Abraham’s Honesty (Quran vs. Hadith)
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The Quran informs us that Muhammad was commanded to follow the religion of Abraham, as it is through Abraham that all the rituals of Submission (Islam) originated. This includes Salat, Zakat, Fasting, and Hajj.
[16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.
ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ أَنِ ٱتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
2
awḥaynā
أَوْحَيْنَآ
we revealed / inspired
3
ilayka
إِلَيْكَ
to you,
4
ani
أَنِ
[that]
5
ittabiʿ
ٱتَّبِعْ
“follow
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millata
مِلَّةَ
(the) religion (of)
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ib’rāhīma
إِبْرَٰهِيمَ
Abraham;
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ḥanīfan
حَنِيفًا
monotheism;
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wamā
وَمَا
and not
10
kāna
كَانَ
he was
11
mina
مِنَ
of
12
l-mush’rikīna
ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
the polytheists / idol worshipers.”
The Quran informs us that God taken Abraham as a beloved friend.
[4:125] Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ دِينًا مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُۥ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ وَٱتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا وَٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ خَلِيلًا
The Quran calls out Abraham as an example for believers to follow, except for one mistake where he prayed for his father’s forgiveness even though he was destined for Hell.
[60:4] A good example has been set for you by Abraham and those with him. They said to their people, “We disown you and the idols that you worship besides GOD. We denounce you, and you will see nothing from us except animosity and hatred until you believe in GOD ALONE.”* However, a mistake was committed by Abraham when he said to his father, “I will pray for your forgiveness,** but I possess no power to protect you from GOD.” “Our Lord, we trust in You, and submit to You; to You is the final destiny.
قَدْ كَانَتْ لَكُمْ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ فِىٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥٓ إِذْ قَالُوا۟ لِقَوْمِهِمْ إِنَّا بُرَءَٰٓؤُا۟ مِنكُمْ وَمِمَّا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ كَفَرْنَا بِكُمْ وَبَدَا بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمُ ٱلْعَدَٰوَةُ وَٱلْبَغْضَآءُ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰ تُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَحْدَهُۥٓ إِلَّا قَوْلَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لِأَبِيهِ لَأَسْتَغْفِرَنَّ لَكَ وَمَآ أَمْلِكُ لَكَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىْءٍ رَّبَّنَا عَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْنَا وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْنَا وَإِلَيْكَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
The Quran informs us that Abraham did this because he promised his father that he would and did not want to break his word to him.
[9:114] The only reason Abraham asked forgiveness for his father was that he had promised him to do so. But as soon as he realized that he was an enemy of GOD, he disowned him. Abraham was extremely kind, clement.
وَمَا كَانَ ٱسْتِغْفَارُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لِأَبِيهِ إِلَّا عَن مَّوْعِدَةٍ وَعَدَهَآ إِيَّاهُ فَلَمَّا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُۥٓ أَنَّهُۥ عَدُوٌّ لِّلَّهِ تَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُ إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لَأَوَّٰهٌ حَلِيمٌ
This shows Abraham’s extreme honesty and the extent to which he went to keep his word and maintain his truthfulness. For this, God recognizes him for this quality and calls him a man of truth (ṣiddīqan / صِدِّيقًا ).
[19:41] Mention in the scripture Abraham; he was a man of truth (saint), a prophet.
وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا
2
fī
فِى
in
3
l-kitābi
ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ
the scripture
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ib’rāhīma
إِبْرَٰهِيمَ
Abraham.
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innahu
إِنَّهُۥ
Indeed, he
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kāna
كَانَ
[he] was
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ṣiddīqan
صِدِّيقًا
a man of truth / trustworthy / saint,
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nabiyyan
نَّبِيًّا
a prophet.
The term “ṣiddīqan” ( صِدِّيقًا ) comes from the root “Saad-Dal-Qaf” ( ص د ق ) and has the below derivative meanings but relates to one who confirms the truth and is extremely truthful, and trustworthy. This is not the quality of someone who fabricates lies.
Abraham Called A Liar in Hadith
For a statement to be considered a lie, it generally must meet the following criteria:
Falsehood: The statement must be false. That is, it does not align with the facts or the truth of the situation.
Knowledge of Falsehood: The person making the statement must know or believe that it is false. If someone unknowingly says something untrue, believing it to be true, it is not considered a lie.
Intent to Deceive: The person must make the false statement with the intention of deceiving others. The purpose is for the listener to believe the statement as true, thus being misled or misinformed.
Communication: The false statement must be communicated to someone else. An unexpressed thought, even if false and intended to deceive, does not constitute a lie until it is communicated to another person.
According to the Quran, Abraham was not a liar and was an extremely honest person, to a fault. Yet, if we look at the Hadith, according to Bukhari, as well as other Hadith compilers, the prophet called Abraham a liar. These Hadith claim that Abraham lied on three occasions. The below Hadith, explains one of the supposed lies attributed to Abraham regardign a matter that is not found in the Quran, but only in the Bible.
“Saeed bin Talid narrated to us, he said Ibn Wahb informed me, he said Jarir bin Hazim informed me, from Ayyub, from Muhammad, from Abu Huraira, who said the Prophet, peace be upon him, said. Sulaiman narrated to us from Hammad bin Zaid, from Ayyub, from Muhammad, from Abu Huraira, ‘The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Ibrahim did not lie except on three occasions. (One time) while Ibrahim passed by a tyrant with Sarah – and he mentioned the story – so he gave her Hajar.” She said, “May Allah restrain the hand of the disbeliever, and he gave me Hajar as a slave.” Abu Huraira said, ‘So she is your mother, O sons of the water of the sky.'”
حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ تَلِيدٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي جَرِيرُ بْنُ حَازِمٍ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم. حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ عَنْ حَمَّادِ بْنِ زَيْدٍ عَنْ أَيُّوبَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ {قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم} “ لَمْ يَكْذِبْ إِبْرَاهِيمُ إِلاَّ ثَلاَثَ كَذَبَاتٍ بَيْنَمَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ مَرَّ بِجَبَّارٍ وَمَعَهُ سَارَةُ ـ فَذَكَرَ الْحَدِيثَ ـ فَأَعْطَاهَا هَاجَرَ قَالَتْ كَفَّ اللَّهُ يَدَ الْكَافِرِ وَأَخْدَمَنِي آجَرَ ”. قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ فَتِلْكَ أُمُّكُمْ يَا بَنِي مَاءِ السَّمَاءِ.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5084 https://sunnah.com/bukhari:5084
So, not only does this Hadith claim that Abraham was a liar, but it also propagates two false accusations from the Bible that are not found in the Quran. The first is that Abraham told the Pharaoh in Egypt that Sara was his sister (Gen. 12:13), and the second is that Hagar was Sara’s Egyptian slave whichi is a claim used to disparage the lineage of Ishmael.
This contradicts the Quran in another way as well. According to the Quran, Muhammad was a gentile and did not know the contents of the previous scripture according to the Quran. This was a miracle for the people then, and the Quran confirms that if he knew what was in the earlier scriptures, people would have doubted him.
[29:48] You did not read the previous scriptures, nor did you write them with your hand. In that case, the rejectors would have had reason to harbor doubts.
وَمَا كُنتَ تَتْلُوا۟ مِن قَبْلِهِۦ مِن كِتَـٰبٍ وَلَا تَخُطُّهُۥ بِيَمِينِكَ إِذًا لَّٱرْتَابَ ٱلْمُبْطِلُونَ
But in this narration, we are to believe that Muhammad had deep knowledge of these matters and confirmed points in the Bible not found in the Quran. It should not to be overlooked that the above Hadith is attributed to Abu Hurairah, who was heavily influenced by Ka’b Al-Ahbar, who pushed much Talmudic ideology and folklore into the Hadith corpus.
Consider that the function of the Quran is to safeguard and correct what was distorted in the Bible. In contrast, the Hadith attempts to give credibility to these false accounts not found in the Quran by attributing lies to the prophet contradicting the Quran.
[5:15] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you to proclaim for you many things you have concealed in the scripture, and to pardon many other transgressions you have committed. A beacon has come to you from GOD, and a profound scripture.
يَـٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ قَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمْ كَثِيرًا مِّمَّا كُنتُمْ تُخْفُونَ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَيَعْفُوا۟ عَن كَثِيرٍ قَدْ جَآءَكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَـٰبٌ مُّبِينٌ
[5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.
وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ فَٱحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِى مَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمْ فَٱسْتَبِقُوا۟ ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ
The Second Hadith Accusing Abraham of LYing
The Hadith corpus continues with this assault on the character of Abraham again in the following Hadith, where it attempts to belittle Abraham and elevate Muhammad because of these supposed three lies. And as expected, it is another ridiculous narration from Abu Hurairah. In this narration, on the Day of Resurrection, the people will go from prophet to prophet, asking for their intercession. They will first go to Adam, then Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Each will confess their shortcomings or how they are unfit to intercede and cry for someone to intercede on their behalf. This is until they reach Muhammad, the only prophet deemed worthy to intercede.