when struck. Some have said that the meaning of «صلصال» is «منتن‏.‏», that is, foul-smelling. Originally, this word is derived from «صل‏». The letter "fa" is repeated, or as the Arabs say from «صرصر», «صر الباب» or «صر صر الباب», when a sound comes from the door upon closing, like «كبكبته» is derived from «كب». In Surah Al-A'raf, the word «فمرت به‏» means "she kept moving about," "completed the period of pregnancy." (In Surah Al-A'raf) the word «أن لا تسجد‏» means «أن تسجد‏.‏», that is, "What prevented you from prostrating to him?" The word «لا» here is extra.
قَالَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ: {لَمَّا عَلَيْهَا حَافِظٌ} إِلاَّ عَلَيْهَا حَافِظٌ {فِي كَبَدٍ} فِي شِدَّةِ خَلْقٍ. وَرِيَاشًا الْمَالُ. وَقَالَ غَيْرُهُ الرِّيَاشُ وَالرِّيشُ وَاحِدٌ، وَهْوَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنَ اللِّبَاسِ. {مَا تُمْنُونَ} النُّطْفَةُ فِي أَرْحَامِ النِّسَاءِ. وَقَالَ مُجَاهِدٌ: {إِنَّهُ عَلَى رَجْعِهِ لَقَادِرٌ} النُّطْفَةُ فِي الإِحْلِيلِ. كُلُّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقَهُ فَهْوَ شَفْعٌ، السَّمَاءُ شَفْعٌ، وَالْوِتْرُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. {فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ} فِي أَحْسَنِ خَلْقٍ {أَسْفَلَ سَافِلِينَ} إِلاَّ مَنْ آمَنَ {خُسْرٍ} ضَلاَلٌ، ثُمَّ اسْتَثْنَى إِلاَّ مَنْ آمَنَ {لاَزِبٍ} لاَزِمٌ. {نُنْشِئَكُمْ} فِي أَيِّ خَلْقٍ نَشَاءُ. {نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ} نُعَظِّمُكَ. وَقَالَ أَبُو الْعَالِيَةِ: {فَتَلَقَّى آدَمُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ كَلِمَاتٍ} فَهْوَ قَوْلُهُ: {رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنْفُسَنَا}، {فَأَزَلَّهُمَا} فَاسْتَزَلَّهُمَا. وَ{يَتَسَنَّهْ} يَتَغَيَّرْ، آسِنٌ مُتَغَيِّرٌ، وَالْمَسْنُونُ الْمُتَغَيِّرُ {حَمَإٍ} جَمْعُ حَمْأَةٍ وَهْوَ الطِّينُ الْمُتَغَيِّرُ. {يَخْصِفَانِ} أَخْذُ الْخِصَافِ {مِنْ وَرَقِ الْجَنَّةِ} يُؤَلِّفَانِ الْوَرَقَ وَيَخْصِفَانِ بَعْضَهُ إِلَى بَعْضٍ {سَوْآتُهُمَا} كِنَايَةٌ عَنْ فَرْجِهِمَا {وَمَتَاعٌ إِلَى حِينٍ} هَاهُنَا إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ، الْحِينُ عِنْدَ الْعَرَبِ مِنْ سَاعَةٍ إِلَى مَا لاَ يُحْصَى عَدَدُهُ. {قَبِيلُهُ} جِيلُهُ الَّذِي هُوَ مِنْهُمْ.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: In Surah At-Tariq, the word «لما عليها حافظ‏» means «لما» in the sense of «إلا», that is, there is no soul except that there is a guardian appointed over it by Allah. (In Surah Al-Balad) the word «في كبد‏» means hardship, as in «كبد‏». And (in Surah Al-A'raf) the word «ريشا» is the plural of «رياش», meaning wealth. This is the explanation of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both). Others have said that «رياش» and «ريش» have the same meaning, that is, outer garments. And (in Surah Al-Waqi'ah) the word «تمنون‏» means «نطفة», that which you place in the wombs of women (through intercourse). (And in Surah At-Tariq) «إنه على رجعه لقادر‏», Mujahid said its meaning is that Allah can return the semen back into the man (this was connected by Firyabi; most people have interpreted it as meaning that Allah is able to return the man, i.e., resurrect him on the Day of Judgment). (And in Surah As-Sajdah) «كل شىء خلقه» means that Allah has created everything in pairs. The sky is the pair of the earth, man is the pair of woman, the sun is the pair of the moon. And the odd (al-taaq) is Allah Himself, who has no pair. In Surah At-Tin, «في أحسن تقويم‏» means: We created man in the best form and best creation. «أسفل سافلين‏ إلا من آمن» means: Then We reduced man to the lowest of the low (made him among the people of Hell), except for those who believe. (In Surah Al-Asr) «في خسر‏» means misguidance, then the believers are excepted. (He said «الا الذين امنوا»). In Surah As-Saffat, «لازب‏» means clinging (i.e., sticky, adhering). In Surah Al-Waqi'ah, the words «ننشئكم‏‏ في ما لا تعلمون » mean: In whatever form We will, We can fashion you. (In Surah Al-Baqarah) «نسبح بحمدك‏» means: The angels said, "We glorify You." Abu Al-Aliyah said: In the same Surah, «فتلقى آدم من ربه كلمات‏», those words are «ربنا ظلمنا أنفسنا‏». In the same Surah, «فأزلهما‏» means: He made them slip and falter. (In the same Surah) «لم يتسنه‏» means: It did not even become corrupted. From this (in Surah Muhammad) «آسن» means: Corrupted (foul water). From this, in Surah Al-Hijr, the word «مسنون» means: Changed, foul. (In the same Surah) the word «حمإ‏» is the plural of «حمأة», meaning foul mud. (In Surah Al-A'raf) the word «يخصفان‏» means: Both Adam and Hawwa began to join together the leaves of Paradise, placing one over another to cover their private parts. By the word «سوآتهما‏» is meant the private parts. In the word «ومتاع إلى حين‏», «حين‏» refers to the Day of Judgment; the Arabs use «حين‏» for a period ranging from an hour to an endless duration. «قبيله‏» refers to the group of Satan, in which he himself is included.
حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ ، عَنْ مَعْمَرٍ ، عَنْ هَمَّامٍ ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، قَالَ : " خَلَقَ اللَّهُ آدَمَ وَطُولُهُ سِتُّونَ ذِرَاعًا ، ثُمَّ قَالَ : اذْهَبْ فَسَلِّمْ عَلَى أُولَئِكَ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ فَاسْتَمِعْ مَا يُحَيُّونَكَ تَحِيَّتُكَ وَتَحِيَّةُ ذُرِّيَّتِكَ ، فَقَالَ : السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ ، فَقَالُوا : السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ فَزَادُوهُ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ فَكُلُّ مَنْ يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ عَلَى صُورَةِ آدَمَ فَلَمْ يَزَلِ الْخَلْقُ يَنْقُصُ حَتَّى الْآنَ " .
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall. When He created him, He said to him, "Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation) and the greeting (salutations of your offspring." So, Adam said (to the angels), As-Salamu Alaikum (i.e. Peace be upon you). The angels said, "As-salamu Alaika wa Rahmatu-l-lahi" (i.e. Peace and Allah's Mercy be upon you). Thus the angels added to Adam's salutation the expression, 'Wa Rahmatu-l-lahi,' Any person who will enter Paradise will resemble Adam (in appearance and figure). People have been decreasing in stature since Adam's creation.
Hadith Reference صحيح البخاري / كتاب أحاديث الأنبياء / 3326
Hadith Grading محدثین: أحاديث صحيح البخاريّ كلّها صحيحة
Explanation & Benefits
Maulana Dawood Raz
Hadith Commentary:
They continued to become smaller until they reached the stature at which this Ummah is.

