Adopting moderation when practising a Sunnah is better than striving in bid’ah

Question

Is this Hadith authentic?

“Adopting moderation in practising upon the Sunnah is better than striving and exerting oneself in innovatory practices”

Answer

Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) and not as a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The narration should be quoted as such.

He has declared the narration authentic and ‘Allamah Dhahabi concurs.

(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1 pg. 103)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar