Q 5: “Islam began as a stranger and shall return as a stranger as it began, so Tuba (meaning Paradise or a tree in Paradise) is to the strangers.” It was asked, “Who are the strangers, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Those who reform people after they become corrupt.” Is this Hadith Sahih (authentic) or Da‘if (weak)?

A: This Hadith was originally reported in [Sahih Muslim], from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Islam began as a stranger and shall return as a stranger as it began, so Tuba (meaning Paradise or is the name of a tree in Paradise) is to the (likewise) strangers.” (Part No. 4; Page No. 430) The extra phrase “It was asked: Who are the strangers?...etc.” was related by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad, from `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud, (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Islam began as a stranger and shall return as a stranger as it began, so Tuba is to the strangers.” It was asked, “Who are the strangers?” He replied, “The forsakes of kindred (for the sake of Islam).” 1/398. He related also from `Abdullah ibn `Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, “One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), he said, ‘Tuba (a tree in Paradise) is to the strangers.’ We asked, ‘Who are the strangers, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘A few righteous people among many corrupted people; those who oppose them are more than those who obey them.’” Hadith / 177.He also related from `Abdul-Rahman ibn Sanah that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say, “Islam began as a stranger and shall return as a stranger as it began, so Tuba is to the strangers.” It was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, who are the strangers?” He replied, “Those who reform when people go wrong.” Thus, it is clear that this Hadith is Sahih.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.