Question
What is the authenticity of following narration ?
من تواضع لغنيّ لغناه ذهب ثلثا دينه
Whoever humbles himself to a wealthy person due to his wealth, has lost one third of his religion
Answer
I have not come across these exact words in any primary Hadith source.
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded the following similar narration:
Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “…Whomsoever humbles himself before a wealthy person to attain some of his worldly possessions, Allah will wipe off two thirds of his deeds…”
(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 9571 with a very weak chain. Also see: Targhib, vol. 4 pg. 179 and Al Asrarul Marfu’ah, Hadith: 478)
Also see Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 1102 wherein ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has cited other versions of this narration and has explained the varied degrees of weakness.
And Allah Ta’ala Know best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar