Question

What is the authenticity of the narration wherein the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) says that poverty can lead to kufr

 

Answer

This Hadith is suitable to quote.

Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Poverty almost leads to disbelief.”

(Musnad Ahmad ibn Mani’, Al-Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 4056,  Shu’abul Iman of Bayhaqi, Hadith: 6188 and others. See Ithaful khiyarah, Hadith: 7247 and Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 789)

This has been reported in the above references with two weak chains. However in addition to the support these chains lend each other, this Hadith is also supported by the following authentic (sahih) Hadith:

Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al-Khudry (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once made the following du’a:

‘O Allah I seek refuge in You from disbelief and poverty.’

Someone enquired: ‘Are these two equal?’

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: ‘Yes.’

(Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith: 1026 – Al-Ihsan)

Refer for all of the above: Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 789 and footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 27127.

It should be noted that the above depends on how a person reacts to his situation of poverty.

(Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 6199)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar