2293—“Among us is the one behind whom Jesus, son of Mary, will pray.”

Al-Suyūṭī attributed it in al-Jāmiʿ to Abū Nuʿaym in Kitāb al-Mahdī, on the authority of Abū Saʿīd. Al-Manāwī said: “Its chain contains weakness.” I say: To date, I have not been able to locate its chain of transmission. Nevertheless, I consider the hadith authentic, because its meaning has come in separate hadiths.

As for his being from the Prophet’s household, there are three hadiths concerning this. The first is the hadith of Umm Salamah. It was recorded by Abū Dāwūd and others with an authentic chain of transmission, and is discussed in al-Ḍaʿīfah under hadith no. 80 and in al-Rawḍ al-Naḍīr (2/54). The second is the hadith of ʿAlī, which is likewise discussed in al-Rawḍ (2/53). The third is the hadith of Abū Saʿīd, which is likewise discussed in al-Rawḍ and in al-Mishkāh (5454).

As for Jesus praying behind him, there is the hadith of Jābir—may Allah be pleased with him—attributed to the Prophet: “A group from my Ummah will continue fighting for the truth, prevailing until the Day of Resurrection.” He said: “Then Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon him, will descend, and their commander will say: ‘Come and lead us in prayer.’ But he will reply: ‘No; rather, some of you are commanders over others—an honor which Allah has bestowed upon this Ummah.’” It was recorded by Muslim and others, and its documentation has preceded under no. 1960. It also has a corroborating report from ʿUthmān ibn Abī al-ʿĀṣ, attributed to the Prophet, containing the latter half at greater length.