The true majahid is one who strives against his soul

Question

Is the following Hadith authentic?

Sayyiduna Fadalah ibn ‘Ubayd (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“The true mujahid is he who strives against his soul for the pleasure/obedience of Allah Ta’ala”

Answer

This Hadith has been recorded in several Hadith collections with slight variation in the wording. Imam Tirmidhi and Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahumallah) have declared the Hadith authentic.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1621, Musnad Ahmad, vol. 6 pgs. 20-21-22, Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 4624, Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1 pg. 10/11)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar