The reference is emblematic of the broader journey into Islamic Hadith criticism. It reminds us that a single page can contain a Prophetic teaching about the future, a subtle chain of narrators spanning 400 years, and a fierce academic debate between two giants of the tradition—al-Hakim and al-Dhahabi.
While Imam al-Ḥākim's authentication provided the hadith with significant weight, it was not the final word, as his leniency was well-known. This led to a critical response from later hadith masters, most notably the great scholar Shams al-Dīn al-Dhahabī (d. 748 AH/1348 CE). Al-Dhahabī, a student of some of al-Ḥākim's own students, produced an abridgment of the Mustadrak titled Talkhīṣ al-Mustadrak . In this work, he meticulously re-evaluated al-Ḥākim's verdicts, often concurring but also frequently correcting them and identifying weaker or problematic narrations. Hadiths that al-Ḥākim deemed "authentic according to the conditions of the shaykhayn" were sometimes rejected by al-Dhahabī as munkar (rejected due to a serious defect in the chain or text).
While Al-Hakim is a master of hadith, many later scholars—notably Imam al-Dhahabi —critiqued parts of Al-Mustadrak for being too "lenient" in its authenticity gradings. For this specific page, the narration on misguidance is widely recognized in other collections (such as Sunan al-Tirmidhi ) and is a cornerstone of orthodox Sunni theology.
The collection contains . While al-Ḥākim claimed all its hadiths are authentic according to the conditions of the two Shaykhs (al-Bukhārī and Muslim) or one of them, this assertion has been a subject of extensive scholarly debate.
Volume 4 of the Mustadrak typically focuses on the Manaqib (Virtues) of the Companions, later figures, and various ethical and eschatological themes. Page 398, in many editions, falls within a section discussing the virtues of specific actions or the station of certain individuals before God. The content of a hadith found here—perhaps narrating a moment of profound divine mercy, a unique characteristic of a Companion, or a warning about the Last Days—would reflect al-Hakim’s inclusive approach. Unlike al-Bukhari, who often required direct audition between contemporaries, al-Hakim was more lenient regarding ‘an‘anah (narrative linkage using "on the authority of"), provided the transmitters were trustworthy. Thus, the narrations on this page exemplify his principle: a hadith could be sahih (sound) according to the standards of the two Shaykhs (al-Bukhari and Muslim) even if they themselves did not include it. al-hakim al-mustadrak vol. 4 p. 398
To bridge this gap, al-Hakim compiled over 8,000 narrations using five specific criteria:
She awoke with a start, her breath catching. She ran to the place where she kept the phial of Karbala’s soil. As she held it up to the light, her heart sank. The dry, red dust had transformed; it was now a dark, liquid red, bubbling as if it were fresh blood.
: Hadiths regarding placing hands over the face when sneezing and saying "Alhamdulillah". Social Rights
: Some narrations might delve into aspects of worship, rituals, and practices that are fundamental to a Muslim's life. This could include explanations of prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage, among other pillars of Islam. The reference is emblematic of the broader journey
in prayer) and the Prophet's deep emotional connection to the future tragedy of his grandson. Al-Islam.org original Arabic text for this specific page or more details on Al-Dhahabi’s critique of this volume? Laws and Practices: Why do the Shi'ah prostrate on Turbah
: Prophetic accounts regarding societal corruption, geopolitical shifts, and the end of times.
The passage details a moment where the was handed a handful of soil from the land of Karbala by the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel). The Prophet then gave this soil to his wife, Umm Salama (RA) , with a specific prophecy: that the soil would turn into blood when Hussain was killed. Hadith Summary & Context
Which are you referencing (e.g., Dar al-Kotob al-Ilmiyah or Dar al-Ma'rifah)? This led to a critical response from later
As we reflect on the contents of such a significant page in "Al-Mustadrak," we're reminded of the continuous pursuit of knowledge and wisdom that defines Islamic scholarship. For contemporary Muslims and scholars, works like "Al-Mustadrak" continue to inspire a deeper understanding of faith and practice, guiding us toward a path of righteousness and peace.
(authentic) according to the criteria of Bukhari and Muslim, even if they did not include them in their own collections. Supporting References
The Prophet (peace be upon him) entrusted this soil to his wife, Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her). He told her: "When you see this soil turn into blood, you will know that my Husayn has been slaughtered."
As noted in the scholarly Reddit discussion , Al-Hakim records this narration within his Mustadrak , reinforcing its status as a reliable report within the Sunni tradition.
, reminds us that the sacrifice of the Prophet's grandson was a source of grief even for the Messenger himself. #ImamHussain #Karbala #Hadith #SunniSources #AhlulBayt Option 2: Short & Impactful (Best for Instagram/X) The Bottle of Blood: A Prophecy Fulfilled