At that moment, she let out a cry that echoed through the streets of Medina. She knew that in a far-off desert, the prophecy had been fulfilled. The soil that the Prophet had once held had signaled the final sacrifice of his "beloved" grandson. Historical Significance
However, the true significance of page 398 lies not in the hadith text alone, but in the thunderous marginal notes that often accompany it—the critiques of Imam al-Dhahabi (d. 748 AH/1348 CE), al-Hakim’s own student. In his abridgement and critique, Talkhis al-Mustadrak , al-Dhahabi frequently follows al-Hakim’s judgment with the devastating phrase: “Bal munkar” (Rather, it is rejected) or “La asla lahu” (It has no basis). If one were to look at a hadith on page 398 that al-Hakim declared sahih , one would likely find al-Dhahabi arguing that a particular transmitter is weak, unknown ( majhul ), or even accused of lying. This dialectic transforms the page from a simple collection into a courtroom drama. For the student of hadith , this page is a live demonstration of how Islamic scholarship is not a monolithic acceptance of texts but a continuous, critical dialogue across centuries.
In al-Mustadrak , al-Ḥākim applied a critical methodology to the hadiths of his time. He was, however, known for being relatively lenient (mutasāhil) in his authentication. A key part of his methodology was to grade each hadith according to the specific conditions set by either Imam al-Bukhārī or Imam Muslim for inclusion in their collections. His verdict would often read, as seen in the hadith on page 398, "This is a ṣaḥīḥ (authentic) hadith according to the conditions of the two Shaykhs (al-Bukhārī and Muslim), but they did not record it."
This reference from by Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri records a significant narration regarding the martyrdom of Imam Hussain . al-hakim al-mustadrak vol. 4 p. 398
in prayer) and the Prophet's deep emotional connection to the future tragedy of his grandson. Al-Islam.org original Arabic text for this specific page or more details on Al-Dhahabi’s critique of this volume? Laws and Practices: Why do the Shi'ah prostrate on Turbah
Understanding Al-Mustadrak ‘ala al-Sahihayn : Analyzing Volume 4, Page 398
The specific reference you provided, "Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak Vol. 4 p. 398," points to a particular hadith or passage within this extensive collection. Unfortunately, without access to the specific content or a detailed summary of what is discussed on that page, I can provide a general overview of the significance of Al-Hakim al-Mustadrak and the importance of hadith collections in Islamic scholarship. At that moment, she let out a cry
Because Islamic classical texts have been published across centuries by different printing houses, the layout can vary. In the study of Hadith, Volume 4 of Al-Mustadrak transitions out of legal rulings ( Fiqh ) and moves heavily into the fields of social ethics ( Adab ), prophecies, and historical biographies ( Tarikh & Siyar ). Two primary layouts emerge for Page 398 within Volume 4: 1. The Chapters on Social Etiquette (Adab)
In of Al-Mustadrak , Al-Hakim classifies this narration as Sahih (Authentic) according to the criteria of Imam Muslim, a verdict with which Imam al-Dhahabi agreed in his Talkhis . Significance in Islamic Practice
In the widely read standard Arabic prints of Al-Mustadrak , page 398 of the fourth volume houses a cornerstone principle of Islamic jurisprudence and theology: If one were to look at a hadith
Sunni response: Even if al-Hakim authenticated them, greater critics (Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, al-Dhahabi) weakened them due to a weak narrator (e.g., Ja‘far ibn Sulayman, or Maysarah ibn ‘Abd Rabbih, depending on the edition). Therefore, the page is not definitive proof.
Al-Hakim structured his findings into categories, frequently declaring after a narration: "This Hadith is authentic according to the conditions of the two Sheikhs (al-Bukhari and Muslim), though they did not record it." Volume 4 of this monumental five-volume work primarily transitions into deep theological matters, the book of tribulations ( Kitab al-Fitan ), signs of the Day of Judgment, and virtue expositions. The Key Hadith of Vol. 4, P. 398: Communal Infallibility
The exploration of Al-Hakim's "Al-Mustadrak," particularly Vol. 4, P. 398, offers a glimpse into the rich reservoir of Islamic knowledge and the scholarly efforts to preserve and present it. This work not only serves as a historical document but also as a spiritual and moral guide for those seeking to understand and embody the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
For Twelver Shi’i scholars, is a prized citation. They argue: