Question

I have come across two versions of the Hadiths wherein the weight limit on rings for men are mentioned. One version has the wording ولا تزده مثقالا (which our Hanafi ‘Ulama often mention in our Fiqh books) and another says ولا تتمه مثقالا (I have only come across this version in the Hadith books).

Kindly provide me with the authenticity of both.

 

Answer

Despite the slight variation in wording, this narration is still one and the same, and has been recorded by Imams Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasai, Bazzar and others (rahimahumullah); on the authority of Sayyiduna Buraydah (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4220, Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1785, Sunan Nasai; Al-Mujtaba, Hadith: 5195, and Musnad Bazzar, Hadith: 4430; Also see: Nasbur Rayah, vol. 4, pg. 234)

Imam Bazzar (rahimahullah) has recorded the version containing the words “ولا تزده مثقالا“.

(Musnad Bazzar, Hadith: 4430)

The Muhaddithun have differed with regards to the grading of this Hadith. On one hand,, some of them have declared it weak.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1785; Also see: Sunan Nasai, Hadith: 9442, Mukhtasar Sunan Abi Dawud of ‘Allamah Mundhiri, Hadith: 4059, and Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 105)

On the other hand, Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has graded it as authentic. It will also be understood to have been classified sound (hasan) by Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah), as per the principle in his book, Hidayatur Ruwat. Mulla ‘Ali Qari (rahimahullah) has also graded it as sound (hasan). ‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) has graded it sound (hasan) due to corroboration.

(Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith: 2692, Hidayatur Ruwat, Hadith: 4322, Mirqat, Hadith: 4396, At-Taysir, vol. 1, pg. 24)

Notes:

1. Contrary to your claim, several Hanafi fiqh books have cited the version that appears more dominantly in the Hadith books: ولا تتمه مثقالا.

2. This is merely an answer pertaining to the text and authenticity of the aforementioned narration. Kindly refer to a Mufti/Darul Ifta for further queries regarding the Fiqhi understanding and application of the Hadith.

 

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Farhan Shariff

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar