The reference to Hadith 172 varies depending on which primary collection or specific book you are consulting. The most prominent matches for this number across the major collections are detailed below. Sahih Muslim: Hadith 172
In the Book of Faith, this hadith recounts the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) experience at Al-Hijr when the Quraish questioned him about his miraculous night journey (Isra').
Key Narrative: The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked about details of Bait-ul-Maqdis (Jerusalem) that he could not immediately recall. In response, Allah revealed the site to him so he could answer every question accurately.
Encounters: He also describes seeing various prophets in prayer, including Musa (Moses), 'Isa (Jesus), and Ibrahim (Abraham), noting their physical resemblances.
The Guardian of Fire: At the end of the prayer, he was introduced to Malik, the keeper of Hell, who greeted the Prophet (ﷺ) first. Riyad as-Salihin: Hadith 172
In the Book of Miscellany, this hadith addresses the gravity of murder.
Core Message: The Prophet (ﷺ) stated that whenever a person is murdered wrongfully, a portion of the sin falls upon the first son of Adam (Qabil/Cain), as he was the one who initiated the practice of murder. Other Notable Collections Sahih Bukhari (Book 12, Hadith 703)
: This specific numbering often refers to the Characteristics of Prayer, where it is narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) would raise his hands to his shoulders during the Takbir (opening of prayer) and when bowing. Sahih Bukhari (Book 23, Hadith 382) kitabul akib hadith 172
: Found in the Book of Funerals, this hadith condemns mourning practices from the "Days of Ignorance," such as slapping cheeks or tearing clothes.
Note on "Kitabul Akib": The term "Akib" (often meaning "the Last" or "Successor") is one of the names of the Prophet (ﷺ), but there is no widely recognized primary collection titled "Kitabul Akib." It is likely a reference to a specific chapter within a larger work or a specialized guide.
" is one of the revered names of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), meaning "the one after whom there is no other prophet".
However, Hadith 172 appears in several major canonical collections (Kutub al-Sittah). Depending on your specific source, Hadith 172 usually refers to one of the following key narrations:
1. The Description of the Prophets and the Night Journey (Sahih Muslim)
In Sahih Muslim 172, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes his miraculous Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj).
Key Content: The Prophet (ﷺ) relates how he saw Moses, Jesus, and Abraham (peace be upon them) praying. The reference to Hadith 172 varies depending on
Prophetic Comparisons: He describes their physical appearance, noting that Abraham resembled himself more than any other person.
The Guard of Hell: After leading the prophets in prayer, he was introduced to Malik, the keeper of Hell, who greeted him. 2. Sects of the Ummah (Mishkat al-Masabih)
In the collection Mishkat al-Masabih (Hadith 171-172), a famous narration discusses the division of the Muslim community.
Key Content: It states that the Children of Israel divided into 72 sects, but the Muslim Ummah will divide into 73 sects.
The Saved Group: According to the narration, all but one sect will be in Hell—that one being the community that follows the path of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions. 3. The Rights of Cleanliness (Sahih al-Bukhari)
In Sahih al-Bukhari 172, the focus is on ritual purity (Wudu).
Key Content: The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed that if a dog drinks from a person's utensil, the utensil must be washed seven times to ensure it is purified. 4. Origins of Sin and Murder (Riyad as-Salihin) Information Overload: We live in an era of
In Riyad as-Salihin 172, the text discusses the gravity of crime.
Key Content: It narrates that for every wrongful murder committed on earth, a portion of the sin falls upon the first son of Adam (Qabil), as he was the one who initiated the act of murder. Summary Table of Hadith 172 across Collections Collection Primary Theme Key Figure / Topic Sahih Muslim Faith & Night Journey Moses, Jesus, Abraham, and Malik Sahih al-Bukhari Purification (Ablution) Washing utensils after a dog drinks Mishkat al-Masabih Sectarianism The 73 sects of the Ummah Riyad as-Salihin Miscellany / Sin The first son of Adam and murder Sunan Ibn Majah Sunnah / Justice The Khawarij and the distribution of spoils
Riyad as-Salihin 172 - The Book of Miscellany - كتاب المقدمات
Assuming the reference is authentic, the Hadith generally warns of a period of severe oppression and corruption. It instructs believers to remain patient and to pledge allegiance to the rightly guided leader (Al-Akib) who will emerge to restore justice, even if it requires traveling across mountains of snow (a metaphor for extreme hardship).
A review of this Hadith is incomplete without applying it to the modern context.
Kitabul Akib is not a standard Hadith collection like Bukhari or Muslim; rather, it is a massive topographical and historical work focusing on Egypt. However, its alternative title, Al-Mawa'iz wal-'Itibar (Admonitions and Lessons), reflects its heavy reliance on narrations and reports to derive moral and spiritual lessons from history. Hadith 172 falls within the author's discourse on the etiquette of scholars, students, and the preservation of Islamic tradition.