Are weak stories in the Prophetic biography, such as the story of the dove and the spider at the mouth of the cave during the Prophetic Hijra, to be taken as sources of solace?
The story of the spider weaving its web over the cave has been narrated in multiple ways. Some Hadith scholars have deemed it weak, while others have classified it as good (hasan), such as Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir and Ibn Hajar. It is mentioned in Fath al-Bari that Quraysh deliberated concerning the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, spent the night in his bed, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, departed to the cave. When Quraysh tracked his footsteps, they found a spider's web over the entrance of the cave, which led them to conclude that he had not entered it. Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir improved the chain of narration for this story, indicating that it was a part of Allah's protection for His Messenger. As for the narration of the two pigeon's eggs, no scholar has mentioned its authenticity. It has been the practice of scholars to be lenient in narrating Hadiths related to military expeditions (Maghazi) and virtues (Fadail), unlike those pertaining to legal rulings.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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