Question
Which version of this narration is correct, or are all correct?
من احب سنتى فقد احبنى ومن أحبني كان معي في الجنة
“He who loves my sunnah, loves me. Whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.”
من احيا سنتى فقد احبنى ومن أحبني كان معي في الجنة
“He who revives my sunnah, loves me. Whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.”
من احيا سنتى فقد احيانى ومن أحياني كان معي في الجنة
“He who revives my sunnah, revives me. Whoever revives me will be with me in Jannah.”
Answer
This is part of a lengthy Hadith reported by Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) that has been recorded with all of the above wordings.
It seems like all three versions are correct as they all appear in primary Hadith sources in addition to the secondary sources.
1. The first one appears in Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 9, pg. 253 and Mishkatul Masabih (Hadith: 173- Hidayatur Ruwat/175-Mirqat), and is referenced there to Sunan Tirmidhi.
2. The second version appears in some editions of Sunan Tirmidhi (Hadith: 2678- Darul Gharb), and in Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1, pg. 272. ‘Allamah Suyuti (rahimahullah) has also referenced this wording to the book of Imam Sijzi (rahimahullah) on the authority of Sayyidina Anas as well.
(Al-Jami’us Saghir, Hadith: 8346)
3. The third version cited in the question appears in another edition of Sunan Tirmidhi (Hadith: 2872- Ar-Risalah edition) and in Kanzul ‘Ummal (Hadith: 19981) as a Hadith of Tirmidhi.
Summary
One may quote any of the above wordings. More importantly, one should indeed strive to revive, inculcate and love every Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar