✿ Prophet ﷺ’s Attribute: Ḥabībullāh (The Beloved of Allah)
Authored by: Ḥāfiẓ Muḥammad Anwar Zāhid (حفظه الله)
Narration:
Ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنهما) narrates that a few Companions (رضي الله عنهم أجمعين) were sitting and conversing while awaiting the arrival of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. When the Prophet ﷺ came near them, he listened to their discussion. One of them said that Allah ﷻ chose Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) as His friend (Khalīl). Another said that the fact that Allah ﷻ spoke directly to Mūsā (عليه السلام) is even more astonishing. A third one said that ʿĪsā (عليه السلام) is the Rūḥullāh and was created from the word "Kun". The fourth remarked that Allah ﷻ selected Ādam (عليه السلام).
The Prophet ﷺ came and, after offering salām, said:
"I have heard your conversation and your amazement. Indeed, Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) is the friend of Allah – and that is indeed true. Mūsā (عليه السلام) is the one chosen by Allah – that is also true. ʿĪsā (عليه السلام) is the spirit of Allah and was created by His word ‘Kun’ – that is true as well. Ādam (عليه السلام) was chosen by Allah – that too is true.
Know this: I am the Beloved of Allah (Ḥabībullāh) – and I do not say this out of pride.
I will be the bearer of the banner of praise on the Day of Judgment – and I do not say this out of pride.
I will be the first to knock at the gate of Paradise, and Allah ﷻ will open it for me. Then, I will enter it along with the poor among the believers – and I do not say this out of pride.
I am the best of all the earlier and later generations – and I do not say this out of pride."
✿ Ḥadīth Authentication:
Chain of narration: Weak (Ḍaʿīf)
This narration is found in:
✦ Sunan al-Tirmidhī, Book of Virtues, Chapter: The Virtue of the Prophet ﷺ, Ḥadīth no. 3616
✦ Sunan al-Dārimī, Book of Introduction, Chapter: What was given to the Prophet ﷺ of Excellence, Ḥadīth no. 48
Reason for weakness:
The narrator Zamʿah ibn Ṣāliḥ is weak.
✔ Al-Haythamī says: “The majority of scholars have declared him weak.”
✔ Al-Būṣīrī has also classified the narration as weak.
✔ Al-ʿIrāqī states: “Most scholars have declared him weak.”
