Question

I heard of a Hadith stating that reciting Bismillah jointly with Surah Fatihah has special rewards and virtues.

What is the Hadith and is it authentic?

Answer

You are probably referring to the following unauthentic Hadith.

The chain of narrators leads up to the Angel Israfil who reports that Allah Ta’ala told him:

“Whoever recites Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim jointly with Surah Fatihah once, bear testimony that I have forgiven him and accepted all of his good deeds. I will not burn his tongue in the fire, I will protect him from the punishment of the grave, the punishment of Jahannam and the punishment on the Day of Qiyamah and he will meet me before the Ambiya and Awliya”

However, this Hadith has been declared a fabrication by ‘Allamah Sakhawi and ‘Allamah Suyuti (rahimahumallah). ‘Allamah Ibn ‘Iraq (rahimahullah) states that this is an apparent fabrication and a great slander.

(Refer: Al Manahilus Salsalah, pg. 100, Dhaylul La-Alil Masnu’ah, vol. 1, pg. 395/396 and Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 2, pg. 114/115)

The Hadith is not suitable to quote.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar