Abu Hurayra said, "I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'While a shepherd was tending to his sheep, a wolf came and snatched one of the sheep. The shepherd went after the wolf which turned to him and said, 'Who will look after them on the 'Day of Wild Beasts'? They will have no shepherd but me.' People said, 'Glory be to Allah!' The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'I believe it - I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar.'"
Consequences: A Commentary on Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 902
This narration from Abu Hurayra, recorded in Imam al-Bukhari's "Al-Adab Al-Mufrad" (Book of Manners), presents a profound lesson about divine justice and the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities. The Prophet (ﷺ) affirms the truth of this extraordinary event, where a wolf speaks with divine permission.
The Nature of the Miracle
The speaking wolf constitutes a mu'jizah (miracle) confirming the Prophet's truthfulness. Animals speaking by Allah's command is established in the Quran, such as the ant speaking to Solomon. This demonstrates Allah's absolute power over creation.
The wolf's question, "Who will look after them on the 'Day of Wild Beasts'?" refers to the Day of Judgment when predators will testify against those who wronged them. This serves as a severe warning against negligence in guardianship.
The Shepherd's Responsibility
The shepherd abandoning his flock to chase one sheep represents those who neglect their broader duties for minor pursuits. In Islamic jurisprudence, the guardian (whether of family, community, or property) bears immense responsibility before Allah.
The wolf's rhetorical question highlights that on Judgment Day, the true Guardian (Allah) will hold everyone accountable for their trusts. No excuse of being "busy" will suffice when the Ultimate Reckoning occurs.
The Companions' Affirmation
The Prophet's statement "I believe it - I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar'" signifies the elevated status of these two companions who immediately accepted this miraculous account without doubt. This demonstrates the quality of true faith: accepting what comes from the Prophet without hesitation.
This also teaches us about the virtue of Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), whose faith was so certain that the Prophet associated them with his own belief in this extraordinary event.
Practical Lessons
This hadith reminds Muslims to fulfill their responsibilities diligently, knowing Allah will hold them accountable. The "Day of Wild Beasts" serves as a metaphor for when all creation will testify to justice.
We must prioritize our duties appropriately, not neglecting greater responsibilities for lesser pursuits. The shepherd's mistake was abandoning the entire flock for one sheep, exposing the rest to danger.
Finally, it teaches complete acceptance of Prophetic narrations, even if they describe extraordinary events, for Allah's power encompasses all things.