Question

Is this narration authentic?

“When a slave stands and prays, all his sins are brought and placed on his head and shoulders. Every time he bows or prostrates, they fall from him”

Answer

This narration has been declared authentic (sahih) by Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah). Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has declared the chain of narrators of Imam Bayhaqi strong/reliable (isnaduhu qawiy)

The full narration is as follows:

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) once saw a youngster performing a prolonged Salah. He asked, ‘Who knows this person’? A man replied, ‘I know him’. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) then said, ‘Had I known him, I would have ordered him to lengthen his ruku’ and sajdah [as well], for I have heard Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say,

‘When a servant stands up to offer Salah, his sins are brought and placed on his head or shoulders. Each time he bows in ruku’ or prostrates his sins fall off’

(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 1734 and As Sunanul Kubra of Imam Bayhaqi, vol. 3, pg. 10. Refer: Al Muhaddhab of Hafiz Dhahabi, Hadith: 4165)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar