He walked to the pit—to the very place where it had been—searched for him but did not find him. In the meantime his people had experienced a change of heart: they had brought the prophet out, believed in him, and affirmed his truthfulness.
He (the narrator) said: Their prophet would ask them, “What has become of that black man?” They would answer, “We do not know,” until Allah took the soul of the prophet, ﷺ, and only after that was the black man awakened from his sleep.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Indeed, that black man will be the first to enter Paradise.”(1)
This ḥadīth is mursal, and such reports warrant scrutiny. It is likely that the expanded version of his story comes from Muḥammad ibn Kaʿb al-Quraẓī; Allah knows best.
Ibn Jarīr(2) later rejected the view himself, saying: It is impermissible to hold that these people were the People of al-Rass mentioned in the Qur’an. He argued: Allah has informed us that the People of al-Rass were destroyed, whereas these people underwent a change and believed in their prophet—unless, perhaps, later events occurred in which their descendants believed after the destruction of their forefathers; Allah knows best.
He then preferred the opinion that they were the People of the Ditch (aṣḥāb al-ukhdūd)(3), but this is weak for the reasons previously given and because, in the account of the People of the Ditch, they are threatened with punishment in the Hereafter should they not repent, while no destruction is mentioned, whereas the annihilation of the People of al-Rass is stated explicitly. Allah knows best.
Among them are the Companions of the Town—the people of Yāsīn.
Allah the Exalted says:
“Set forth for them the parable of the people of the town, when the messengers came to it: (13) When We sent to them two and they rejected both of them, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said, ‘Indeed, we have been sent to you.’ (14) They said, ‘You are but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has revealed nothing. You are only lying.’ (15) The messengers said, ‘Our Lord knows that we are, indeed, sent to you, (16) and our duty is only to deliver the clear Message.’ (17) They said, ‘We see an evil omen in you. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you.’ (18) The messengers said, ‘Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? No, you are a transgressing people.’ (19) Then from the farthest end of the city there came a man hastening. He said, ‘O my people, follow the messengers! (20) Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. (21) Why should I not worship the One who created me and to Him you will be returned? (22) Shall I take besides Him gods? If the Most Merciful intends me any harm, their intercession will not avail me in the least, nor can they save me. (23) Indeed, in that case I would be in manifest error. (24) I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me.’ (25) It was said, ‘Enter Paradise.’ He said, ‘Would that my people knew (26) how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored.’ (27) And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor would We ever do so. (28) It was but one mighty blast, and there they were—lifeless.” (29) [Yāsīn 36:13–29]