Question

Is this Hadith authentic?

الحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة. قيل وما بره؟ قال: إطعام الطعام و إفشاء السلام/طيب الكلام

 

Answer

Imam Ahmad, Imam Tabarani (rahimahumallah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith authentic. Hafiz Dhahabi concurs. ‘Allamah Mundhiri and ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahumallah) have graded the chain sound (hasan).

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3 pg. 325, Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1 pg. 483, Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 8400, Targhib, vol. 2 pg. 165 and Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 3 pg. 207)

 

Some versions of the Hadith mention ‘Spreading salam’ whereas other versions mention ‘being courteous when speaking to others’. One could practice on both these qualities.

 

Translation

There is no reward for an accepted Hajj except Jannah. Someone asked, ‘What constitutes an accepted Hajj?’. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Feeding and spreading salam/speaking courteously.’

 

Note: The words ‘There is no reward for an accepted Hajj except Jannah’ are also recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. See here.

 

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar