In the vast ocean of Islamic hadith literature, few works occupy as unique a position as Al-Mustadrak ‘ala al-Sahihayn by the great 11th-century Muhaddith (hadith scholar), Imam Abu ‘Abd Allah al-Hakim al-Nishapuri (may Allah have mercy on him). Among the thousands of traditions he compiled, a specific reference—Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak vol. 4, p. 398—has garnered significant attention from scholars, students, and lay readers alike.
Why is this specific page so important? What narrations reside there? And why do scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama‘ah, as well as those from other Islamic intellectual traditions, frequently cite this precise location? This article unpacks the significance, the content, and the scholarly debates surrounding this landmark page.
To provide a more detailed explanation or discussion of the content on Vol. 4 p. 398 of Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak, access to the specific hadith or passage is required. Islamic libraries, digital archives, or scholarly works that focus on hadith studies might offer translations or detailed analyses of such passages.
The reference "al-hakim al-mustadrak vol. 4 p. 398" 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.
Whether you are a graduate student verifying a footnote, an imam preparing a sermon on the signs of the Hour, or a lay reader exploring the richness of prophetic traditions, turning to this page is an act of scholarly humility. It shows you the raw material of Islamic law and theology: the transmitted word, tested by rigorous critique, preserved through centuries, and laid open for honest inquiry.
Next time you encounter a citation to Al-Mustadrak, vol. 4, p. 398, do not just copy it. Open the volume. Read the isnad. Read al-Dhahabi’s response. And join the timeless conversation between the muhaddithun (traditionists) who guarded the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with unparalleled precision.
Further Reading Suggestions:
Have you researched a specific Hadith from Al-Mustadrak? Share your findings below or consult a qualified scholar for detailed chain analysis.
This reference from Al-Mustadrak al-Sahihayn by Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri records a significant narration regarding the martyrdom of Imam Hussain .
The passage details a moment where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) 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
The Soil of Karbala: Angel Gabriel informed the Prophet (ﷺ) that his grandson, Hussain, would be martyred in a land called Karbala. Gabriel then presented him with red soil from that location. The Sign for Umm Salama
: The Prophet (ﷺ) gave the soil to Umm Salama (RA) and told her, "When you see this soil turn into blood, you will know that my Hussain has been martyred". The Fulfillment: Umm Salama
kept the soil in a glass bottle. On the 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H. (Ashura), she observed the soil turn to fresh blood, confirming the Imam's martyrdom. Authenticity & Academic Value
In Volume 4, Page 398 of Al-Mustadrak, Al-Hakim classifies this narration as Sahih (Authentic) according to the criteria of Imam Muslim, a verdict with which Imam al-Dhahabi agreed in his Talkhis. Significance in Islamic Practice
This narration is frequently cited by scholars and researchers to explain:
The Prophet's Foreknowledge: His grief over the future events at Karbala years before they occurred.
Sacredness of the Soil: Why many Muslims, particularly Shia, hold the soil of Karbala (Turbah) in high regard and often use it for prostration during prayer.
Historical Documentation: Similar accounts are recorded in other major works, such as Musnad Ahmad, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Kathir's Al-Bidayah wa'l-Nihayah.
The reference Al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, vol. 4, p. 398 records a powerful tradition regarding the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as)
. In this narration, the Prophet Muhammad (s) gives a small amount of dust from Karbala to his wife Umm Salama (ra)
, warning her that it will turn into blood when Husayn is martyred.
Here are three drafts for a post based on this narration, tailored for different platforms:
Option 1: Educational & Reflective (Best for Facebook/Blogs) Headline: The Prophecy of Karbala in Sunni Traditions
Did you know that the tragedy of Karbala was foretold by the Prophet (s) years before it happened? Al-Mustadrak al-Sahihayn (Vol. 4, p. 398), Imam al-Hakim records a moving narration:
The Prophet (s) handed a handful of soil to Umm Salama (ra) and said: al-hakim al-mustadrak vol. 4 p. 398
“When you see this soil turn into blood, you will know that my Husayn has been slaughtered.”
Umm Salama kept that soil in a glass bottle, watching it faithfully. On the 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H., she saw the miraculous transformation. This narration, also supported by scholars like al-Dhahabi
, 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
"When you see this soil turn into blood, you will know that my Husayn has been slaughtered." — Prophet Muhammad (s) to Umm Salama (ra). This authentic narration in Al-Mustadrak (Vol. 4, p. 398)
highlights the sacredness of the land of Karbala and the deep sorrow the Prophet (s) felt for his grandson's future martyrdom.
Umm Salama kept the dust in a phial until the day it turned red, signaling the tragedy of Ashura. 📚 Ref: Al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. 4, p. 398. #Ashura #Karbala #Prophecy #ImamHussain
Option 3: Focus on Sacred Soil (Best for Spiritual/Community Groups) Why is the Soil of Karbala Sacred? While many know the importance of the
(clay tablet) in prayer, its significance is rooted in the Prophet's own words. According to Al-Hakim's Al-Mustadrak (Vol. 4, p. 398)
, the Prophet (s) identified the specific dust of Karbala as the site of Imam Husayn’s sacrifice long before the event took place. This tradition, which is also cited in works like Ibn Kathir's Al-Bidayah wa'l-Nihayah
, serves as a bridge of mourning and respect across the Muslim Ummah for the Ahl al-Bayt. #SacredLand #Karbala #AhlalBayt #IslamicHistory adjust the tone of these drafts to be more academic or more emotive? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahihayn (Vol. 4, p. 398) by Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri is a significant collection of Hadith, typically covering themes in the Book of Fitan and the Book of Ahwal, which detail tribulations and the Day of Judgment. The text represents a 11th-century effort to compile authentic narrations that meet the standards of Bukhari or Muslim but were not included in their primary collections, often requiring cross-referencing with Imam al-Dhahabi’s critical verification.
Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahihayn (Vol. 4, p. 398) by Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri records a narration regarding the "Dust of Karbala," wherein the Prophet (ﷺ) gifted soil to Umm Salama (رضي الله عنها) that turned to blood upon the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Al-Hakim deemed the report authentic (
), a judgment supported by Al-Dhahabi, serving as a testament to Prophetic foreknowledge and the sanctity of the events at Karbala. For more details, visit Internet Archive
Understanding Shi'a Prostration on Turbah | PDF | Shia Islam
Imam al-Hakim declared the narrations on this page as Sahih (authentic). However, later hadith masters—most notably Imam al-Dhahabi (d. 748 AH), who wrote an abridged version of Al-Mustadrak (Al-Talkhis)—frequently disagreed.
In his Talkhis, al-Dhahabi’s comments on the narrations of page 398 are legendary. Regarding the "City of Knowledge" hadith, al-Dhahabi often writes: "This is Munkar (rejected)" or "I do not know this chain to be authentic." Thus, this single page represents the core tension between al-Hakim’s leniency (or vast knowledge of chains) and al-Dhahabi’s stricter, later scrutiny.
This page offers a textbook example of where al-Hakim’s leniency appears. Some narrations he accepts as meeting Muslim’s standard actually contain narrators Muslim himself avoided. Thus, vol. 4, p. 398 is frequently cited in Usul al-Hadith (Principles of Hadith) textbooks as a case study in methodological disagreement.
Before analyzing the specific volume and page, one must understand the book’s purpose. Imam al-Hakim observed that despite the monumental efforts of Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim (compilers of the Sahihayn), there were thousands of authentic Hadiths that met their stringent criteria but were omitted from their collections. Thus, he wrote Al-Mustadrak—literally, "The Supplement."
His ambitious goal was to gather traditions that were Sahih (authentic) according to the conditions of the two greatest Hadith masters. However, his work became famous not just for its content, but for the subsequent critique by Imam al-Dhahabi (d. 1348 CE), who wrote a nuanced commentary known as Talkhis al-Mustadrak, evaluating each Hadith as either authentic, weak, or fabricated.
Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak vol. 4, p. 398 is more than a bibliographic entry. It is a living case study in Islamic jurisprudence of hadith. Whether you are a Sunni, Shi‘i, or academic Orientalist, this page represents a crossroads: where history, theology, and rigorous textual criticism meet. The next time you encounter someone citing this reference, you will know not just what it says, but why it matters—and why the ink of the scholars is indeed holier than the blood of martyrs.
Further Reading Recommendations:
Copyright © 2025. This article is written for educational and research purposes. All quotes from Islamic sources are approximate translations of the original Arabic.
Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim Volume 4, page 398, is a significant, debated text containing crucial narrations, including the consensus of the Ummah and prophecies regarding the Battle of Karbala. It highlights the intense scholarly scrutiny of al-Hakim's methodology, particularly by al-Dhahabi, who criticized the lenient authenticity standards in this collection. For a closer look at this page from the text, visit quranohadith.com.
According to al-Hakim’s al-Mustadrak (Vol. 4, p. 398), the Prophet Muhammad received red soil from the Angel Gabriel, informing him that his grandson, Imam Hussain, would be martyred in Karbala [10]. The Prophet gave this soil to Umm Salama, which turned into blood on the day of Ashura, signifying the exact time of the martyrdom [10]. This report is noted for meeting high standards of authenticity and emphasizes the divine foreknowledge of the tragedy [10, 18]. Unveiling a Crucial Hadith Reference: A Deep Dive
A very specific and intriguing request!
Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak is a renowned book of Hadith (prophetic traditions) compiled by the Muslim scholar Al-Hakim al-Naisaburi (d. 1015 CE). The book is considered one of the most important collections of Hadith in the Islamic tradition.
Here's a write-up based on the reference you provided:
Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak, Vol. 4, p. 398
This page is likely to contain a Hadith (a report of the Prophet Muhammad's words, actions, or tacit approval) recorded by Al-Hakim al-Naisaburi in his comprehensive collection, Al-Mustadrak.
Without access to the specific content on this page, I can provide some general information about the significance of this book and its contents:
Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak is a vast collection of over 20,000 Hadiths, which the author gathered during his extensive travels and studies. The book covers various aspects of Islamic law, theology, and spirituality. The fourth volume, in particular, likely deals with topics such as rituals, family law, and social norms.
The Hadith on page 398 of Vol. 4 may relate to one of the following themes:
In Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim , Volume 4, Page 398, a significant report records the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stating:
"Allah will never gather my Ummah (or he said, this Ummah) upon misguidance, and Allah’s Hand is with the congregation." Report Details
Narrator: Narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him).
Core Message: The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasizes the protection of the Muslim community from collectively falling into error or misguidance, highlighting the divine support found in unity (al-Jama'ah).
Authentication: While Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri typically included hadiths he considered authentic according to the criteria of Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim, many reports in this collection (including those in Vol. 4) were later scrutinized by scholars like Al-Dhahabi for their transmission chains. Significance of the Text
This specific report is often cited in Islamic jurisprudence and theology to support the concept of Ijma' (Consensus), asserting that the collective agreement of the Muslim community serves as a reliable source of religious authority.
Al-Mustadrak: A Hadith Compilation Both Praised and Criticized
Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn (Volume 4, Page 398), Imam al-Hakim al-Nishapuri
records a significant narration concerning the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as) and the Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) foreknowledge of it. The Core Narrative: The Red Soil of Karbala The primary hadith on this page is narrated by Umm Salama , the wife of the Prophet (saw). She recounts: The Vision
: She saw Imam Husayn (as) sitting in the lap of the Prophet (saw). The Prophet held a piece of in his hand, kissing it and weeping. The Prophecy
: When asked about the soil, the Prophet explained that Gabriel (as) had informed him that Husayn would be murdered in a land called Iraq. Gabriel had brought this sample of earth from that very land. The Miracle
: The Prophet handed the soil to Umm Salama in a bottle and told her, "When you see this soil turn into blood, you will know that my Husayn has been slaughtered". The Fulfillment : Umm Salama kept the bottle until the day of
(10th of Muharram, 61 A.H.), when she witnessed the soil turn into blood, signaling the martyrdom of Imam Husayn. The Scholarly Context of Page 398
Page 398 in Volume 4 (often depending on the edition, such as the Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyah Al-Haramain printings) falls within the Book of Tribulations and Portents of the Hour Kitab al-Fitan wa al-Malahim Authenticity : Al-Hakim often graded such narrations as
(authentic) according to the criteria of Bukhari and Muslim, even if they did not include them in their own collections. Supporting References
: This specific narration is corroborated by other major Sunni works, including Siyar A’lam al-Nubala by al-Dhahabi and Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah by Ibn Kathir. Internet Archive Other Topics on Nearby Pages Further Reading Suggestions:
In various editions, the surrounding text on pages 397-399 includes: Etiquette of Sneezing
: Hadiths regarding placing hands over the face when sneezing and saying "Alhamdulillah". Social Rights
: A narration stating that a Muslim has four rights over another, including answering an invitation. Signs of the Day of Judgment
: Descriptions of the sun drawing near to the earth on the Day of Resurrection and the resulting perspiration of mankind. maknoon.org Implications of the Text This specific entry in Al-Mustadrak
is frequently cited in theological discussions regarding the sanctity of the soil of Karbala (often used for
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
Al-Mustadrak al-Sahihayn by Imam al-Hakim provides a collection of Hadiths adhering to the authenticity standards of Bukhari and Muslim, with Volume 4, page 398 focusing on prophetic traditions regarding social ethics and times of upheaval. This section is essential for scholars analyzing narrations that offer insights into historical context and the preservation of faith.
In the fourth volume of Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahihayn Al-Hakim al-Naysaburi
, page 398 contains a significant and detailed narration concerning the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali The Vision of the Red Earth
The "long story" found at this reference involves a prophecy given to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Al-Islam.org The Prophecy
: While Imam Husayn was a young child sitting on the Prophet's lap, Gabriel appeared and informed the Prophet that his grandson would be martyred in a land called (in modern-day Iraq). The Handover of Earth
: Gabriel brought a handful of red soil from that land and gave it to the Prophet. Seeing this, the Prophet began to weep for the future suffering of his grandson. Umm Salama’s Trust : The Prophet then handed this soil to his wife, Umm Salama , telling her:
"When you see this soil turn into blood, you will know that my Husayn has been slaughtered" The Fulfillment
: Umm Salama kept the soil in a glass bottle. Many years later, on the day of
(10th of Muharram, 61 A.H.), she witnessed the soil in the bottle turning into fresh blood, confirming the martyrdom of Imam Husayn. Al-Islam.org Context and Significance
This narration is frequently cited by scholars to explain the sanctity of the land of Karbala and is a primary source for the practice of prostrating on
(clay from Karbala). Al-Hakim recorded this hadith noting its authenticity, and it is also corroborated in other major works like Siyar a`lam al-nubala' Ibn Kathir's Al-Bidayah wa'l-nihayah Al-Islam.org of this prophecy or see other historical accounts from the same volume? Laws and Practices: Why do the Shi'ah prostrate on Turbah
Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak is a renowned hadith collection compiled by Muhammad ibn Abdur Rahman al-Hakim al-Naisaburi, a prominent Islamic scholar. The work is considered one of the most important and reliable collections of hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) in Islam.
Regarding the specific reference to Vol. 4, p. 398 of Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak, without access to the actual text or a reliable online source, I can provide some general information about the book and its significance.
Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak is a comprehensive collection of hadith that covers various aspects of Islamic life, including theology, jurisprudence, and ethics. The book is divided into several volumes, and each volume deals with a specific topic or theme.
If you're looking for information on a specific hadith or topic mentioned on Vol. 4, p. 398 of Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak, I recommend consulting a reliable online source or a physical copy of the book. Some popular online sources for Islamic texts include:
Consult reputable sources when researching Islamic texts to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
Sunnis universally love and respect ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (the fourth rightly guided Caliph). However, narrations that elevate him above the other three caliphs (Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman) are subject to intense scrutiny. The narrations on page 398, if taken literally, could imply a super-excellence (afdaliyyah) for ‘Ali. Therefore, traditional Sunni scholars either:
Let us examine why page 398 is controversial. Take the "City of Knowledge" tradition. Al-Hakim’s chain includes: Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah (trustworthy) ← Ja‘far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (trustworthy) ← his father ← ‘Ali.
The problem? There is a break (Inqita‘) . Ja‘far al-Sadiq never directly heard the narration from his father and ‘Ali in that manner. Additionally, some versions include ‘Isa ibn Maysarah, whom al-Dhahabi labels "weak (da‘if)" . Hence, on vol. 4 p. 398, al-Dhahabi’s marginal note is famously terse: "La asla lahu" (It has no basis).