Question

Is the following Hadith authentic?

إذا أتاكم كريم قوم فأكرموه

Translation

When the noble ones of a certain nation come to you then honour them

 

Answer

Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3712)

Although the Hadith in question has been reported with a weak chain, it is sufficiently supported by the following narrations:

1) Sha’bi (rahimahullah), a Tabi’i reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“When the noble ones of a certain nation come to you then honour them”

(Al Marasil of Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) with an authentic chain. Refer: Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 716)

2) Sayyiduna Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“…Whomsoever believes in Allah and The last day, should honour the noble ones when they come to him”

(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4, pg. 292. Declared authentic by Imam Hakim)

After citing numerous supports with varied degrees of weakness, ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) states:

“The Hadith in question gains strength by virtue of these various chains”

(Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 50, pgs: 32-34)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar