Question

What is the reference for this narration and can it be quoted?

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best thing a believing man can be given is good character, and the worst thing a man can be given is an evil heart with a beautiful appearance.”

 

Answer

Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration.

(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 25840)

 

The chain consists of an unnamed narrator. However, Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) states ‘It seems that this person is a Sahabi.’

(Footnotes on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 25840)

 

The narration is suitable to quote.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar