Question

What is the authenticity of the Hadith in Kanzul ‘Ummal (Hadith: 42981) which starts with the words:

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يوما لأصحابه: أتدرون ما مثل أحدكم ومثل أهله وماله وعمله؟ فقالوا: الله ورسوله أعلم، فقال: إنما مثل أحدكم ومثل ماله وأهله وولده وعمله كمثل رجل له ثلاثة إخوة، فلما حضرته الوفاة دعا إخوته فقال: إنه قد نزل بي من الأمر ما ترى فما لي عندك وما لي لديك؟ فقال:لك عندي أن أمرضك ولا  أزيلك وأن أقوم بشأنك، فإذا مت غسلتك وكفنتك وحملتك مع الحاملين، أحملك طورا وأميط عنك الى آخر الحديث

 

Answer

This is a lengthy narration which states that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once likened a person’s family, wealth and deeds to three brothers who present themselves to their brother who is on his deathbed and explain the extent of service they can offer to their brother.

This narration is recorded in Kitabu Amthalil Hadith of Imam Ramahurmuzi.

(Kitabu Amthalil Hadith, pg. 111, Hadith: 76)

 

However, the Hadith is reported through Imam Ibn Shihab Az Zuhri (rahimahullah). Imam Ibn ‘Adiy (rahimahullah) has stated that this Hadith has no basis from the Hadiths of Imam Zuhri (ليس له أصل من حديث الزهري). ‘Allamah ibnul Jawzi and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahumallah) have also declared the Hadith unreliable.

(Kitabud Du’afa, vol. 3 pg. 274-278, biography number: 846, Al ‘Ilalul Mutanahiyah, Hadith: 1484, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 2 pg. 408, number: after 4211)

 

The narration is therefore not suitable to quote.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar