Caution against having the incorrect intention when seeking knowledge

Question

What is the authenticity of this narration please:

Sayyiduna Ka’b ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Whoever seeks knowledge in order to compete with the ‘Ulama, or to debate with the foolish, or to draw people’s attention, Allah will put him into Jahannam.”

Answer

Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith. He has declared the Hadith weak (gharib).

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2654)

However, the Hadith is corroborated by authentic Hadiths and is therefore suitable to quote. See here.

(Refer: Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 77, Sunan Darimi, Hadith: 386)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar