Unpacking the Wisdom: A Look at Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157
In the vast world of classical Hadith literature, few works hold as much historical weight as the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah
(d. 235 AH/849 CE). As one of the earliest and most massive compilations, it serves as a bridge between the Prophet's time and the formal "canonical" collections like Sahih Bukhari or Sahih Muslim.
Today, we’re looking specifically at entry #37157. Depending on the edition of the Musannaf you hold, this number often points to a profound report regarding the early Islamic period and the nature of leadership. The Content: A Prophecy of Kingship
The report indexed as #37157 in the widely-used Shathri edition—and often linked with the Kitab al-Fitann (Book of Tribulations)—recounts a notable exchange involving Safinah, a freed slave of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
In this narration, Safinah is asked about the Umayyad claims to the Caliphate. His response is blunt and legendary:
"The children of the Blue-eyed woman lie; rather they are kings, from the harshest of kings. And the first of the kings is Mu'awiyah". Why This Matters
This narration is part of a larger discussion in early Islamic history regarding the transition from the Rashidun (Rightly Guided) Caliphate to the era of Kingship (Mulk).
Historical Transition: Safinah is famously the primary narrator of the Hadith stating, "The Caliphate in my Ummah will be thirty years, then after that will be kingship". Report #37157 serves as a specific application of that general rule, identifying where that shift began.
Terminology: Safinah’s use of the term "kings" (muluk) was not necessarily a commentary on the piety of individuals, but a technical distinction in how leadership was passed down—moving from community selection to hereditary dynastic rule.
Early Documentation: Because Ibn Abi Shaybah was "the master of the memorizers" and lived so early, his collection preserves these raw historical perspectives before they were potentially smoothed over by later political sensitivities. Navigating the Numbers
If you are looking for this report and can't find it, remember that Hadith numbering can vary wildly between publishers. S'ad bin Nasir al-Shathri Edition: #37157. Muhammad Awamah Edition: Often found around #35579.
Kanz al-Ummal Cross-Reference: Sometimes cited in other encyclopedic works like Kanz al-Ummal with slightly different numbering. Reflection for Today musannaf ibn abi shaybah 37157
Report #37157 isn't just a historical footnote; it’s a reminder of the early community’s critical eye toward power and governance. It highlights the high standard to which the early Muslims held their leaders, distinguishing between the spiritual-political ideal of a "Caliph" and the administrative reality of a "King."
For those interested in exploring more from this author, you can browse the Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah on digital libraries like Al-Maktaba al-Shamela.
The Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, recorded under the specific narration number 37157, is a significant historical and theological text within Sunni Islamic scholarship. This particular entry provides insight into the early political transitions of the Islamic state, specifically discussing the shift from the Rashidun Caliphate to the era of dynastic rule. Content of Narration 37157
In this report, Said bin Jumhan narrates a conversation with Safina, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The text addresses the claims of the Umayyad dynasty (Banu Umayya) regarding their right to the Caliphate.
Arabic Text: حَدَّثَنَا الْفَضْلُ حَدَّثَنَا حَشْرَجُ بْنُ نَبَاتَۃَ ، قَالَ : حدَّثَنِی سَعِیدُ بْنُ جُمْہَانَ قُلْتُ لِسَفِینَۃِ ، إنَّ بَنِی أُمَیَّۃَ یَزْعُمُونَ ، أَنَّ الْخِلاَفَۃَ فِیہِمْ ، قَالَ : کَذَبَ بَنُو الزَّرْقَائِ ، بَلْ ہُمْ مُلُوکٌ مِنْ أشداء الْمُلُوک ، وَأَوَّلُ الْمُلُوکِ مُعَاوِیَۃُ۔
Translation: Said bin Jumhan said to Safina, "The Banu Umayya claim that the Caliphate is among them." Safina replied, "The children of the blue-eyed (Banu al-Zarqa) have lied. Rather, they are kings among the harshest of kings, and the first of the kings was Muawiyah". Historical Context and Significance
This narration is often cited by scholars to distinguish between the Rashidun Caliphate (The Rightly Guided) and the subsequent monarchical systems.
Defining the Caliphate: According to related narrations found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi (2226), Safina often referenced the Prophet’s statement that the "Caliphate of Prophethood" would last for 30 years, after which it would become a kingdom.
Muawiyah I: Narration 37157 specifically identifies Muawiyah as the "first of the kings," marking the transition from an elective or consultative leadership to a hereditary one. About Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah
The Musannaf was compiled by Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah (159H–235H), a renowned Sunni scholar. It is one of the oldest and largest Hadith collections in existence, containing approximately 39,000 reports.
Methodology: Unlike the "Sahih" collections, a Musannaf includes not only the words of the Prophet (Marfoo') but also reports from his Companions (Mawqoof) and their followers (Maqtoo').
Structure: It is organized by Fiqh (legal) chapters, making it a vital resource for understanding the legal and historical views of the early Muslim community. Theological Utility Unpacking the Wisdom: A Look at Musannaf Ibn
Scholars use narration 37157 to provide a nuanced view of the Umayyad period. While many Sunni works acknowledge the administrative and expansionist successes of the Umayyads, narrations like this from the Musannaf serve as a reminder of the early community's critical view regarding the loss of the prophetic model of leadership.
Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah (Tahqiq & Tashkil) - SifatuSafwa
This write-up covers Narration #37157 (often cited as #38200 depending on the edition) from the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah, a foundational collection of early Islamic reports. Overview of Narration #37157
This report details an incident following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, during the period when Abu Bakr was being appointed as the first Caliph. It focuses on a tense interaction between Umar ibn al-Khattab and Fatimah bint Muhammad (the Prophet's daughter). The Text (Translated)
According to the report narrated by Aslam, the freed slave of Umar:
Umar warned Fatimah that if Ali, Zubayr, and others continued meeting in her home to oppose Abu Bakr's caliphate, he would set the house on fire. Following this threat, the group left to give their allegiance. Historical & Theological Context
This narration is central to discussions on the succession to Muhammad.
Sunni Perspective: Generally views the report as having a disconnected chain (mursal) and interprets the threat as a, albeit extreme, measure to ensure community unity.
Shia Perspective: Frequently cites this and similar reports to highlight the pressures applied to the family of the Prophet during this transition. Source Details Information Author Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah (d. 235 AH) Work Al-Musannaf Modern Edition Often found in Volume 7 or 8 (e.g., Dar al-Faruq edition) Chapter Kitab al-Maghazi (The Book of Expeditions/History) Umar attacked Fatimah and burned her house down - Mahajjah
Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157 contains a narration from Amr ibn al-Aas praising the financial integrity of Abu Bakr and Umar regarding public wealth. The Musannaf is a massive early Islamic compilation, serving as a primary source for the sayings of the Prophet's companions. Read the full narration at Islamic Urdu Books.
If 37157 has a broken chain, why do scholars still cite it? Because the meaning (matn) of the Hadith—the "two qullas" rule—is authentically established through other channels.
The authentic version of this Hadith is found in: The Stronger Version of This Hadith (And Why
All authentic versions trace back to ‘Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) from the Prophet, or through other companions like Abu Sa’id al-Khudri.
So what is special about Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157? Its value lies in the Fiqhi (jurisprudential) nuance. Ibn Abi Shaybah purposely includes the weaker Mursal route because it records a subtle addition: the narrator’s doubt (aw qala: "lam yunajjisahu shay’"). This doubt reflects that early scholars disagreed on the exact phrasing—does water "not carry impurity" or is it "not impurified by anything"? This lexical nuance impacts rulings on stagnant water versus flowing water.
What makes Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah invaluable is the preservation of the Isnad. For Hadith 37157, the chain typically follows (verification depends on the exact print, but it traces through a major route):
Abd al-Rahim ibn Sulayman ← Mujalid ← al-Shabi ← Jabir ibn `Abd Allah.id** (al-Hamdani). He is considered **weak (daif)** by major hadith critics (Ibn Main, al-Bukhari, Abu Hatim, al-Nasa’i). Some later scholars accept his narrations when supported by other chains, but alone, this chain is not authentic (hasan or sahih) according to the majority.if)** due to Mujalid’s poor memory and reported irsal (discontinuity) issues. However, the *meaning* (tanning purifies hide) is strongly supported by other authentic hadiths (e.g., Muslim 366, from Ibn Abbas).In the pantheon of early Islamic literature, few works are as monumental and yet as underutilized as the Musannaf of Imam Abu Bakr Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Shaybah al-Abasi (159H – 235H). Composed in the third Islamic century, this encyclopedic collection of prophetic traditions (Hadith), statements of the Companions (Sahabah), and rulings of the Successors (Tabi’in) serves as a critical bridge between the earlier Muwatta of Imam Malik and the canonical Sahih of Imam al-Bukhari.
One specific reference number within this massive work—Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157—has become a point of interest for advanced students of Hadith, jurists (fuqaha), and online researchers. Why this number? Because it touches upon a nuanced legal ruling regarding purification (Tahara), which directly impacts daily worship. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of this narration, its authenticity, its place in Islamic law, and why understanding its context is crucial.
After this deep dive, we reach a balanced conclusion:
Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157 is a historically invaluable narration, but it is not a standalone proof. Its chain is broken (Munqati’), preventing it from being used as an independent evidence for the "two qullas" ruling. However, its text (matn) is authentic and widely accepted because identical texts are transmitted through rigorous, continuous chains in the Sunan works.
For the average Muslim seeking to understand the ruling on water and impurity: The ruling is sound—water of 540 liters or more remains pure unless its properties change. But rely for proof on Sunan al-Tirmidhi 67 or Sunan Abi Dawud 63, not solely on Musannaf 37157.
For the Hadith student: Study the Musannaf as a window into early ikhtilaf (disagreement) and the transmission of fiqh. Number 37157 is a perfect case study in why Sanad (chain) analysis is the unique science of this Ummah. It teaches us that not everything in a "Hadith book" is prophetic in the strictest sense—yet everything has a purpose in preserving the legacy of Islam.
Final Verdict on 37157:
References for Further Reading:
In the vast ocean of Islamic scholarly literature, few works hold as much weight for students of Hadith, Fiqh, and early Islamic history as the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah. For researchers, identifying a specific Hadith is not merely about finding a text; it is about tracing chains of narration (isnad), understanding jurisprudential contexts, and verifying textual integrity.
The code "Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157" refers to a specific, verified Hadith within this monumental collection. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Musannaf, the significance of its numbering system, and a detailed breakdown of Hadith number 37157.
Unpacking the Wisdom: A Look at Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157
In the vast world of classical Hadith literature, few works hold as much historical weight as the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah
(d. 235 AH/849 CE). As one of the earliest and most massive compilations, it serves as a bridge between the Prophet's time and the formal "canonical" collections like Sahih Bukhari or Sahih Muslim.
Today, we’re looking specifically at entry #37157. Depending on the edition of the Musannaf you hold, this number often points to a profound report regarding the early Islamic period and the nature of leadership. The Content: A Prophecy of Kingship
The report indexed as #37157 in the widely-used Shathri edition—and often linked with the Kitab al-Fitann (Book of Tribulations)—recounts a notable exchange involving Safinah, a freed slave of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
In this narration, Safinah is asked about the Umayyad claims to the Caliphate. His response is blunt and legendary:
"The children of the Blue-eyed woman lie; rather they are kings, from the harshest of kings. And the first of the kings is Mu'awiyah". Why This Matters
This narration is part of a larger discussion in early Islamic history regarding the transition from the Rashidun (Rightly Guided) Caliphate to the era of Kingship (Mulk).
Historical Transition: Safinah is famously the primary narrator of the Hadith stating, "The Caliphate in my Ummah will be thirty years, then after that will be kingship". Report #37157 serves as a specific application of that general rule, identifying where that shift began.
Terminology: Safinah’s use of the term "kings" (muluk) was not necessarily a commentary on the piety of individuals, but a technical distinction in how leadership was passed down—moving from community selection to hereditary dynastic rule.
Early Documentation: Because Ibn Abi Shaybah was "the master of the memorizers" and lived so early, his collection preserves these raw historical perspectives before they were potentially smoothed over by later political sensitivities. Navigating the Numbers
If you are looking for this report and can't find it, remember that Hadith numbering can vary wildly between publishers. S'ad bin Nasir al-Shathri Edition: #37157. Muhammad Awamah Edition: Often found around #35579.
Kanz al-Ummal Cross-Reference: Sometimes cited in other encyclopedic works like Kanz al-Ummal with slightly different numbering. Reflection for Today
Report #37157 isn't just a historical footnote; it’s a reminder of the early community’s critical eye toward power and governance. It highlights the high standard to which the early Muslims held their leaders, distinguishing between the spiritual-political ideal of a "Caliph" and the administrative reality of a "King."
For those interested in exploring more from this author, you can browse the Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah on digital libraries like Al-Maktaba al-Shamela.
The Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, recorded under the specific narration number 37157, is a significant historical and theological text within Sunni Islamic scholarship. This particular entry provides insight into the early political transitions of the Islamic state, specifically discussing the shift from the Rashidun Caliphate to the era of dynastic rule. Content of Narration 37157
In this report, Said bin Jumhan narrates a conversation with Safina, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The text addresses the claims of the Umayyad dynasty (Banu Umayya) regarding their right to the Caliphate.
Arabic Text: حَدَّثَنَا الْفَضْلُ حَدَّثَنَا حَشْرَجُ بْنُ نَبَاتَۃَ ، قَالَ : حدَّثَنِی سَعِیدُ بْنُ جُمْہَانَ قُلْتُ لِسَفِینَۃِ ، إنَّ بَنِی أُمَیَّۃَ یَزْعُمُونَ ، أَنَّ الْخِلاَفَۃَ فِیہِمْ ، قَالَ : کَذَبَ بَنُو الزَّرْقَائِ ، بَلْ ہُمْ مُلُوکٌ مِنْ أشداء الْمُلُوک ، وَأَوَّلُ الْمُلُوکِ مُعَاوِیَۃُ۔
Translation: Said bin Jumhan said to Safina, "The Banu Umayya claim that the Caliphate is among them." Safina replied, "The children of the blue-eyed (Banu al-Zarqa) have lied. Rather, they are kings among the harshest of kings, and the first of the kings was Muawiyah". Historical Context and Significance
This narration is often cited by scholars to distinguish between the Rashidun Caliphate (The Rightly Guided) and the subsequent monarchical systems.
Defining the Caliphate: According to related narrations found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi (2226), Safina often referenced the Prophet’s statement that the "Caliphate of Prophethood" would last for 30 years, after which it would become a kingdom.
Muawiyah I: Narration 37157 specifically identifies Muawiyah as the "first of the kings," marking the transition from an elective or consultative leadership to a hereditary one. About Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah
The Musannaf was compiled by Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah (159H–235H), a renowned Sunni scholar. It is one of the oldest and largest Hadith collections in existence, containing approximately 39,000 reports.
Methodology: Unlike the "Sahih" collections, a Musannaf includes not only the words of the Prophet (Marfoo') but also reports from his Companions (Mawqoof) and their followers (Maqtoo').
Structure: It is organized by Fiqh (legal) chapters, making it a vital resource for understanding the legal and historical views of the early Muslim community. Theological Utility
Scholars use narration 37157 to provide a nuanced view of the Umayyad period. While many Sunni works acknowledge the administrative and expansionist successes of the Umayyads, narrations like this from the Musannaf serve as a reminder of the early community's critical view regarding the loss of the prophetic model of leadership.
Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah (Tahqiq & Tashkil) - SifatuSafwa
This write-up covers Narration #37157 (often cited as #38200 depending on the edition) from the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah, a foundational collection of early Islamic reports. Overview of Narration #37157
This report details an incident following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, during the period when Abu Bakr was being appointed as the first Caliph. It focuses on a tense interaction between Umar ibn al-Khattab and Fatimah bint Muhammad (the Prophet's daughter). The Text (Translated)
According to the report narrated by Aslam, the freed slave of Umar:
Umar warned Fatimah that if Ali, Zubayr, and others continued meeting in her home to oppose Abu Bakr's caliphate, he would set the house on fire. Following this threat, the group left to give their allegiance. Historical & Theological Context
This narration is central to discussions on the succession to Muhammad.
Sunni Perspective: Generally views the report as having a disconnected chain (mursal) and interprets the threat as a, albeit extreme, measure to ensure community unity.
