Question

Is this Hadith authentic?

Once Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came home to Ummu Habibah (radiyallahu ‘anha). Sayyiduna Mu’awiyah was resting his head on her and Ummu Habibah (radiyallahu ‘anha) kissed him. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked her whether she loved him. To this Ummu Habibah (radiyallahu ‘anha) declared that he was her brother and therefore she definitely loved him. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah and His Rasul definitely love Mu’awiyah.”

Answer
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Musa Al Ash’ari (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Tabarani; Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 9, pg. 357)

The Muhaddithun however have dismissed the authenticity of this narration. Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has also declared a similar narration (which has a few extra words) a fabrication.

(Al ‘ilalul Mutanahiyah, vol. 1, pg. 277, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 2, pg. 360 and Siyaru A’lmin Nubala, vol. 3, pg. 128-131)

Although this particular virtue is unauthentic, this does not decrease Sayyiduna Mu’awiyah (radiyallahu ‘anhu)’s status and virtue which has been proven in other narrations.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar