Question

What is the status of the following Hadith?

“It is sufficient for a man to be regarded as evil, that he becomes displeased with whatever [food his host] presents to him.”

Answer

Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya, Imam Abu Ya’la, Imam Abu ‘Awanah and Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahumullah) have recorded the Hadith in question.

(Qirad Dayf, Hadith: 56, Musnad Abu Ya’la, Hadith: 1981, Mustakhraj Abi ‘Awanah, Hadith: 8821 and Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 5483)

The Hadith in question is suitable to quote and is further supported by a similar narration recorded in Musnad Ahmad.

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3, pg. 371. Also see Targhib, vol. 3, pg. 374 and Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8, pg. 180)

Note: The sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is so simple and easy. Abiding by the above Hadith creates ease for the host and eradicates the unnecessary, burdensome formalities that are so common nowadays.

These formalities have created reluctance in the people towards hospitality.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar