“I Am the First by Birth and the Last by Prophethood” – A Hadith Analysis

Author: Hafiz Muhammad Anwar Zahid (May Allah protect him)

Context of the Hadith:​

The statement attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
"I am the first in creation and the last in prophethood" (انا اول الناس), is referenced in several works such as Tabqat Ibn Sa'd and other compilations.

Authenticity of the Hadith​

Upon investigation, this narration is deemed weak (da‘if) and unreliable. Below are the sources and scholarly evaluations regarding its authenticity:

1. Primary References of the Narration:
   
   • Sharh al-Sunnah by Al-Baghawi (Vol. 5, Pg. 232).
   • Al-Kamil by Ibn Adi (Vol. 3, Pg. 1209).
   • Tabqat Ibn Sa'd.
   • Al-Shifa by Qadi Abbas (Vol. 1, Pg. 466).
   • Ad-Durr al-Manthur (Vol. 5, Pg. 184).
   • Al-Asrar al-Marfu‘ah (Pg. 282).
   • Tadhkirah al-Fitni (Pg. 661).
   • Al-Fawa’id al-Majmu‘ah, Hadith no. 1014.
2. Scholarly Verdicts:
   
   • Scholars have criticized the chain of transmission (sanad) and concluded that it does not meet the standards of reliability for authentic hadith.
   • This narration is not supported by sound evidence from the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah and is therefore not a valid source for deriving beliefs or rulings.
3. Classification:
   
   • The narration is classified as weak (da‘if) or fabricated (mawdu‘) in the aforementioned sources.

Conclusion​

This particular narration, despite being mentioned in various works, cannot be considered authentic due to weak or fabricated chains of transmission. Any theological or legal conclusions based on such narrations are invalid.

Allah knows best!