“Hasan sahih.” Al-Hakim (4/430-431) added: “Sahih according to the criteria of the two shaykhs,” and al-Dhahabi concurred, although in fact it meets only Muslim’s criteria. Al-Hakim and Ibn Mandah also transmit a supporting report from al-Miqdad ibn al-Aswad that likewise fulfills Muslim’s conditions. This hadith explains the noble verse; accordingly, the verse must be interpreted in the comprehensive light of this tradition. Among the particular points affirmed by both the verse and the hadith is the sound prophecy that Muslims will conquer the city of Rome, the papal capital, after conquering Constantinople. The first conquest has already occurred, so the second is bound to follow—“and you shall surely know its news after a while.” See the hadith of the conquest and its documentation in Silsilat al-ahadith al-sahihah, no. 4. Muslims therefore ought to prepare for this by returning to their Lord, implementing His Book, following the sunnah of His Prophet, shunning His prohibitions, and uniting upon what pleases Him, exalted be He. Encouraging signs have appeared that the Muslim community has resumed its march toward that end. May Allah bring these hopes to fruition. (1) Reported by Muslim (8/182); also by Ahmad, cited in al-Kawakib (2/130 – Tafsir 555), who declared its chain sahih. I add: it is likewise found in the Musnad of Abu Ya‘la (f. 2/216) and in al-Hakim (4/446-447).