Question

Kindly provide the reference and authenticity of the following Hadith:

“Nothing is of more benefit to the Believer after Taqwa of Allah than a righteous wife whom, if he [her husband] looks at her he is pleased”

 

Answer

Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith with a weak chain on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (radiyallahu ‘anhu). The full narration is as follows:

“A Believer does not gain more benefit from anything after fearing Allah than a pious wife. When he commands her, she obeys him, When he looks at her she pleases him, if he takes an oath concerning her, she fulfills it and when he away [she protects] herself and his wealth”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1857. Refer: Zawaid Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 619)

 

However after declaring the chain of narrators of the above Hadith as weak, ‘Allamah Busiri has indicated to some supporting narrations. One such narration is as follows:

 

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was asked, ‘Which women are the best’? Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied,

‘The wife who pleases him [her husband] when he looks at her, obeys him when he commands her, and does not [deceive him] with regards to herself and wealth”

(Sunan Nasai; Al Mujtaba, Hadith: 3231. Declared authentic by Imam Hakim and Hafiz Dhahabi concurs. Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1 pg. 161/2. Also see Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 7811)

 

The Hadith in question 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