Question
Is this authentic?
‘Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Layla reports from his father that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“No one can become a [true] believer until he loves me more than his life and my family is dearer to him than his family and until my life is dearer to him than his life and until my family is more dearer to him than his family.”
Answer
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration. A similar narration is also recorded in Al Mu’jamul Awsat of Imam Tabarani with variation in the wording.
(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 1420, Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 5786)
‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared one of the narrators weak.
(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1, pg. 88)
Note: The first part of the Hadith is recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim:
- Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “By the One in whose control is my life, none of you will be a [true] believer until he loves me more than he loves his father and children.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 14)
- Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) relates that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “None of you will be a [true] believer until he loves me more than he loves his father, his children and all mankind.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 15 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 44)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar