Question

Is this Hadith authentic?

لا تزال هذه الأمة بخير ما عظموا هذه الحرمة حق تعظيمها، فإذا ضيعوا ذلك، هلكوا

 

Answer

Imams Ibn Majah, Ahmad and Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahumullah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Ayyash ibn Abi Rabi’ah (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3110, Musnad Ahmad, vol. 4, pg. 347, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 14289)

‘Allamah Busiri (rahimahullah) has declared the chain of Ibn Majah weak. Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) has also graded the Hadith weak.

(Zawaid Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1021, Footnotes on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 14289. Also see: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 1586, vol. 3, pg. 449)

Despite the weakness, this may be quoted as it has a degree of support from the Quran and other narrations.

(Surah Al Maidah, Verse: 97, and Sahih Bukhari with Fathul Bari, Chapter that explains verse 97 of Surah Al Maidah- before Hadith: 1591

Translation

This ummah will remain on good as long as they respect this sanctuary [The Ka’bah/entire Haram] as it ought to be respected. Once they lose this, they will be doomed.

The Arabic word used in the Hadith is ‘الحرمة’. Some Muhaddithun have understood it to mean the Ka’bah only, whereas others have understood it to mean the entire haram of Makkah Mukarramah.

(Footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah on Musannaf, Hadith: 14289)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar