Hadith on Hereafter: The Prophet and Believers in Paradise

📖Sahih Muslim 249a
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to the graveyard and said: “Peace be upon you! The abode of the believing people and we, if God so wills, are about to join you. I love to see my brothers.” They (the hearers) said: Aren’t we your brothers, O Messenger of Allah? He said: You are my companions, and our brothers are those who have, so far, not come into the world. They said: Messenger of Allah, how would you recognise those persons of your Ummah who have not yet been born? He said: Supposing a man had horses with white blazes on foreheads and legs among horses which were all black, tell me, would he not recognise his own horses? They said: Certainly, O Messenger of Allah. He said: They would come with white faces and arms and legs owing to ablution, and I would arrive at the Cistern before them. Some people would be driven away from my Cistern as the stray camel is driven away. I would call out: Come, come. Then it would be said (to me): These people changed themselves after you, and I would say: Be off, be off.

From this hadith, we can derive a few lessons that can be relevant for us today:

1. The importance of visiting graveyards: The hadith mentions that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) visited the graveyard and greeted the deceased with peace. This highlights the significance of visiting graves, remembering the deceased, and reflecting upon the transient nature of life.
2. Love for fellow believers: The Prophet expressed his love for his brothers, referring to those who have passed away and those who have yet to be born. This teaches us to have a sense of brotherhood and compassion for all believers, regardless of time or place.
3. The Prophet’s special relationship with his companions: When the companions asked if they were his brothers, the Prophet clarified that they were his companions, indicating the unique bond he shared with them. This highlights the elevated status of the Prophet’s companions and their distinct position in Islamic history.
4. The concept of the Cistern: The hadith mentions the Prophet’s reference to a Cistern (Hawd). According to Islamic belief, this is a pool of water in Paradise from which the Prophet will provide a drink to his followers. The mention of the Cistern reminds us of the rewards and blessings that await the believers in the Hereafter.
5. The significance of ablution and good deeds: The hadith states that those who come after the Prophet will have white faces, arms, and legs owing to ablution. This highlights the importance of performing ablution properly and maintaining good deeds. It serves as a reminder that our actions in this world have an impact on our status in the Hereafter.
6. Accountability and consequences: The hadith mentions that some people would be driven away from the Prophet’s Cistern like a stray camel. This implies that individuals who deviate from the teachings of the Prophet or change their ways after his time may face consequences and be deprived of certain blessings. It emphasizes the need to adhere to the teachings of Islam and remain steadfast in faith throughout one’s life.

Overall, this hadith teaches us about the Prophet’s love for all believers, the importance of good deeds and adherence to Islamic teachings, and the accountability we will face in the Hereafter. It encourages us to maintain a sense of brotherhood and strive to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).