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Some (cooked) meat was brought to Allah Apostle and the meat of a forearm was presented to him as he used to like it. He ate a morsel of it and said, “I will be the chief of all the people on the Day of Resurrection. Do you know the reason for it? Allah will gather all the human being of early generations as well as late generation on one plain so that the announcer will be able to make them all hear his voice and the watcher will be able to see all of them. The sun will come so close to the people that they will suffer such distress and trouble as they will not be able to bear or stand. Then the people will say, ‘Don’t you see to what state you have reached? Won’t you look for someone who can intercede for you with your Lord’ Some people will say to some others, ‘Go to Adam.’ So they will go to Adam and say to him. ‘You are the father of mankind; Allah created you with His Own Hand, and breathed into you of His Spirit (meaning the spirit which he created for you); and ordered the angels to prostrate before you; so (please) intercede for us with your Lord. Don’t you see in what state we are? Don’t you see what condition we have reached?’ Adam will say, ‘Today my Lord has become angry as He has never become before, nor will ever become thereafter. He forbade me (to eat of the fruit of) the tree, but I disobeyed Him . Myself! Myself! Myself! (I am preoccupied with my own problems). Go to someone else; go to Noah.’ So they will go to Noah and say (to him), ‘O Noah! You are the first (of Allah’s Messengers) to the people of the earth, and Allah has named you a thankful slave; please intercede for us with your Lord. Don’t you see in what state we are?’ He will say.’ Today my Lord has become angry as He has never become nor will ever become thereafter. I had (in the world) the right to make one definitely accepted invocation, and I made it against my nation. Myself! Myself! Myself! Go to someone else; go to Abraham.’ They will go to Abraham and say, ‘O Abraham! You are Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and His Khalil from among the people of the earth; so please intercede for us with your Lord. Don’t you see in what state we are?’ He will say to them, ‘My Lord has today become angry as He has never become before, nor will ever become thereafter. I had told three lies (Abu Haiyan (the sub-narrator) mentioned them in the Hadith) Myself! Myself! Myself! Go to someone else; go to Moses.’ The people will then go to Moses and say, ‘O Moses! You art Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and Allah gave you superiority above the others with this message and with His direct Talk to you; (please) intercede for us with your Lord. Don’t you see in what state we are?’ Moses will say, ‘My Lord has today become angry as He has never become before, nor will become thereafter, I killed a person whom I had not been ordered to kill. Myself! Myself! Myself! Go to someone else; go to Jesus.’ So they will go to Jesus and say, ‘O Jesus! You are Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and His Word, which He sent to Mary, and a superior soul created by Him, and you talked to the people while still young in the cradle. Please intercede for us with your Lord. Don’t you see in what state we are?’ Jesus will say. ‘My Lord has today become angry as He has never become before nor will ever become thereafter. Jesus will not mention any sin, but will say, ‘Myself! Myself! Myself! Go to someone else; go to Muhammad.‘ So they will come to me and say, ‘O Muhammad ! You are Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and the last of the prophets, and Allah forgave your early and late sins. (Please) intercede for us with your Lord. Don’t you see in what state we are?” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “Then I will go beneath Allah’s Throne and fall in prostration before my Lord. And then Allah will guide me to such praises and glorification to Him as He has never guided anybody else before me. Then it will be said, ‘O Muhammad Raise your head. Ask, and it will be granted. Intercede and It (your intercession) will be accepted.’ So I will raise my head and Say, ‘My followers, O my Lord! My followers, O my Lord’. It will be said, ‘O Muhammad! Let those of your followers who have no accounts, enter through such a gate of the gates of Paradise as lies on the right; and they will share the other gates with the people.” The Prophet (ﷺ) further said, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the distance between every two gate-posts of Paradise is like the distance between Mecca and Busra (in Sham).
