Question

Is this Hadith reliable?

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to a man who appeared with untidy hair: ‘Is there any rose oil for tidying his hair?’ and then mentioned to him to immediately go out and tidy his hair and beard.

After he had done so and came back. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘

Which is better, one coming here with tidy hair and beard like this or with messy hair and beard like Shaytan?’

 

Answer

Imam Malik (rahimahullah) has recorded that once while Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wa sallam) was in the masjid, a man entered with untidy hair on his head and beard. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) indicated to him with his hand, for him to leave, intending for him to tidy up his hair. The man did so and returned. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commented: ‘Is this not better than some of you coming here with dishevelled hair [looking] like a shaytan?’

(Muwatta Imam Malik, kitabul jami’- Mursalan)

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has graded the chain as authentic (sahih).

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5924)

Imams Abu Dawud and Nasai (rahimahumallah) has also recorded a similar narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4059, Sunan Nasai, Hadith: 5236)

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has graded the chain as sound (hasan).

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5924)

Note 1: I haven’t seen any mention of “rose oil” in these narrations.

Note 2: The reason for the comparison of such a person to a shaytan, is due to the ugliness of both.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar