Question

What is the status of the following narration?

أربعة من الشقاء: جمود العين، وقسوة القلب، وطول الأمل، والحرص على الدنيا

 

Answer

Imam Bazzar (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu). ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared a narrator weak.

(Musnad Bazzar; Al Bahruz Zakkhar, Hadith: 6442, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 226)

 

‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has declared the text of the Hadith unreliable (munkar). However, it seems that other Muhaddithun have differed with this ruling. Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has also cited this narration in Fathul Bari. The Hadith can therefore be cited, insha Allah.

(Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 5 pg. 50, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 8 pg. 320, Targhib, vol. 2 pg. 539 and vol. 4 pg. 240, Fathul Bari, before Hadith: 6414, vol. 11 pg. 237. Also see: Al Kamil, vol. 5 pg. 191)

 

Translation

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Four characteristics are part of evil; An eye that cannot cry, hardness of the heart, having many aspirations and desires, and greed/desire for the world.

 

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar