Humbling ones self and submitting to a wealthy person due to his wealth

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