Shia Perspective: Frequently cites this and similar reports to highlight the pressures applied to the family of the Prophet during this transition. Source Details Information Author Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah (d. 235 AH) Work Al-Musannaf Modern Edition Often found in Volume 7 or 8 (e.g., Dar al-Faruq edition) Chapter Kitab al-Maghazi (The Book of Expeditions/History) Umar attacked Fatimah and burned her house down - Mahajjah
Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157 contains a narration from Amr ibn al-Aas praising the financial integrity of Abu Bakr and Umar regarding public wealth. The Musannaf is a massive early Islamic compilation, serving as a primary source for the sayings of the Prophet's companions. Read the full narration at Islamic Urdu Books.
If 37157 has a broken chain, why do scholars still cite it? Because the meaning (matn) of the Hadith—the "two qullas" rule—is authentically established through other channels.
The authentic version of this Hadith is found in:
All authentic versions trace back to ‘Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) from the Prophet, or through other companions like Abu Sa’id al-Khudri.
So what is special about Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157? Its value lies in the Fiqhi (jurisprudential) nuance. Ibn Abi Shaybah purposely includes the weaker Mursal route because it records a subtle addition: the narrator’s doubt (aw qala: "lam yunajjisahu shay’"). This doubt reflects that early scholars disagreed on the exact phrasing—does water "not carry impurity" or is it "not impurified by anything"? This lexical nuance impacts rulings on stagnant water versus flowing water.
What makes Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah invaluable is the preservation of the Isnad. For Hadith 37157, the chain typically follows (verification depends on the exact print, but it traces through a major route):
Abd al-Rahim ibn Sulayman ← Mujalid ← al-Shabi ← Jabir ibn `Abd Allah.id** (al-Hamdani). He is considered **weak (daif)** by major hadith critics (Ibn Main, al-Bukhari, Abu Hatim, al-Nasa’i). Some later scholars accept his narrations when supported by other chains, but alone, this chain is not authentic (hasan or sahih) according to the majority.if)** due to Mujalid’s poor memory and reported irsal (discontinuity) issues. However, the *meaning* (tanning purifies hide) is strongly supported by other authentic hadiths (e.g., Muslim 366, from Ibn Abbas).In the pantheon of early Islamic literature, few works are as monumental and yet as underutilized as the Musannaf of Imam Abu Bakr Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Shaybah al-Abasi (159H – 235H). Composed in the third Islamic century, this encyclopedic collection of prophetic traditions (Hadith), statements of the Companions (Sahabah), and rulings of the Successors (Tabi’in) serves as a critical bridge between the earlier Muwatta of Imam Malik and the canonical Sahih of Imam al-Bukhari.
One specific reference number within this massive work—Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157—has become a point of interest for advanced students of Hadith, jurists (fuqaha), and online researchers. Why this number? Because it touches upon a nuanced legal ruling regarding purification (Tahara), which directly impacts daily worship. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of this narration, its authenticity, its place in Islamic law, and why understanding its context is crucial.
After this deep dive, we reach a balanced conclusion:
Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157 is a historically invaluable narration, but it is not a standalone proof. Its chain is broken (Munqati’), preventing it from being used as an independent evidence for the "two qullas" ruling. However, its text (matn) is authentic and widely accepted because identical texts are transmitted through rigorous, continuous chains in the Sunan works.
For the average Muslim seeking to understand the ruling on water and impurity: The ruling is sound—water of 540 liters or more remains pure unless its properties change. But rely for proof on Sunan al-Tirmidhi 67 or Sunan Abi Dawud 63, not solely on Musannaf 37157.
For the Hadith student: Study the Musannaf as a window into early ikhtilaf (disagreement) and the transmission of fiqh. Number 37157 is a perfect case study in why Sanad (chain) analysis is the unique science of this Ummah. It teaches us that not everything in a "Hadith book" is prophetic in the strictest sense—yet everything has a purpose in preserving the legacy of Islam.
Final Verdict on 37157:
References for Further Reading:
In the vast ocean of Islamic scholarly literature, few works hold as much weight for students of Hadith, Fiqh, and early Islamic history as the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah. For researchers, identifying a specific Hadith is not merely about finding a text; it is about tracing chains of narration (isnad), understanding jurisprudential contexts, and verifying textual integrity.
The code "Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37157" refers to a specific, verified Hadith within this monumental collection. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Musannaf, the significance of its numbering system, and a detailed breakdown of Hadith number 37157.