Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as Saying, “He who holds fast to my sunna when my people are in a corrupt state will have the reward of a hundred martyrs.” 11 The source is lacking. The editor of Damascus edition quotes Mirak Shah and others as saying Bayhaqi gives the tradition in his kitab az-Zuhd as coming from Ibn Abbas.
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasizes the immense virtue of adhering to the Prophetic way during times of widespread corruption and deviation. The term "my sunna" refers to the complete way of life established by the Messenger of God, encompassing beliefs, worship, character, and transactions.
The Reward of Hundred Martyrs
The comparison to the reward of a hundred martyrs indicates the extraordinary merit of this action. Martyrdom represents the pinnacle of sacrifice in God's path, yet holding fast to the sunna during corruption requires greater spiritual endurance and constancy of faith.
This immense reward is granted because such adherence requires fighting one's own desires, withstanding social pressure, and maintaining correct belief and practice when surrounded by innovation and sin - a struggle more prolonged and challenging than a single moment of martyrdom.
Historical Context and Application
The phrase "when my people are in a corrupt state" refers to periods when religious ignorance prevails, innovations multiply, and the authentic Prophetic teachings are abandoned. This hadith serves as both consolation and motivation for believers living through such trials.
Scholars note that this tradition encourages Muslims to preserve religious knowledge, practice it diligently, and call others to it with wisdom, even when facing opposition or ridicule from the majority.
Scholarly Verification
While the primary chain requires verification, the meaning is supported by other authentic traditions that emphasize the virtue of adhering to truth when others deviate. Al-Bayhaqi's transmission through Ibn Abbas provides additional weight to its content, and its meaning aligns with Quranic principles of steadfastness.