Question
Kindly confirm the authenticity of the Hadith “Du’a is the essence of worship”
Answer
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) and has declared the Hadith weak.
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3371)
However, The Hadith is sufficiently corroborated by the following authentic Hadith:
Sayyiduna Nu’man ibn Bashir (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Du’a is [that act which is worthy of being called true] worship”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2969, 3247, 3372, Abu Dawud, Hadith: 1474 and Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3828. Refer: Tuhfatul Ahwadhi, Hadith: 2969)
Imam Tirmidhi and Imam Ibn Hibban have declared this Hadith authentic.
(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 890)
Also see here
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar