Question

Please provide the reference for the following:

“Verily, among the deeds which necessitate forgiveness are making salam and kind words”

Answer

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded the following narration:

Sayyiduna Abu Shurayh Hani’ ibn Yazid (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “I asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), tell me of a deed by virtue of which I will gain Jannah.’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Verily, among the deeds which necessitate [Allah’s] forgiveness are spreading salam and using kind words.”

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 469, volume 22)

The Hadith in question has also been recorded in many other Hadith collections on the authority of the same Sahabi but with slight variations in the wording of some and a lengthier version in others.

(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 490 and 504, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 25841, Al Adabul Mufrad of Imam Bukhari, Hadith: 811, Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 470, volume: 22, Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1, pg. 23)

Note

In some of the above references, the words “Giving [people] food” appear in place of “Spread salam”

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar