We were in the company of the Prophet (ﷺ) at a banquet and a cooked (mutton) forearm was set before him, and 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 how Allah will gather all the first and the last (people) in one level place where an observer will be able to see (all) of them and they will be able to hear the announcer, and the sun will come near to them. Some People will say: Don't you see, in what condition you are and the state to which you have reached? Why don't you look for a person who can intercede for you with your Lord? Some people will say: Appeal to your father, Adam.' They will go to him and say: 'O Adam! You are the father of all mankind, and Allah created you with His Own Hands, and ordered the angels to prostrate for you, and made you live in Paradise. Will you not intercede for us with your Lord? Don't you see in what (miserable) state we are, and to what condition we have reached?' On that Adam will reply, 'My Lord is so angry as He has never been before and will never be in the future; (besides), He forbade me (to eat from) the tree, but I disobeyed (Him), (I am worried about) myself! Myself! Go to somebody else; go to Noah.' They will go to Noah and say; 'O Noah! You are the first amongst the messengers of Allah to the people of the earth, and Allah named you a thankful slave. Don't you see in what a (miserable) state we are and to what condition we have reached? Will you not intercede for us with your Lord? Noah will reply: 'Today my Lord has become so angry as he had never been before and will never be in the future Myself! Myself! Go to the Prophet (Muhammad). The people will come to me, and I will prostrate myself underneath Allah's Throne. Then I will be addressed: 'O Muhammad! Raise your head; intercede, for your intercession will be accepted, and ask (for anything). for you will be given. "
Hadith of Intercession from Sahih al-Bukhari
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (3340) in the Book of Prophets describes the profound station of intercession (shafa'ah) granted to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) on the Day of Judgment, demonstrating his unique status among all creation.
Context and Significance
The Prophet's statement while enjoying a favored meal indicates how divine truths were revealed in everyday moments. The forearm meat symbolizes strength and honor, paralleling the strength of his intercessory role.
The gathering of all humanity on one plain reflects the absolute justice and comprehensive nature of the Final Day, where none shall be hidden and all accounts will be settled.
The Hierarchy of Intercession
Adam (AS) is approached first as the father of humanity, but he directs people elsewhere due to his own transgression despite his honored status. This teaches that even prophets are conscious of their standing before Allah.
Noah (AS), as the first messenger to earth, likewise refuses, emphasizing the gravity of Allah's wrath on that Day and redirecting them to Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Unique Status of Prophet Muhammad
The Prophet's prostration under the Divine Throne represents ultimate humility and submission. His being commanded to "raise your head" signifies honor and acceptance.
The guarantee that his intercession will be accepted and his requests granted demonstrates his unparalleled position as the intercessor for all humanity, fulfilling his role as the final messenger and mercy to the worlds.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note this hadith establishes the Greater Intercession (ash-Shafa'ah al-Kubra) specifically granted to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) when creation seeks relief from the overwhelming distress of the Day of Judgment.
This intercession is among the special honors (khasa'is) unique to our Prophet, confirming his statement "I will be the chief of all people on the Day of Resurrection" - a leadership of intercession and mercy.