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُقَاتِلٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو حَيَّانَ التَّيْمِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي زُرْعَةَ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ جَرِيرٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ أُتِيَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِلَحْمٍ، فَرُفِعَ إِلَيْهِ الذِّرَاعُ، وَكَانَتْ تُعْجِبُهُ، فَنَهَسَ مِنْهَا نَهْسَةً ثُمَّ قَالَ “ أَنَا سَيِّدُ النَّاسِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَهَلْ تَدْرُونَ مِمَّ ذَلِكَ يُجْمَعُ النَّاسُ الأَوَّلِينَ وَالآخِرِينَ فِي صَعِيدٍ وَاحِدٍ، يُسْمِعُهُمُ الدَّاعِي، وَيَنْفُذُهُمُ الْبَصَرُ، وَتَدْنُو الشَّمْسُ، فَيَبْلُغُ النَّاسَ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَالْكَرْبِ مَا لاَ يُطِيقُونَ وَلاَ يَحْتَمِلُونَ فَيَقُولُ النَّاسُ أَلاَ تَرَوْنَ مَا قَدْ بَلَغَكُمْ أَلاَ تَنْظُرُونَ مَنْ يَشْفَعُ لَكُمْ إِلَى رَبِّكُمْ فَيَقُولُ بَعْضُ النَّاسِ لِبَعْضٍ عَلَيْكُمْ بِآدَمَ فَيَأْتُونَ آدَمَ عليه السلام فَيَقُولُونَ لَهُ أَنْتَ أَبُو الْبَشَرِ خَلَقَكَ اللَّهُ بِيَدِهِ. وَنَفَخَ فِيكَ مِنْ رُوحِهِ، وَأَمَرَ الْمَلاَئِكَةَ فَسَجَدُوا لَكَ، اشْفَعْ لَنَا إِلَى رَبِّكَ، أَلاَ تَرَى إِلَى مَا نَحْنُ فِيهِ أَلاَ تَرَى إِلَى مَا قَدْ بَلَغَنَا فَيَقُولُ آدَمُ إِنَّ رَبِّي قَدْ غَضِبَ الْيَوْمَ غَضَبًا لَمْ يَغْضَبْ قَبْلَهُ مِثْلَهُ وَلَنْ يَغْضَبَ بَعْدَهُ مِثْلَهُ، وَإِنَّهُ نَهَانِي عَنِ الشَّجَرَةِ فَعَصَيْتُهُ، نَفْسِي نَفْسِي نَفْسِي، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى غَيْرِي، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى نُوحٍ، فَيَأْتُونَ نُوحًا فَيَقُولُونَ يَا نُوحُ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ أَوَّلُ الرُّسُلِ إِلَى أَهْلِ الأَرْضِ، وَقَدْ سَمَّاكَ اللَّهُ عَبْدًا شَكُورًا اشْفَعْ لَنَا إِلَى رَبِّكَ، أَلاَ تَرَى إِلَى مَا نَحْنُ فِيهِ فَيَقُولُ إِنَّ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَدْ غَضِبَ الْيَوْمَ غَضَبًا لَمْ يَغْضَبْ قَبْلَهُ مِثْلَهُ، وَلَنْ يَغْضَبَ بَعْدَهُ مِثْلَهُ، وَإِنَّهُ قَدْ كَانَتْ لِي دَعْوَةٌ دَعَوْتُهَا عَلَى قَوْمِي نَفْسِي نَفْسِي نَفْسِي اذْهَبُوا إِلَى غَيْرِي، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ، فَيَأْتُونَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، فَيَقُولُونَ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ، أَنْتَ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ وَخَلِيلُهُ مِنْ أَهْلِ الأَرْضِ اشْفَعْ لَنَا إِلَى رَبِّكَ أَلاَ تَرَى إِلَى مَا نَحْنُ فِيهِ فَيَقُولُ لَهُمْ إِنَّ رَبِّي قَدْ غَضِبَ الْيَوْمَ غَضَبًا لَمْ يَغْضَبْ قَبْلَهُ مِثْلَهُ وَلَنْ يَغْضَبَ بَعْدَهُ مِثْلَهُ، وَإِنِّي قَدْ كُنْتُ كَذَبْتُ ثَلاَثَ كَذَبَاتٍ ـ فَذَكَرَهُنَّ أَبُو حَيَّانَ فِي الْحَدِيثِ ـ نَفْسِي نَفْسِي نَفْسِي، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى غَيْرِي اذْهَبُوا إِلَى مُوسَى، فَيَأْتُونَ مُوسَى، فَيَقُولُونَ يَا مُوسَى أَنْتَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، فَضَّلَكَ اللَّهُ بِرِسَالَتِهِ وَبِكَلاَمِهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ، اشْفَعْ لَنَا إِلَى رَبِّكَ أَلاَ تَرَى إِلَى مَا نَحْنُ فِيهِ فَيَقُولُ إِنَّ رَبِّي قَدْ غَضِبَ الْيَوْمَ غَضَبًا لَمْ يَغْضَبْ قَبْلَهُ مِثْلَهُ، وَلَنْ يَغْضَبَ بَعْدَهُ مِثْلَهُ، وَإِنِّي قَدْ قَتَلْتُ نَفْسًا لَمْ أُومَرْ بِقَتْلِهَا، نَفْسِي نَفْسِي نَفْسِي، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى غَيْرِي، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى عِيسَى، فَيَأْتُونَ عِيسَى فَيَقُولُونَ يَا عِيسَى أَنْتَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ أَلْقَاهَا إِلَى مَرْيَمَ وَرُوحٌ مِنْهُ، وَكَلَّمْتَ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ صَبِيًّا اشْفَعْ لَنَا أَلاَ تَرَى إِلَى مَا نَحْنُ فِيهِ فَيَقُولُ عِيسَى إِنَّ رَبِّي قَدْ غَضِبَ الْيَوْمَ غَضَبًا لَمْ يَغْضَبْ قَبْلَهُ مِثْلَهُ، وَلَنْ يَغْضَبَ بَعْدَهُ مِثْلَهُ ـ وَلَمْ يَذْكُرْ ذَنْبًا ـ نَفْسِي نَفْسِي نَفْسِي، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى غَيْرِي اذْهَبُوا إِلَى مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَيَأْتُونَ مُحَمَّدًا صلى الله عليه وسلم فَيَقُولُونَ يَا مُحَمَّدُ أَنْتَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمُ الأَنْبِيَاءِ، وَقَدْ غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَكَ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ، اشْفَعْ لَنَا إِلَى رَبِّكَ أَلاَ تَرَى إِلَى مَا نَحْنُ فِيهِ فَأَنْطَلِقُ فَآتِي تَحْتَ الْعَرْشِ، فَأَقَعُ سَاجِدًا لِرَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ثُمَّ يَفْتَحُ اللَّهُ عَلَىَّ مِنْ مَحَامِدِهِ وَحُسْنِ الثَّنَاءِ عَلَيْهِ شَيْئًا لَمْ يَفْتَحْهُ عَلَى أَحَدٍ قَبْلِي ثُمَّ يُقَالُ يَا مُحَمَّدُ ارْفَعْ رَأْسَكَ، سَلْ تُعْطَهْ، وَاشْفَعْ تُشَفَّعْ، فَأَرْفَعُ رَأْسِي، فَأَقُولُ أُمَّتِي يَا رَبِّ، أُمَّتِي يَا رَبِّ فَيُقَالُ يَا مُحَمَّدُ أَدْخِلْ مِنْ أُمَّتِكَ مَنْ لاَ حِسَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنَ الْبَابِ الأَيْمَنِ مِنْ أَبْوَابِ الْجَنَّةِ وَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ النَّاسِ فِيمَا سِوَى ذَلِكَ مِنَ الأَبْوَابِ، ثُمَّ قَالَ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ إِنَّ مَا بَيْنَ الْمِصْرَاعَيْنِ مِنْ مَصَارِيعِ الْجَنَّةِ كَمَا بَيْنَ مَكَّةَ وَحِمْيَرَ، أَوْ كَمَا بَيْنَ مَكَّةَ وَبُصْرَى ”.
Sahih al-Bukhari 4712 https://sunnah.com/bukhari:4712
This is wrong on so many levels. The Quran tells us there is no intercession on the Day of Resurrection.
[2:48] Beware of the day when no soul can avail another soul, no intercession will be accepted, no ransom can be paid, nor can anyone be helped.
وَٱتَّقُوا۟ يَوْمًا لَّا تَجْزِى نَفْسٌ عَن نَّفْسٍ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا شَفَـٰعَةٌ وَلَا يُؤْخَذُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ
[2:123] Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, no intercession will be useful, and no one will be helped.
وَٱتَّقُوا۟ يَوْمًا لَّا تَجْزِى نَفْسٌ عَن نَّفْسٍ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌ وَلَا تَنفَعُهَا شَفَـٰعَةٌ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ
The Quran informs us that the only intercession that will be accepted will be for those who are already destined for Paradise. This means that God alone is the One who determines who goes to Paradise or Hell, and there will be no third party to alter this decision of God.
[43:86] None of those whom they idolize beside Him possess any power to intercede, unless their intercession coincides with the truth, and they fully know.
وَلَا يَمْلِكُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ ٱلشَّفَـٰعَةَ إِلَّا مَن شَهِدَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ
Anyone hoping Muhammad or any other entity will intercede on their behalf on the Day of Resurrection should know that to think any entity other than God can harm or benefit them is idol worship.
[5:76] Say, “Would you worship beside GOD powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.”
قُلْ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمْلِكُ لَكُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا وَٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
Muhammad was incapable of harming or benefiting himself, let alone will be capable of interceding on behalf of anyone.
[7:188] Say, “I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe.”
قُل لَّآ أَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِى نَفْعًا وَلَا ضَرًّا إِلَّا مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَوْ كُنتُ أَعْلَمُ ٱلْغَيْبَ لَٱسْتَكْثَرْتُ مِنَ ٱلْخَيْرِ وَمَا مَسَّنِىَ ٱلسُّوٓءُ إِنْ أَنَا۠ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ وَبَشِيرٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
[17:57] Even the idols that they implore are seeking the ways and means towards their Lord. They pray for His mercy, and fear His retribution. Surely, the retribution of your Lord is dreadful.
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ يَبْتَغُونَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمُ ٱلْوَسِيلَةَ أَيُّهُمْ أَقْرَبُ وَيَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَهُۥ وَيَخَافُونَ عَذَابَهُۥٓ إِنَّ عَذَابَ رَبِّكَ كَانَ مَحْذُورًا
The people who continue to think that idolizing Muhammad will get them in God’s graces should realize that such actions will only nullify all their works and be a direct sentence to Hell.
[4:116] GOD does not forgive idol worship (if maintained until death), and He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who idolizes any idol beside GOD has strayed far astray.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَـٰلًۢا بَعِيدًا
Hadith’s Other Two Lies Against Abraham
Now, let’s look at the other two lies attributed to Abraham according to Hadith.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Abraham did not tell a lie except on three occasions. Twice for the Sake of Allah when he said, “I am sick,” and he said, “(I have not done this but) the big idol has done it.” The (third was) that while Abraham and Sarah (his wife) were going (on a journey) they passed by (the territory of) a tyrant. Someone said to the tyrant, “This man (i.e. Abraham) is accompanied by a very charming lady.” So, he sent for Abraham and asked him about Sarah saying, “Who is this lady?” Abraham said, “She is my sister.” Abraham went to Sarah and said, “O Sarah! There are no believers on the surface of the earth except you and I. This man asked me about you and I have told him that you are my sister, so don’t contradict my statement.” The tyrant then called Sarah and when she went to him, he tried to take hold of her with his hand, but (his hand got stiff and) he was confounded. He asked Sarah. “Pray to Allah for me, and I shall not harm you.” So Sarah asked Allah to cure him and he got cured. He tried to take hold of her for the second time, but (his hand got as stiff as or stiffer than before and) was more confounded. He again requested Sarah, “Pray to Allah for me, and I will not harm you.” Sarah asked Allah again and he became alright. He then called one of his guards (who had brought her) and said, “You have not brought me a human being but have brought me a devil.” The tyrant then gave Hajar as a girl-servant to Sarah. Sarah came back (to Abraham) while he was praying. Abraham, gesturing with his hand, asked, “What has happened?” She replied, “Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel (or immoral person) and gave me Hajar for service.” (Abu Huraira then addressed his listeners saying, “That (Hajar) was your mother, O Bani Ma-is-Sama (i.e. the Arabs, the descendants of Ishmael, Hajar’s son).
