Question
Is this Hadith authentic?
كلوا السفرجل فإنه يجم الفؤاد ويشجع القلب يحسن الولد
Eat quince [a type of fruit] for it expands the heart/brings comfort to the heart, it strengthens the heart and will be a means of betterment for one’s children
Answer
This narration has been referenced to Musnadul Firdaws.
(Refer: Kanzul ‘Ummal, Hadith: 28260)
‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) has pointed out a weak narrator and has quoted Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullah) and Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullah) who have echoed similar sentiments regarding the narrations on the virtues of quince.
(Refer: Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 6405, Al ‘Ilalul Mutanahiyah, vol. 2 pg. 655. Also see: Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 2 pg. 515, number: 4702)
The following narration would perhaps be better to quote since it has been authenticated:
Sayyiduna Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydillah reported that he once went to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had a quince in his hand. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passed it to him and said, “Take it [consume it] O Abu Muhammad for it brings comfort to the heart.”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 3 pg. 370)
Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has declared this version authentic and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) concurs.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar