The virtue of pardoning when one has the ability to punish

Question

Is this Hadith reliable?

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

Musa (‘alayhis salam) said, O my Rabb! Who among Your servants is the most respected to you? Allah Ta’ala said: ‘One who has the power (to punish), yet forgives’

Answer

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

(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 7974. Refer: Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 3145)

The Hadith is suitable to quote.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar