My Ummah is shown Mercy

Q 1: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, This Ummah (nation) of mine is an Ummah that is shown mercy. They will not be punished in the Hereafter; their punishment in this world will be trials and earthquakes. Narrated by Abu Dawud in his Sunan (Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes) under the Chapter entitled "Trials." What is the interpretation of this Hadith?

A: This Hadith includes in its Sanad (chain of narrators) `Abdul-Rahman ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Utbah ibn Mas‘ud Al-Hudhaly Al-Mas`udy Al-Kufy. Al-Mundhiry said that Al-Bukhari cited him, and more than one person questioned his trustworthiness. Al-‘Uqayly said that he changed in his latest days, (Part No. 4; Page No. 404) and became known for inconsistency in his reporting of Hadith. Ibn Hibban said that there was confusion in his narrations of Hadith (i.e. He made mistakes and changed wording) that the right could not be distinguished, and therefore they deserve to be rejected.In addition, the Matn (text of the Hadith) is unacceptable, irregular and contradictory with the Sahih (authentic) Hadiths which prove that many among the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished in the Hereafter, such as the long Hadith of Shafa‘ah (intercession) and others.