Question
What is the authenticity of this narration?
“Two hungry wolves roaming freely among sheep are less destructive to them than the desire for wealth and fame is to a person’s religion”
Answer
Imam Tirmidhi has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Ka’b ibn Malik Al Ansari (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2376)
Imam Tirmidhi and Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahumallah) have classified the Hadith authentic.
(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 3228)
Hafiz Ibn Rajab Al Hambali (rahimahullah) has authored an entire booklet on the commentary of this Hadith wherein he discusses the different types of greed for wealth and how the quest for wealth and fame destroys a person’s Din.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar, with the following note:
Sadly, in our era we frequently witness the manifestation of this prophecy. May Allah Ta’ala protect the Ummah.
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar