Question

I heard a narration which mentions a parable of a person who teaches others good but forgets about himself being likened to a lamp.

What is the narration and is it authentic?

Answer

Sayyiduna Jundub ibn ‘Abdillah Al Azdi (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“The example of one who teaches people good but forgets about himself is like a lantern which gives light to others while burning itself”

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir of Imam Tabarani, Hadith: 1681)

‘Allamah Mundhiri (rahimahullah) states, “The chain is sound insha Allah” and Hafiz Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators reliable.

(Targhib, vol. 1, pg. 127 and Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1, pg. 185)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar,

May Allah Ta’ala save us from this trait.

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar