Question

Is this Hadith reliable ?

“Save yourself from jealousy. This is because jealousy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes fire wood/ grass.”

Answer

Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) with a weak chain.

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4867)

This Hadith is further supported by corroborating narrations recorded in other Hadith collections. ‘Allamah ‘Iraqi (rahimahullah) has declared the chain of narrators in Tarikh Baghdad as sound (hasan).

(Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 115)

This Hadith will also be graded sound (hasan) by Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) based on his principle in his book, “Hidayatur Ruwat”.

(Hidayatur Ruwat, Hadith: 4967. Also see At Tarikhul Kabir of Imam Bukhari, vol. 1, pg. 166 and Al Mudawi of Ahmad Siddiq Al Ghumari, Hadith: 2908/1290)

The Hadith in question is suitable to quote.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar