A funeral procession passed in front of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the people praised the deceased. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "It has been affirmed (Paradise)." Then another funeral procession passed by and the people talked badly of the deceased. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "It has been affirmed (Hell)." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! You said it has been affirmed for both?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The testimony of the people (is accepted), (for) the believer are Allah's witnesses on the earth."
Hadith Commentary from Sahih al-Bukhari 2642
This profound narration from the Book of Witnesses in Sahih al-Bukhari contains essential guidance regarding the collective testimony of the Muslim community and its spiritual implications.
The Two Funerals and Their Judgments
The first funeral procession was accompanied by praise for the deceased's good character and righteous deeds, prompting the Prophet's declaration of Paradise being affirmed for them.
The second funeral procession was met with criticism and mention of the deceased's evil qualities, leading to the Prophet's declaration of Hell being affirmed for them.
Scholarly Interpretation
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith demonstrates the weight of public testimony regarding a person's character. When Muslims collectively attest to someone's righteousness or wickedness, this serves as valid evidence before Allah.
Al-Qurtubi notes that this applies specifically to matters apparent to people - outward religious observance, moral conduct, and public behavior - not hidden matters of the heart known only to Allah.
The Believers as Allah's Witnesses
The concluding statement "the believers are Allah's witnesses on earth" establishes the Ummah's role as moral witnesses. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali clarifies that this witnessing occurs through their collective testimony about what is apparent of people's conditions.
This does not mean believers have absolute knowledge of people's ultimate destiny, but rather that their collective assessment of outward righteousness or corruption carries weight in Islamic judgment.
Practical Implications
This hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining good public conduct and reputation within the Muslim community.
It also teaches Muslims to be truthful witnesses regarding others' character, avoiding both false praise and unjust slander.
The narration serves as a reminder that our communal life has spiritual significance and that the collective testimony of righteous believers holds weight in the divine court.