The Prohibition of Presuming upon Allah’s Judgment

Abu Ẓabyan narrated that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said:

“Woe to those of my community who presume to speak for Allah.”

He was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, who are those who presume?” He replied, “Those who say, ‘So-and-so is in Paradise and so-and-so is in the Fire.’ ”

Nafiʿ reported from Ibn ʿUmar that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said:

“Do not declare, ‘My community is in Paradise’ or ‘in the Fire.’ Leave them until Allah judges between them on the Day of Resurrection.”

Aban related from al-Hasan that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said:

“Allah, Mighty and Majestic, will say: ‘Do not consign My servants to Paradise or to the Fire until I Myself judge between them on the Day of Resurrection and assign them their stations.’ ”

I then asked, “Inform me about the murderer and about performing the prayer behind him.” He answered, “The prayer offered behind any person—whether righteous or sinful—is valid, and your reward is assured.”