"On the Day of Resurrection a group of companions will come to me, but will be driven away from the Lake-Fount, and I will say, 'O Lord (those are) my companions!' It will be said, 'You have no knowledge as to what they innovated after you left; they turned apostate as renegades (reverted from Islam).
Hadith Commentary: The Fate of Innovators
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6585, found in the book "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)", serves as a grave warning against religious innovation (bid'ah) and apostasy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) describes a terrifying scene where some of his apparent companions will be denied access to his Hawd (Lake-Fount) on Judgment Day.
Theological Implications
The phrase "you have no knowledge as to what they innovated" indicates that outward appearance of companionship does not guarantee salvation. True faith requires consistency until death.
The term "innovated" (bada'u) refers to introducing new matters into religion that contradict the pure teachings of Islam as practiced by the Prophet and his righteous companions.
"Turned apostate as renegades" demonstrates that religious innovation can lead to complete apostasy, even for those who initially appeared as companions of the Prophet.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain this refers to hypocrites who outwardly showed Islam but concealed disbelief, or those who apostatized after the Prophet's death during the wars of apostasy.
Imam al-Nawawi emphasizes that this hadith underscores the danger of bid'ah and the importance of adhering strictly to the Quran and authentic Sunnah without addition or subtraction.
The denial at the Hawd serves as divine justice - those who abandoned the true path cannot expect to drink from the Prophet's fountain, reserved for his faithful followers.
Spiritual Lessons
This narration tenderizes hearts by reminding believers of the seriousness of maintaining correct belief and practice until meeting Allah.
It teaches that proximity to righteous people alone doesn't guarantee salvation - personal responsibility in maintaining correct faith and practice is essential.
The hadith encourages constant self-assessment and seeking refuge from innovations that could lead one astray from the straight path.