Subay' ibn Khalid said: I came to Kufah at the time when Tustar was conquered. I took some mules from it. When I entered the mosque (of Kufah), I found there some people of moderate stature, and among them was a man whom you could recognize when you saw him that he was from the people of Hijaz.
I asked: Who is he? The people frowned at me and said: Do you not recognize him? This is Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, the companion of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
Then Hudhayfah said: People used to ask the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about good, and I used to ask him about evil. Then the people stared hard at him.
He said: I know the reason why you dislike it. I then asked: Messenger of Allah, will there be evil as there was before, after this good which Allah has bestowed on us?
He replied: Yes. I asked: Wherein does the protection from it lie? He replied: In the sword. I asked: Messenger of Allah, what will then happen?
He replied: If Allah has on Earth a caliph who flays your back and takes your property, obey him, otherwise die holding onto the stump of a tree.
I asked: What will come next? He replied: Then the Antichrist (Dajjal) will come forth accompanied by a river and fire. He who falls into his fire will certainly receive his reward, and have his load taken off him, but he who falls into his river will have his load retained and his reward taken off him.
I then asked: What will come next? He said: The Last Hour will come.
Historical Context and Chain of Narration
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4244 in "Trials and Fierce Battles (Kitab Al-Fitan Wa Al-Malahim)" reaches us through Subay' ibn Khalid, who witnessed the conquest of Tustar (circa 19 AH). The meeting with Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, a distinguished Companion known for his knowledge of future tribulations, occurs in Kufah's mosque during early Islamic expansion.
The Unique Nature of Hudhayfah's Questions
While most Companions inquired about goodness, Hudhayfah demonstrated wisdom by asking about evil - not out of desire for it, but to recognize and avoid it. This reflects the Islamic principle of knowing evil to safeguard against it, much like a physician studies diseases to treat them.
The people's initial discomfort with his questions shows how discussing tribulations requires proper context and scholarly understanding, lest it cause unnecessary fear or confusion among common believers.
Obedience to Authority Amidst Trials
The Prophet's instruction to obey even an oppressive ruler who "flays your back and takes your property" emphasizes maintaining social order during fitnah. Classical scholars interpret this as preventing greater evil through political stability, even with imperfect leadership.
The exception "otherwise die holding onto the stump of a tree" signifies that when obedience requires clear disobedience to Allah, one should withdraw from political affairs entirely rather than rebel, preserving one's faith through isolation if necessary.
The Dajjal's Trial and Its Symbolism
The Antichrist's river represents false worldly pleasures that lead to spiritual destruction, while his fire symbolizes apparent hardships that actually purify believers. This inversion of reality tests true faith - what appears beneficial may be harmful, and what seems harmful may contain divine mercy.
Scholars note this teaches believers to judge by Islamic principles rather than superficial appearances during times of great tribulation.
Eschatological Sequence and Spiritual Lessons
This hadith outlines the progression of major trials: political corruption, then the Dajjal's deception, culminating in the Hour. Each stage requires different spiritual responses - patience with oppression, discernment against deception, and ultimate preparation for the Hereafter.
The narration concludes with the Final Hour, reminding believers that all trials are temporary tests from Allah, and the ultimate refuge is in maintaining correct belief and action until the predetermined end.