Question
Please give me a reference and status of the famous incident of Sayyiduna Hanzalah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) being washed by the Angels after being martyred.
Answer
Imams Ibn Hibban and Hakim -among others- (rahimahumullah) have recorded on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Zubayr (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) that when Sayyiduna Hanzalah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) was martyred, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum):
“Indeed the Angels are washing your companion’s body.”
When his wife was told so, she said: ‘He left for the battle whilst needing an obligatory bath (janabah).’
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Therefore the Angels are washing him.”
(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 7025 and Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 3, pg. 204-205 )
Imams Ibn Hibban and Hakim have declared this narration as authentic (sahih).
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar