Question

Is this Hadith reliable?

Moderation in spending is half of [one’s] sustenance, friendliness toward people is half of [one’s] intelligence, and asking good questions is half of [one’s] knowledge (Shu’abul Iman)

Answer

Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith in his Shu’abul Iman as stated above with a weak chain. In fact Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) himself has declared the chain of narrators as weak.

(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 6148)

However, ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has cited numerous similar narrations which support the Hadith in question. Therefore ‘Allamah Zurqani (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith in question as “hasan li ghayrihi” (sound due to corroborating narrations).

(Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 140 and Mukhtasarul Maqasid, Hadith: 126)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar