Question

Is the following Hadith authentic?

“Sayyiduna Abu Kahil (radiyallahu ‘anhu) relates that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“O Abu Kahil, whoever sends salutations on me three times every day and three times every night out of love for me and longing for me, it is his right on Allah that He forgive him his sins for that day and night ”

Answer

This narration is part of a lengthy narration which comprises of approximately thirteen advices that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) allegedly offered to Sayyiduna Abu Kahil (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration.

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 928, Volume: 18)

This narration however has been declared as extremely weak (munkar) by many Muhaddithun like Imam Ibn ‘Abdil Barr, Hafiz Mundhiri and Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahumullah). In Fact Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has termed the text of this narration as baseless (batil). This narration should therefore not be quoted.

(Refer: Al Isti’ab, vol. 4, pg. 301, Targhib, vol. 4, pg. 263, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 6, pg. 346 -6061-, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 4, pg. 219 and Al Qawlul Badi’, pg. 258)

There are many authentic Hadiths which explain the reward for sending salutations to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). These should be quoted instead.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar