I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) say in the company of his Companions: I would be on the Cistern waiting for those who would be coming to me from amongst you. By Allah, some persons would be prevented from coming to me, and I would say: My Lord, they are my followers and people of my Umma. And He would say,: You don't know what they did after you; they had been constantly turning back on their heels (from their religion).
The Book of Virtues - Sahih Muslim 2294
This narration from Sahih Muslim describes the Prophet's intercession at the Hawd (Cistern) on the Day of Judgment. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) will be awaiting his ummah, but some who claim to be his followers will be prevented from approaching.
Scholarly Commentary
The Hawd refers to the great reservoir from which the Prophet (ﷺ) will give his faithful followers drink before they enter Paradise. This blessed water will purify them from all spiritual impurities.
The phrase "turning back on their heels" indicates apostasy and abandonment of Islam after the Prophet's death. These are people who outwardly professed Islam but ultimately rejected it through their actions and beliefs.
Allah's response to the Prophet's intercession demonstrates divine justice - even the Prophet's plea cannot benefit those who consciously abandoned the faith. This serves as a grave warning against apostasy and emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining correct belief until death.
Spiritual Lessons
This hadith highlights the Prophet's deep concern for his ummah and his role as intercessor. It also underscores the importance of consistency in faith and the danger of innovations that lead away from the straight path.
Scholars explain that this refers specifically to those who apostatized during the wars of ridda (apostasy) after the Prophet's death, showing that mere association with the Muslim community without genuine faith is insufficient for salvation.