Question

Can this Hadith be quoted?

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Seeking knowledge for a short while is better than offering Tahajjud Salah for one night and seeking knowledge for one day is better than fasting for three days”

 

Answer

The Muhaddithun have declared this narration a fabrication as the chain consists of a liar. The Hadith is therefore not suitable to quote.

(Refer: Dhaylul La-Alil Masnu’ah, vol. 1, pg. 179, Hadith: 203, Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1, pg. 278)

There are acceptable Hadiths which state that seeking knowledge is better than [voluntary] worship. These should be quoted instead. See here.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar