37/34. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 4288 — The Best and Dearest Ummah
Description of the Nation of Muhammad (saws)
Hadith About the Ummah Being the Best and Dearest to Allah
Sunan Ibn Majah : 4288
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 4288
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ خَالِدِ بْنِ خِدَاشٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ ابْنُ عُلَيَّةَ، عَنْ بَهْزِ بْنِ حَكِيمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ " إِنَّكُمْ وَفَّيْتُمْ سَبْعِينَ أُمَّةً أَنْتُمْ خَيْرُهَا وَأَكْرَمُهَا عَلَى اللَّهِ " .
Bahz bin Hakim Narrated from:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘You complete seventy nations, of which you are the best and dearest to Allah.’”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 4288In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 189English translation : Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4288
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 4288
This Hadith describes the special honor of the nation of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that this nation completes seventy nations and is the best and dearest to Allah. The message is direct and uplifting. It tells Muslims that belonging to this ummah is a great blessing. At the same time, the wording should not be used for arrogance. Being described as best and dearest to Allah is a gift that should make a believer grateful and careful. This Hadith about the best ummah is close in meaning to other narrations in this same group that speak about the nation being last, first, and given a large share in Paradise. The Hadith itself is short, so the safest explanation stays with its clear words: honor, nearness to Allah, and gratitude.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet’s nation is described as completing seventy nations.
- This nation is described as the best and dearest to Allah.
- The Hadith points to a blessing that should lead to gratitude.
- Honor from Allah should not be turned into arrogance.
