Question

Is the following Hadith authentic?

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“When you pass by the meadows of Jannah indulge freely in them!’ The Sahabah asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah! What are the meadows of Paradise?’ He replied: ‘The circles/gatherings of ‘ilm [Knowledge].'”

[Tabarani]

Answer

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) with a weak chain.

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 11158. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1, pg. 126)

However, the Hadith in question is supported by the following reliable Hadith that is recorded by Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah). Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“When you pass by the meadows of Jannah indulge freely in them!’ The Sahabah asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah! What are the meadows of Paradise?’ He replied: ‘The circles/gatherings of dhikr [gatherings where Allah Ta’ala is remembered].'”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3510. Graded sound –hasan– by Imam Tirmidhi)

And Allah Ta’ala knows best

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar