Nasai

1318. Commentary:

➊ The narrator of this hadith is Abdullah bin Ja'far al-Makhzumi, who is trustworthy. There is another Abdullah bin Ja'far, who is the respected father of the famous hadith scholar and critic Ali ibn al-Madini, but due to his weak memory, he is not considered reliable in the science of hadith. Since there was a risk of confusion, the Imam clarified this matter. May Allah reward him with goodness.

➋ The greeting of salam should be said to both sides. Numerous narrations indicate this. However, at the end of the prayer, saying salam to only one side is also permissible, because it is established from the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that he sometimes said salam to one side only. For details, see: [سلسلة الأحادیث الصحیحة : 628/1 ، حدیث : 316]. When saying salam once, one should face forward and say the salam, then turn the face slightly to the right. And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: From these two hadiths, it is evident that the noble Companions (radi Allahu anhum) did not hold the belief that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) possessed complete knowledge or that he was the knower of the unseen. Otherwise, they would not have asked the question, "Do you recognize us?" (Atarifuna?), nor would the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) have replied:

"Yes, you will have a distinguishing mark that no one else will have."

A person possessing complete knowledge would not require any sign or indication.

(The discussion regarding the phrase of the hadith "Ahl al-Tadri ma ahdathū ba‘dak" will come after the last hadith of this meaning.)