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مَحْبُوبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ لَمْ يَكْذِبْ إِبْرَاهِيمُ ـ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ ـ إِلاَّ ثَلاَثَ كَذَبَاتٍ ثِنْتَيْنِ مِنْهُنَّ فِي ذَاتِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، قَوْلُهُ {إِنِّي سَقِيمٌ } وَقَوْلُهُ {بَلْ فَعَلَهُ كَبِيرُهُمْ هَذَا}، وَقَالَ بَيْنَا هُوَ ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ وَسَارَةُ إِذْ أَتَى عَلَى جَبَّارٍ مِنَ الْجَبَابِرَةِ فَقِيلَ لَهُ إِنَّ هَا هُنَا رَجُلاً مَعَهُ امْرَأَةٌ مِنْ أَحْسَنِ النَّاسِ، فَأَرْسَلَ إِلَيْهِ، فَسَأَلَهُ عَنْهَا. فَقَالَ مَنْ هَذِهِ قَالَ أُخْتِي، فَأَتَى سَارَةَ قَالَ يَا سَارَةُ، لَيْسَ عَلَى وَجْهِ الأَرْضِ مُؤْمِنٌ غَيْرِي وَغَيْرُكِ، وَإِنَّ هَذَا سَأَلَنِي، فَأَخْبَرْتُهُ أَنَّكِ أُخْتِي فَلاَ تُكَذِّبِينِي. فَأَرْسَلَ إِلَيْهَا، فَلَمَّا دَخَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ ذَهَبَ يَتَنَاوَلُهَا بِيَدِهِ، فَأُخِذَ فَقَالَ ادْعِي اللَّهَ لِي وَلاَ أَضُرُّكِ. فَدَعَتِ اللَّهَ فَأُطْلِقَ، ثُمَّ تَنَاوَلَهَا الثَّانِيَةَ، فَأُخِذَ مِثْلَهَا أَوْ أَشَدَّ فَقَالَ ادْعِي اللَّهَ لِي وَلاَ أَضُرُّكِ. فَدَعَتْ فَأُطْلِقَ. فَدَعَا بَعْضَ حَجَبَتِهِ فَقَالَ إِنَّكُمْ لَمْ تَأْتُونِي بِإِنْسَانٍ، إِنَّمَا أَتَيْتُمُونِي بِشَيْطَانٍ. فَأَخْدَمَهَا هَاجَرَ فَأَتَتْهُ، وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي، فَأَوْمَأَ بِيَدِهِ مَهْيَا قَالَتْ رَدَّ اللَّهُ كَيْدَ الْكَافِرِ ـ أَوِ الْفَاجِرِ ـ فِي نَحْرِهِ، وَأَخْدَمَ هَاجَرَ. قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ تِلْكَ أُمُّكُمْ يَا بَنِي مَاءِ السَّمَاءِ.
Sahih al-Bukhari 3358 https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3358
While the above narration is attributed to a saying from Abu Hurairah, the same Hadith, according to Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi claim that this was stated by the prophet and are rated as Sahih.
Abu Hurairah reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying Abraham (peace be upon him) never told a lie except on three occasions twice for the sake of Allaah. Allaah quoted his words (in the Qur’an) “I am indeed sick” and “Nay, this was done by – this is their biggest one”. Once he was passing through the land of a tyrant (king). He stayed there in a place. People went to the tyrant and informed him saying “A man has come down here; he has a most beautiful woman with him.” So he sent for him (Abraham) and asked about her. He said she is my sister. When he returned to her, he said “he asked me about you and I informed him that you were my sister. Today there is no believer except me and you. You are my sister in the Book of Allaah (i.e., sister in faith). So do not belie me before him. The narrator then narrated the rest of the tradition. Abu Dawud said “A similar tradition has also been narrated by Shu’aib bin Abi Hamza from Abi Al Zinad from Al A’raj on the authority of Abu Hurairah from the Prophet (ﷺ).
