Question

Is the following Hadith reliable?

“Showing patience is from Iman”

Answer

This narration has been recorded by several Muhaddithun with slight variations in the wording. Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has classified the following narration of Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahullah) sound (hasan):

Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “Once Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was asked, ‘Which type of Iman is best’? Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Exercising patience and overlooking/pardoning”

(Refer: Al Matalibul ‘Aliyah, vol. 13, pg. 167- Hadith: 3141)

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has authentically recorded the following statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu):

“…And exercising patience is half of Iman”

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 8544. Refer: Fathul Bari, under the first chapter of Kitabul Iman)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar