Question

Is the following Hadith authentic?

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “When disease descends from the skies, it is averted from the inhabitants of the Masajid.”

Answer

This Hadith has been recorded in Shu’abul Iman and other Hadith collections.

(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 2686)

‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) has pointed out a weak narrator in the chain.

(Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 401. Also see: Al Kamil of Ibn ‘Adiy, vol. 5, pg. 166, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 2, pg. 59, number: 2695)

‘Allamah ‘Azizi (rahimahullah) has stated that the Hadith is sound (hasan). [This is probably due to the the broader meaning being corroborated. Imam Bayhaqi has also alluded to this].

(As Sirajul Munir, vol. 1, pg. 92)

Note:

The word used in the Hadith is “عاهة”. ‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) explains that this refers to a malady which affects a person’s Din, and it is improbable that this Hadith refers to a worldly [physical disease/ailment]. (أي آفة دينية واحتمال إرادة الدنيوية أيضا بعيد)

Throughout time, certain calamities have most certainly afflicted the Masjids as well. It is therefore incorrect to cite the Hadith in question to support the notion that sickness can never afflict a person in the Masjid.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar