Question

Is it correct that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would always be taller than anybody who stood next to him?

Answer

Yes. Imam Ibn Abi Khaythamah (rahimahullah) has recorded the following narration on the authority of Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha):

“None who was regarded to be tall would walk alongside Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), except that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would be taller. At times two tall men would stand on either side of him and he (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would still be taller than them. When they would go away, they would once again be described as being tall and Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as moderate”

Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) has also cited this narration under the commentary of the Hadith in Sahih Bukhari which discusses the height of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

(Refer: Dalailun Nubuwwah of Imam Bayhaqi, vol. 1 pg. 298, Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3549, Ghayatus Sul, pg. 306 and Al Khasaisul Kubra, vol. 1 pg. 122)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar