I would be the leader of mankind on the Day of Resurrection. He then sliced (that meat) for the second time and said: I am the leader of mankind on the Day of Resurrection. When he saw that his companions did not ask him (about this assertion) he said: Why don't you say: How would that be? They said: How would be it, Messenger of Allah? He said: People would stand before the Lord of the worlds. And the rest of the hadith was narrated like the one transmitted by Abu Hayyan, on the authority of Abu Zur'a, and in the story of Ibrahim, this addition was made. He said and made mention of his words with regard to the star: This is my Lord. And his words with regard to their gods: But the big among them has done that. And his words: I am ailing. He (the Holy Prophet) said: By Him in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the distance between two leaves of the door from their supporting frames is as the distance between Mecca and Hajar or Hajar and Mecca. I do not remember how he said it (whether Mecca and Hajar or Hajar and Mecca).
The Book of Faith - Sahih Muslim 194b
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from Sahih Muslim contains profound teachings about the Prophet's leadership on Judgment Day and the nature of divine proximity.
Commentary on Prophetic Leadership
The Prophet's repeated declaration "I am the leader of mankind on the Day of Resurrection" establishes his unique intercessory role. Scholars explain this refers to his station as the "Leader of the Children of Adam" and his privilege of the "Great Intercession" when all humanity will seek deliverance from the terrors of Judgment.
His companions' initial silence demonstrates their reverence, while his prompting them to ask shows his desire to impart knowledge. This reflects the pedagogical method of encouraging questions to deepen understanding.
The Cosmic Proximity
The comparison between the distance of door leaves and that between Mecca and Hajar illustrates the unimaginable closeness believers will feel to Allah. Classical commentators note this symbolizes both the intensity of divine presence and the removal of all veils between Creator and creation.
The mention of Abraham's stories emphasizes the continuity of prophetic messages and the importance of pure monotheism, contrasting Abraham's sincere search with later polytheistic deviations.
Scholarly Observations
Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani notes the Prophet's oath "By Him in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad" underscores the absolute certainty of this reality. The geographical reference to Mecca and Hajar (modern Al-Ahsa) provides a tangible analogy for comprehending spiritual realities.
Al-Nawawi emphasizes that such narrations strengthen faith in the unseen and prepare believers for the ultimate meeting with their Lord, while maintaining proper reverence for divine transcendence.