English translation
4602. Narrated Al-Aswad: While we were sitting in a circle in 'Abdullah's gathering, Hudhaifa came and stopped before us, and greeted us and then said, "People better than you became hypocrites." Al-Aswad said, "Glory be to Allah! Allah says: 'Verily! The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths (grade) of the Fire..." (V.4:145) On that 'Abdullah smiled and Hudhaifa sat somewhere in the mosque. 'Abdullah then got up and his companions (sitting around him) dispersed. Hudhaifa then threw a pebble at me (to attract my attention). I went to him and he said, "I was surprised at 'Abdullāh's smile though he understood what I said. Verily, people better than you became hypocrites and then repented and Allāh forgave them."