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْوَهَّابِ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ” أَنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَمْ يَكْذِبْ قَطُّ إِلاَّ ثَلاَثًا ثِنْتَانِ فِي ذَاتِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى قَوْلُهُ { إِنِّي سَقِيمٌ } وَقَوْلُهُ { بَلْ فَعَلَهُ كَبِيرُهُمْ هَذَا } وَبَيْنَمَا هُوَ يَسِيرُ فِي أَرْضِ جَبَّارٍ مِنَ الْجَبَابِرَةِ إِذْ نَزَلَ مَنْزِلاً فَأُتِيَ الْجَبَّارُ فَقِيلَ لَهُ إِنَّهُ نَزَلَ هَا هُنَا رَجُلٌ مَعَهُ امْرَأَةٌ هِيَ أَحْسَنُ النَّاسِ قَالَ فَأَرْسَلَ إِلَيْهِ فَسَأَلَهُ عَنْهَا فَقَالَ إِنَّهَا أُخْتِي . فَلَمَّا رَجَعَ إِلَيْهَا قَالَ إِنَّ هَذَا سَأَلَنِي عَنْكِ فَأَنْبَأْتُهُ أَنَّكِ أُخْتِي وَإِنَّهُ لَيْسَ الْيَوْمَ مُسْلِمٌ غَيْرِي وَغَيْرُكِ وَإِنَّكِ أُخْتِي فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلاَ تُكَذِّبِينِي عِنْدَهُ ” . وَسَاقَ الْحَدِيثَ . قَالَ أَبُو دَاوُدَ رَوَى هَذَا الْخَبَرَ شُعَيْبُ بْنُ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَحْوَهُ .
Sunan Abi Dawud 2212 https://sunnah.com/abudawud:2212 See also: https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:3166
I am Sick
The Hadith claims that Abraham lied when he told his people “he was sick.” This is from Sura 37, verse 89 of the Quran. Below is the verse from the Quran in context regarding that statement.
[37:83] Among his followers was Abraham. [37:84] He came to his Lord wholeheartedly. [37:85] He said to his father and his people, “What are you worshiping? [37:86] “Is it these fabricated gods, instead of GOD, that you want? [37:87] “What do you think of the Lord of the universe?” [37:88] He looked carefully at the stars. [37:89] Then he gave up and said, “I am tired of this!”
(٨٩) فَقَالَ إِنِّى سَقِيمٌ
2
innī
إِنِّى
“Indeed, I am
3
saqīmun
سَقِيمٌ
sick / tired.”
[37:90] They turned away from him. [37:91] He then turned on their idols, saying, “Would you like to eat? [37:92] “Why do you not speak?” [37:93] He then destroyed them.
To claim that this is a lie is just terrible tafsir. The word “saqīmun” ( سَقِيمٌ ) that is translated as “sick,” in this context, does not mean sick, like being ill, but sick like how it is used in English when someone says, “I am sick and tired.”
For example, this word is only used twice in the Quran, and the other occurrence is in the same Sura, 37, verse 145, in the context of Jonah being ejected from the fish’s belly. From this verse, we can see that this means exhausted and not ill.
[37:139] Jonah was one of the messengers. [37:140] He escaped to the loaded ship. [37:141] He rebelled and thus, he joined the losers. [37:142] Consequently, the fish swallowed him, and he was the one to blame. [37:143] If it were not that he resorted to meditation (on God), [37:144] he would have stayed in its belly until the Day of Resurrection. [37:145] We had him thrown up into the desert, exhausted.
(١٤٥) فَنَبَذْنَـٰهُ بِٱلْعَرَآءِ وَهُوَ سَقِيمٌ
2
bil-ʿarāi
بِٱلْعَرَآءِ
onto the open shore
3
wahuwa
وَهُوَ
while he (was)
4
saqīmun
سَقِيمٌ
weak / exhausted.
This shows that this was not a lie like the Hadith claims. So either the prophet was unaware of the use of this word and its meaning, or the Hadith is a fabrication. Ironically, Sunnis choose to belittle the prophet rather than consider that their Hadith sciences are worthless.
Additionally, there is evidence that the ancient meaning of this word meant to sin against a deity. This is explained in the following interview with Ahmad al-Jallad at around the 33-minute 30-second mark.
The Big One Did It
The last accusation against Abraham, stating a lie, according to the Hadith, is regarding his statement regarding the destruction of the idols of his people. This is from Sura 21, verse 63. Below is the verse in its context.
[21:51] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him. [21:52] He said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoting yourselves?” [21:53] They said, “We found our parents worshiping them.” [21:54] He said, “Indeed, you and your parents have gone totally astray.” [21:55] They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you playing?” [21:56] He said, “Your only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them. This is the testimony to which I bear witness. [21:57] “I swear by GOD, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave.” [21:58] He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it. [21:59] They said, “Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor.” [21:60] They said, “We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham.” [21:61] They said, “Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness.” [21:62] They said, “Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?” [21:63] He said, “It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they can speak.”
قَالَ بَلْ فَعَلَهُۥ كَبِيرُهُمْ هَـٰذَا فَسْـَٔلُوهُمْ إِن كَانُوا۟ يَنطِقُونَ
2
bal
بَلْ
“Nay,
3
faʿalahu
فَعَلَهُۥ
[he] did it
4
kabīruhum
كَبِيرُهُمْ
their chief / (the) big (one)
5
hādhā
هَـٰذَا
[this].
6
fasalūhum
فَسْـَٔلُوهُمْ
So ask them [you all]
7
in
إِن
if
8
kānū
كَانُوا۟
they could
9
yanṭiqūna
يَنطِقُونَ
[they] speak.”
