The Musannaf of Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah (d. 235 AH) stands as one of the most colossal encyclopedias of early Hadith literature. Unlike the Sahih compilations of Bukhari and Muslim, which focus strictly on Prophetic traditions ( Marfu’ ), the Musannaf is renowned for its comprehensive inclusion of the statements of the Companions ( Athar ) and the rulings of the Successors ( Tabi'in ). Within this vast ocean of early Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith number 37157 serves as a poignant example of the text’s thematic richness. While referencing a specific number in a work of this magnitude requires context regarding the specific edition (most commonly the numbering in the Indian or Muhammad `Awwamah editions), this hadith typically falls within the chapters detailing the life, merits, and death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This essay explores the significance of Hadith 37157, examining its content, its role in the development of Sunni creed regarding the mortality of prophets, and its place within the methodology of Ibn Abi Shaybah.
Because the rule of Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, and 'Ali (plus the brief months of Al-Hasan) lasted exactly 30 years (11 AH–41 AH), Safinah categorizes everything following it—starting explicitly with Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan—as Mulk (kingship) rather than a pure spiritual Caliphate. The Place of the Narration in the Musannaf Structure
The Musannaf (meaning "organized by chapters/topics") is not a single-volume book but a massive 26-volume (in modern print) compendium. Unlike Sahih al-Bukhari , which excludes weak narrations, the Musannaf adopts a comprehensive methodology. Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah records everything—authentic (Sahih), good (Hasan), weak (Da'if), and even disputed narrations—with the goal of preserving the legacy of legal reasoning from the first two centuries of Islam.
A highly respected, trustworthy ( Thiqah ) Kufan scholar known for his strict memorization. musannaf ibn abi shaybah 37157
Because numbering systems overlap across publishing houses, researchers analyze both possibilities for entry 37157 using different criteria: Version A: Historical Governance Version B: Eschatological Tribulation Safinah (Companion of the Prophet) Ali ibn Abi Talib (Fourth Caliph) Core Subject Matter Transition from Caliphate to Monarchy Chronology of upcoming systemic societal trials Chain of Narrators (Isnad) →right arrow →right arrow Sa'id bin Jumhan Abu Usamah →right arrow →right arrow Asim bin Damrah Theological Impact Used to define the end of the "Rightly Guided" era. Used in Hadith commentary regarding the end of times. The Methodology of Ibn Abi Shaybah in Recording History
). It reflects a view held by some early figures that the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs ended after the initial thirty years, following which the leadership style shifted to hereditary monarchy [21]. Terminology:
Compiled decades before the famous Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (both of whom were students of Ibn Abi Shaybah), the Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah is prized for containing: The Musannaf of Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah (d
Therefore, for the authentic Hadith. It is weak alone, but when combined with the Sahih chains from Ibn Umar, it confirms the consensus that the text is indeed prophetic.
The reliability of any narration in classical Islamic scholarship depends heavily on its biographical chain ( Isnad ). The chain for features notable figures of early Islamic tradition:
(Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Hasan)
At first glance — simple etiquette. But here’s why 37157 is fascinating :
Safina specifically identifies Mu’awiyah as the first of these kings. Why This Matters Today