Question
Is the following Hadith authentic?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Seek to be independent from people, even if it be to wash/clean your miswak”
Answer
The Hadith in question has been recorded by numerous Muhaddithun. Among them are Imam Bazzar, Imam Tabarani and Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahumullah)
(Musnadul Bazzar, Hadith: 4824 and 5080, Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 12257 and Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 3251)
Hafiz Mundhiri, ‘Allamah ‘Iraqi, Hafiz Haythami and ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahumullah) have declared the chain of narrators as authentic.
(Targhib, vol. 1 pg. 583/4, Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 3977, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 3 pg. 94 and Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 106)
Note: This Hadith has been recorded with a continuous chain (muttasilan) as well as with a non continuous chain (mursalan). Some Muhaddithun like Imam Abu Hatim Ar Razi (rahimahullah) have declared the non continuous version as being more correct.
(Kitabul ‘Ilal, Hadith: 622)
Nevertheless, this doesn’t affect the suitability of the Hadith.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar