Question

Please provide the reference for the following narration and confirm whether the translation should be “his wife” or “their wives”:

“The best among the believers is he whose character is the best. And the best among you is the one who is best to his wife”

Answer

Imam Tirmidhi and Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1162 and Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 4176. See here for further references for the first part of the Hadith)

The correct translation of this version is as follows:

“The most complete believers are those who have the best character and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives”

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar