Question

Please mention the source and authenticity of this Hadith?

“Their tongues are sweeter than sugar whilst their hearts are the hearts of wolves”

 

Answer

Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu). The full Hadith is as follows:

“In the end of time there will be men who will deceive through religion [They will be seeking the dunya through Din], deceiving the people by wearing wool [wearing garments that ascetic ones wear], their tongues will be sweeter than sugar but their hearts are the hearts of wolves. Allah Ta’ala says: ‘[Is it due to My Tolerance and Mercy] that you are deceived or are you courageous enough against me? I take an oath by Me, I will send upon these people such a trial that will leave those who are [generally] calm and collected utterly baffled”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2404)

The chain has a narrator who has been declared weak by the Muhaddithun.

(See: Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 5, pg. 132, number: 9050 and Taqribut Tahdhib, number: 7599)

However, Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah), after quoting the above, records the following Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) which corroborates the Hadith in question:

Allah Ta’ala says [Hadith Qudsi]: “I have created some whose tongues are sweeter than honey but their hearts are more bitter than aloe. I take an oath by Me [My greatness]  I will send upon these people such a trial that will leave those who are [generally] calm and collected utterly baffled, ‘[Is it due to My Tolerance and Mercy] that you are deceived or are you courageous enough against me?”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2405. Imam Tirmidhi has declared this version sound –hasan-)

It is possible that due to this corroborating narration, Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) chose not to point out the weak narrator of the Hadith in question in his book Hiyatur Ruwat, thereby rendering the Hadith sound (hasan) according to him.

(Hidayatur Ruwat, Hadith: 5252)

Disclaimer: In principle, the signs of Qiyamah are ambiguous and nuanced and only Allah Ta’ala Knows their precise timing and exact application. One should certainly take heed from such Hadiths and signs, despite their application to specific events being open to interpretation.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar