Question

Is the following Hadith reliable?

مُدَارَاةُ النَّاسِ صَدَقَةٌ

Translation

Being affable with people is regarded as sadaqah

 

Answer

Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu)

(Declared authentic by Imam Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 471)

The Hadith in question is further supported by similar narrations in Musnad Bazzar and Al Mu’jamul Awsat of Imam Tabarani.

(Refer: Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 6131. Also see Al Maqasidul Hasanah, under Hadith: 508 and 1006)

Explanation

The Arabic word used in this Hadith is “مداراة”, which is explained as being gentle and showing kindness when explaining the wrong to an ignorant person who disobeys Allah Ta’ala secretly.

(Refer: Sharhul Kirmani (Al Kawakibud Darari Fi Sharhi Sahihil Bukhari) and Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 6131)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar