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: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar,

May Allah Ta’ala save us from this trait.

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar