Abu Hurayra (Raliyallahu Anhu) Complains Of Forgetfulness

Al-Bukhari and others narrated from Abu Hurayra Raliyallahu Anhu that he once complained to the prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam about forgetfulness when he hears his nobel Hadith. He wanted an end to this, so he said "O Messenger of Allah ! I hear many Hadith from you yet I forget them. I would love to not ever forget them." He Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam responded; "Open your garment." He (Abu Hurayra Raliyallahu Anhu) then opened his garment, whereupon he Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam fanned air by his blessed hand inside the garment and said "Close it." Abu Hurayra Raliyallahu Anhu closed it. He later said; "I have not forgotten anything after that." 1

So here is Abu Hurayra Raliyallahu Anhu seeking from the Messenger of Allah that he does not forget. This is something that is not possible except for Allah. He Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam did not censure him or accuse him of idolatry, because everyone knows that if a monotheist requests something from one who possesses rank with Allah, He does does not intend thereby that he create something nor does he believe anything of the sort regarding him. He only desires that he acts as means for him in what Allah gave him of ability in making supplications and whatever other matters Allah willed for him. Here you see that he Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam responded to his request and it is not reported in this story that he supplicated for him. All that is cited that he Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam fanned air into his garment and ordered him to fasten it close to his chest. Allah made this happen as bounty from him, and means for the fulfilment of his needs.

1 Al Bukhary
section guarding knowledge # 119


Extract from the book
Notions must be corrected
by Shaykh Muhammed b. Alawi al-Maliki al Hasani