Q 3: I heard of a Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to a boy in the Masjid (mosque): "I will teach you a word which Allah will give you benefit from." When the Prophet (peace be upon him) finished Salah (Prayer), the boy said to him: "You said that you would teach me a word after you leave the Masjid." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him: "Yes. It is Al-Fatihah (Opening Chapter of the Qur'an). It is Al-Sab‘-ul-Mathany (Seven Oft-recited Verses)." Is this Hadith authentic?

A: The Hadith referred to is Sahih (authentic). The following is its text: It was narrated on the authority of Abu Sa‘id ibn Al-Mu‘alla (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: I was praying in the Masjid when the Prophet (peace be upon him) called me. I did not go to him until I had finished Salah. When I went to him, he (peace be upon him) asked, 'What prevented you from coming to me?' I said, 'I was praying.' He (peace be upon him) said, 'Did Allah not say: O you who believe! Answer Allâh (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) calls you to that which will give you life ' Then he (peace be upon him) said, 'Shall I tell you the greatest Surah in the Qur’an before I leave the Masjid?' When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was about to leave the Masjid, I reminded him. He (peace be upon him) said: All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). It is Al-Sab‘-ul-Mathany and the Grand Qur’an which has been given to me.' (Part No. 4; Page No. 185)  (Related by Al-Bukhari and others) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.