[21:64] They were taken aback, and said to themselves, “Indeed, you are the ones who have been transgressing.” [21:65] Yet, they reverted to their old ideas: “You know full well that these cannot speak.” [21:66] He said, “Do you then worship besides GOD what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you? [21:67] “You have incurred shame by worshiping idols beside GOD. Do you not understand?”
Reductio ad absurdum
Claiming that his statement “the big one did this” was a lie is a failure to understand Abraham’s tactic when he debated with his people. Abraham used a tactic known as “reductio ad absurdum.”
Reductio ad absurdum is a logical method used to disprove an argument by demonstrating that it leads to an absurd or contradictory conclusion. In this approach, one assumes a statement or premise to be true and then logically follows it to its extreme consequences. If these consequences are absurd, illogical, or self-contradictory, it suggests that the original statement or premise must be false.
This technique is commonly used in mathematical proofs, philosophical arguments, and logical debates. It effectively shows the falsity of an argument by highlighting its untenable or ridiculous implications rather than directly proving it to be false. The strength of reductio ad absurdum lies in its ability to use an opponent’s own logic and assumptions against them, leading to a conclusion that is clearly untenable or irrational.
This is precisely what Abraham did to prove his point. He had them realize that the idols they worshiped were incapable of defending themselves or even destroying each other. Once the people realized the fallacy of their ways, they had a moment of clarity that they were led astray, yet they reverted back to their old ways.
We see another example of Abraham using this form of debate tactic with his people by showing them that the only one worthy of worship is the God who created all these things that the people marveled over.
[6:74] Recall that Abraham said to his father Ãzer, “How could you worship statues as gods? I see that you and your people have gone far astray.” [6:75] We showed Abraham the marvels of the heavens and the earth, and blessed him with certainty: [6:76] When the night fell, he saw a shining planet. “Maybe this is my Lord,” he said. When it disappeared, he said, “I do not like (gods) that disappear.” [6:77] When he saw the moon rising, he said, “Maybe this is my Lord!” When it disappeared, he said, “Unless my Lord guides me, I will be with the strayers.” [6:78] When he saw the sun rising, he said, “This must be my Lord. This is the biggest.” But when it set, he said, “O my people, I denounce your idolatry. [6:79] “I have devoted myself absolutely to the One who initiated the heavens and the earth; I will never be an idol worshiper.” [6:80] His people argued with him. He said, “Do you argue with me about GOD, after He has guided me? I have no fear of the idols you set up. Nothing can happen to me, unless my Lord wills it. My Lord’s knowledge encompasses all things. Would you not take heed? [6:81] “Why should I fear your idols? It is you who should be afraid, since you worship instead of GOD idols that are utterly powerless to help you. Which side is more deserving of security, if you know?” [6:82] Those who believe, and do not pollute their belief with idol worship, have deserved the perfect security, and they are truly guided. [6:83] Such was our argument, with which we supported Abraham against his people. We exalt whomever we will to higher ranks. Your Lord is Most Wise, Omniscient.
Utilizing the tactic of reductio ad absurdum is not lying. Lying requires the intent of the person to deceive. The fabricator of a lie knows that their statement is not true but wishes for the listener to believe it is true. In the case of Abraham, his intent was not for his people to genuinely believe that it was the big one who did it but for them to realize that such an idea was illogical. Lies are used in various contexts, often to mislead or hide the truth for personal gain, protect someone, avoid consequences, etc. To claim that Abraham lied when he made the statement is to claim that he made such a statement to avoid the consequences. But again, we see this is not the case as he told his people:
[6:81] “Why should I fear your idols? It is you who should be afraid, since you worship instead of GOD idols that are utterly powerless to help you. Which side is more deserving of security, if you know?”
وَكَيْفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشْرَكْتُمْ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمْ أَشْرَكْتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَـٰنًا فَأَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْأَمْنِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Lastly, lies are inherently dishonest. They are not used as a tool of logical reasoning but rather as a means to mislead or misrepresent reality. From the exchange, Abraham’s intent was not to mislead or misrepresent reality but the complete opposite, to guide his people to the truth. If we are to consider this statement of Abraham’s a lie, then why not consider his argument with his people regarding the planet, moon, and sun being his Lord a lie as well (6:74-83)? These verses confirm that this form of argumentation was not a lie as it states in the verse that this was God’s argument that he gave to Abraham against his people.
[6:83] Such was our argument, with which we supported Abraham against his people. We exalt whomever we will to higher ranks. Your Lord is Most Wise, Omniscient.
وَتِلْكَ حُجَّتُنَآ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَـٰتٍ مَّن نَّشَآءُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ
Therefore, to claim that the prophet stated that Abraham lied when he made his statement, that it was the big one who did, would be the actual lie.
So again, if one claims that the Hadith is authentic, they are insinuating that the prophet was either a liar or ignorant. But time and time again, we see that Sunnis will throw the prophet under the bus to preserve their Hadith rather than admit that their Hadith sciences are worthless and that Hadith is an insult to the integrity of the prophet.
