Question

What is the status of the Hadith: “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half?”

Answer

Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) with a weak chain. Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has also recorded a similar narration with a weak chain.

(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 5100, Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 7643. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 4, pg. 252)

However, the Hadith in question is sufficiently supported by the following narration:

Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Whomsoever has been blessed with a pious wife from Allah, then Allah has certainly assisted him [to fulfill] half of his Din. So he should fear Allah in the remaining half”

(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 976 and Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 2, pg. 161. Declared authentic by Imam Hakim)

Although some senior Muhaddithun like Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) have also declared this supporting narration as weak, it is still suitable as a support and strengthens the Hadith in question.

(Refer: Talkhisul Habir, vol. 3, pg. 251. Also see Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 4, pg. 272, Faydul Qadir, under Hadith: 8704 and Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 5065 (vol. 9, pg. 111)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar