✿ Compilation: Hafiz Muhammad Anwar Zahid حفظه الله
❖ The Question of Recognition
A commonly circulated narration claims that Prophet Ādam (عليه السلام) recognized Prophet Muhammad ﷺ even before his descent to the earth. However, a counter-narration challenges this view and offers a different perspective.
❖ The Narration from Ibn ʿAsākir
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
“When Prophet Ādam (عليه السلام) was sent down to India, he felt lonely. So Jibrīl (عليه السلام) came to him and called the Adhān:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Ashhadu an Lā Ilāha Illallāh, Ashhadu anna Muḥammadan Rasūlullāh.
Upon hearing this, Ādam (عليه السلام) asked: ‘Who is Muhammad?’
Jibrīl (عليه السلام) replied: ‘He is from your progeny and the final Prophet.’”
[Narrated by Ibn ʿAsākir]❖ Authentication of the Ḥadīth
This narration is also weak.Though weak, it indicates an important point:
✔ Prophet Ādam (عليه السلام) did not have prior knowledge of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ before descending to earth.
❖ Logical Implication
If this narration holds even partial historical weight, it becomes evident that:
✦ The claim that Ādam (عليه السلام) was already aware of the Prophet ﷺ before being sent to earth is unsupported by such reports.
Thus, those who uphold fabricated or weak narrations suggesting early recognition must now reconcile between such contradictory accounts.
❖ Conclusion
✔ The narration from Ibn ʿAsākir is weak, but it directly contradicts fabricated reports that claim Ādam (عليه السلام) was fully aware of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the very beginning.
✔ This calls for scrutiny and honest reconciliation between weak and contradictory traditions, rather than blind acceptance.
وَالله أعلم
