Fabricated Narration: The Bedouin’s Questions and the Prophet’s ﷺ Answers – Reality and Ruling
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah (Tawḍīḥ al-Aḥkām), Vol. 2, p. 453
A well-known narration is circulated in which a Bedouin allegedly came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and asked a series of questions, each answered with short, wisdom-filled advice. The narration claims that Khālid ibn al-Walīd رضي الله عنه was present and recorded the entire conversation.
This entire report is circulated in pamphlets and on social media.
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, wa al-ṣalātu wa al-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
It is harām to narrate this story attributing it to the Prophet ﷺ without clearly stating its falsehood. It must not be used for building beliefs or rulings, nor for public preaching.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah (Tawḍīḥ al-Aḥkām), Vol. 2, p. 453The Question
A well-known narration is circulated in which a Bedouin allegedly came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and asked a series of questions, each answered with short, wisdom-filled advice. The narration claims that Khālid ibn al-Walīd رضي الله عنه was present and recorded the entire conversation.
Summary of the Claimed Narration
- The Bedouin asks about becoming a leader — the Prophet ﷺ allegedly advises “Be content, you will become a leader.”
- He asks about becoming the greatest scholar — reply: “Have taqwā.”
- Questions follow about honour, goodness, justice, strength, closeness to Allah, increase in provision, acceptance of duʿāʾ, perfection of faith, meeting Allah sinless, reducing sins, rising with light on the Day of Judgement, receiving Allah’s mercy, concealment of faults, avoiding disgrace, being loved by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, obedience to Allah, iḥsān, cooling the Fire, calming Allah’s anger, the greatest evil and good, and protection from Allah’s wrath — each allegedly answered with concise moral guidance.
This entire report is circulated in pamphlets and on social media.
Authenticity and Scholarly Verdict
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, wa al-ṣalātu wa al-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
- This entire narration is fabricated (mawḍūʿ), invented, and baseless.
- It has no presence in any authentic ḥadīth collection.
- There is no chain of narration for it in the books of ḥadīth.
- Attributing it to the Prophet ﷺ is false and impermissible.
Ruling
It is harām to narrate this story attributing it to the Prophet ﷺ without clearly stating its falsehood. It must not be used for building beliefs or rulings, nor for public preaching.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