Ibn Qutaybah said that Adam was without beard and moustache, had curly hair, and was extremely handsome.

Qastallani said that all the inhabitants of Paradise will enter Paradise in his (Adam’s) form and beauty, and whatever darkness of complexion or ugliness exists in this world will be removed.

O Allah, grant the writer entry into Paradise in this form, and also all those brothers and sisters who, while studying this section of Sahih Bukhari, say “Ameen” aloud.
Source: Sahih Bukhari: Commentary by Maulana Dawood Raz, Page: 3326
Maulana Dawood Raz
Hadith Commentary:

It is possible that in the future it may decrease even further; this increase and decrease occurs over thousands of years. How can a human being witness this? Those who harbor doubts regarding such types of ahadith should understand that the exact chronology of Adam (alayhis salam) is not established by any authentic hadith, so it is not known how many years have passed since Adam (alayhis salam). Nor is it known how many years the world will continue to exist in the future; therefore, the decrease in stature is not something that can be denied.

The pronoun in "khalaq Allahu Adam ‘ala suratihi" ("Allah created Adam in His image") can refer back to Adam (alayhis salam), meaning: upon the form that was in Allah’s knowledge for Adam. Some have said that the meaning is that Adam was, from the time of his creation, in the same form in which he always remained; that is, it did not happen that he was a small child at birth and then grew bigger, as happens with his progeny.

