Question
What is the meaning of ‘مما’ in the following Hadith?
فقال عثمان: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مما يأتي عليه الزمان وهو ينزل عليه السور ذوات العدد
Answer
This is part of a lengthy narration recorded by Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) regarding the order and sequence of the various Surahs of the Quran.
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3086)
The word ‘مما‘ in the above Hadith is in the meaning of ‘ربما‘ which in this case translates as occasionally/sometimes.
(Refer: Tuhfatul Ahwadhi, Hadith: 3086. Also see: Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 5)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar