1/90. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 209b — Abu Talib’s Reduced Punishment
The Intercession of the Prophet (saws) for Abu Talib and the reduction of his punishment as a result
Hadith About Abu Talib’s Reduced Punishment
Sahih Muslim : 209b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 209b
حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي عُمَرَ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ الْعَبَّاسَ، يَقُولُ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ أَبَا طَالِبٍ كَانَ يَحُوطُكَ وَيَنْصُرُكَ فَهَلْ نَفَعَهُ ذَلِكَ قَالَ " نَعَمْ وَجَدْتُهُ فِي غَمَرَاتٍ مِنَ النَّارِ فَأَخْرَجْتُهُ إِلَى ضَحْضَاحٍ " .
'Abdullah bin Al-Harith Narrated from:
I heard Abbas say: I said: Messenger of Allah, verily Abu Talib defended you and helped you; would it be beneficial for him? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Yes; I found him in the lowest part of the Fire and I brought him to the shallow part.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 209bIn-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 417USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 1, Hadith 409
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 209b
This hadith about Abu Talib’s reduced punishment is narrated through Abdullah b. al-Harith from Abbas. Abbas said he asked the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) about Abu Talib, who defended and helped him. He asked whether that help would benefit Abu Talib. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied yes. He said that he found him in the lowest part of the Fire and brought him to the shallow part. The wording focuses on Abu Talib’s case and the benefit mentioned for him. It does not say that support alone saves a person. It shows that Abu Talib’s defense of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is mentioned in the question, while the answer describes a reduction of punishment.
What we learn from this hadith
- Abu Talib’s defense and help were mentioned in the question.
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said Abu Talib was brought to the shallow part of the Fire.
- The hadith describes a reduction of punishment, not complete removal from the Fire.