Some have referred the pronoun back to Allah, but this would be contrary to the verse: "There is nothing like unto Him" [Qur’an]. And Allah knows best what is correct, and we believe in Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).
Source: Sahih Bukhari: Commentary by Maulana Dawood Raz, Page: 6227
Shaykh Abdul Sattar al-Hammad
Hadith Commentary:
(1) (Allah created Adam in His image)
has two meanings as follows:
➊ Adam (alayhis salam) was, from the moment of his creation, in the same form and appearance in which he always remained. It did not happen that he was small at birth and then gradually grew larger, as happens with his descendants.
➋ Allah, the Exalted, created Adam (alayhis salam) upon His own image, as is mentioned in another hadith in which the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“When one of you strikes another, let him avoid striking the face, for Allah created Adam upon His image.” (Musnad Ahmad: 2/251)
This is supported by another narration in which the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Do not revile the faces, for Adam was created upon the image of the Most Merciful (rahman).” (As-Sunnah by Ibn Abi Asim, Hadith: 517)
Although this narration is weak, it can be presented in support.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah interpreted “the image of the Most Merciful” as meaning the attribute of the Most Merciful.
(Fath al-Bari: 11/6)
However, this approach is contrary to the methodology of the Salaf.
According to the Salaf, the attribute of image (sura) is affirmed for Allah, the Exalted, without any interpretation (ta’wil), modality (takyyif), or likening (tashbih), that is, without describing its how-ness or declaring it similar to the image of the creation, as Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah has transmitted elsewhere from the Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah, Ahmad ibn Hanbal rahimahullah.
(Fath al-Bari: 5/226)
A complete discussion regarding the oneness of Allah in His names and attributes (tawhid al-asma wa-s-sifat) has been presented ahead in the Book of Tawhid.
(2)
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has established from this hadith the origin of the greeting of salam—where and how it began.
In any case, at the time of meeting, there is no word better than “as-salamu alaykum.”
If those meeting know each other and there is love, brotherhood, or kinship between them, then this phrase fully expresses love, happiness, honor, and respect. And if there is no prior acquaintance, then this phrase becomes a means of trust and goodwill, and through it, each assures the other that “I am your well-wisher, and there is a spiritual bond and connection between us.”
Source: Hidayat al-Qari: Commentary on Sahih Bukhari, Urdu, Page: 6227
Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai
Greeting Each Other with Salam

Question:

In the Noble Qur’an, the words «سلام ٌ عليكم“» are found. Similarly, they are also found in Sahih Ibn Hibban, as Imam Dimyati has cited in "Al-Mutajir ar-Rabih."

The question is that most people, when greeting each other, say «سلامُ عليكم“». Whereas, in most of the hadiths regarding salam, the words «السلامُ عليكم» are found, as Imam Nawawi has compiled most such hadiths in Riyad as-Salihin.

Is it permissible to say «سلامُ عليكم» as well?

Answer:

Saying «السلامُ عليكم» is better, as it is established from the mutawatir (mass-transmitted) hadiths. For example, see: [صحيح بخاري: 6227، صحيح مسلم: 2841 / 7163]

"Salamun ‘alaykum" is also correct, as it appears in the Noble Qur’an. See: [سورة الانعام: 54، الاعراف: 46، الزمر: 73]

Similarly, only "Salamun" and "Salaman" have also appeared. For example, see: [سورة هود: 69]

However, in no verse or hadith does "Salam-u ‘alaykum" appear, nor have such words come from the Salaf as-Salihin (pious predecessors). Therefore, one should not say «سلامُ عليكم» (i.e., with a dammah on the letter meem), but rather «السلام عليكم», which is the Sunnah.

Remember that saying salam is Sunnah, and responding to it is obligatory (fard and wajib). Therefore, the response to the one who says salam should also be given in the correct and better manner. For example, the reply to «السلام عليكم» should be given with the words «وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله» or «وعليكم السلام».

Those who, in response to salam, only nod their heads or reply without the prescribed words are gravely mistaken; rather, they are committing a sin.

Benefit: By saying «السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته», thirty good deeds are earned. See: [سنن ابي داود: 5195 وسنده حسن، سنن الترمذي: 2689 و قال: حسن صحيح غريب]

For the original article, see Tawdhih al-Ahkam (vol. 3, pp. 278 and 279).

Also see the monthly magazine Al-Hadith Hazro (issue 84, page 12).
Source: Monthly Magazine al-Hadith Hazro, Page: 84
Shaykh Maulana Abdul Aziz Alvi
Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: Regarding the appearance of Adam (alayhis salam), the details have already been discussed in the Book of Righteousness and Maintaining Ties. In response to the greeting of "Islam" (i.e., when greeted with "as-salamu alaykum"), it is better to reply with "wa alaykum as-salam," although saying "as-salamu alaykum" in response is also correct.
Source: Tuhfat al-Muslim: Commentary on Sahih Muslim, Page: 7163
Shaykh Muhammad Ibrahim bin Basheer
Benefit:
It is established from this hadith that one should not make such supplications (bad-dua) against anyone that pertain to the face. Some people, when mentioning someone’s defect, begin to speak ill of their appearance, saying things like “long-nosed,” “high-foreheaded,” “long-toothed,” etc.
If a person reflects, the Creator of these features is only Allah Ta’ala; He created as He willed. There is no excellence of anyone in this, and finding fault in Allah Ta’ala’s creation is a great audacity and a very grave crime. “Is there anyone who can create like Allah?” To find fault in a person’s appearance is, in reality, to find fault with Allah Ta’ala.
In this hadith, only the face is mentioned, and from this, the honor of the face is established. One should not speak ill of any limb of the body, and striking the face is also prohibited. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
To take from « فـان الله خلق آدم على صورته» that Allah Ta’ala created Adam alayhis-salam upon His own form is false and rejected. Rather, what is correct is what the translator has rendered of the hadith: certainly, Allah Ta’ala created Adam alayhis-salam upon his (Adam’s) form.
Source: Musnad al-Humaydi: Commentary by Muhammad Ibrahim bin Bashir, Page: 1152