Question

Is the following narration authentic? What is its explanation?

Sayyiduna Sahl ibn Sa’d (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Indeed, this khayr [i.e., all good] are treasures and these treasures have keys. Glad tidings for a slave who Allah has made a key for good and a lock for evil; and woe to a slave who Allah has made a key for evil and a lock for good.” (Ibn Majah)

Answer

This Hadith is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah and suitable to quote, despite its weak chain, since it gains support from other similar narrations.

Explanation

Our religion of Islam consists of a lot of good deeds, effects and practices which need to be unlocked by man. Those people whom Allah Ta’ala chooses to unlock these good deeds and to block out the evil are indeed fortunate.

On the contrary, those who actually unlock/spread/introduce people to evil, wrong and vice while also stopping good are undoubtedly unfortunate.

(Hashiyatus Sindhi, Hadith: 238 and Mirqat, Hadith: 5208)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar