Al-Maqrizi includes this narration in a section typically dealing with the responsibilities of the historian and the narrator. As a historian himself, Al-Maqrizi was acutely aware of the problem of fabrication and weak reports entering historical records. By placing this Hadith (No. 172), he sets a methodological standard: just because something is "heard" or found in a book does not make it a reliable fact to be transmitted to others.
Kitabul Akib Hadith 172 is a fascinating reference that opens a window into the world of classical Islamic eschatological compilations. However, the serious student of Islam must exercise caution.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us the most important preparation for the end of times is not identifying every minor sign, but increasing worship, fixing one's character, and holding firm to the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Final Advice for the reader: Do not let the mystery of "Hadith 172" distract you from the core of the faith. Pray your five prayers, give charity, avoid major sins, and trust in Allah’s plan for the Akib (the final, good outcome) for the believers. kitabul akib hadith 172
Note: Due to the non-standard nature of the "Kitabul Akib" reference, readers are strongly encouraged to consult local scholars or muhaddithun (Hadith specialists) with the original Arabic manuscripts to verify the exact wording and chain of narration for Hadith 172.
The most critical question for any Muslim reader: Is Hadith 172 sound?
Verdict: While Hadith 172 is interesting, believers should prioritize the clearly authentic signs found in Sahih Muslim (Book 54) and Sahih Bukhari (Book 92) over obscure references like Kitabul Akib Hadith 172. Al-Maqrizi includes this narration in a section typically
Regardless of whether Kitabul Akib Hadith 172 meets the highest standards of authenticity, the type of narration it represents offers timeless lessons:
The Hadith begins with an imperative verb, Badiru (Race/Hasten). This indicates that the time for action is now, not later. In Islamic spirituality, procrastination is often viewed as a trap of the self (Nafs) or the Devil (Shaitan).
Arabic: عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: "بَادِرُوا بِالأَعْمَالِ فِتَنًا كَقِطَعِ اللَّيْلِ الْمُظْلِمِ، يُصْبِحُ الرَّجُلُ مُؤْمِنًا وَيُمْسِي كَافِرًا، وَيُمْسِي مُؤْمِنًا وَيُصْبِحُ كَافِرًا، يَبِيعُ دِينَهُ بِعَرَضٍ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا" The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told
Translation: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Hasten to do good deeds before you are overtaken by trials and tribulations (Fitnah) like parts of a dark night. A man will be a believer in the morning and become a disbeliever by evening, and he will be a believer in the evening and become a disbeliever by morning. He will sell his religion for a small portion of worldly gain."
Even in ambiguous narrations, the command remains: Adhere to the group of believers. Do not isolate yourself. The Akib (the final outcome) belongs to the righteous.