Question

What is the reference for the narration wherein the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“The worst thief is that person who steals from his Salah, he does not complete the ruku’ and sajdah”

 

Answer

This Hadith has been recorded in several Hadith collections including Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Mustadrak Hakim, and Tabarani through a few chains.

Imam Ibn Khuzaymah and Imam Hakim have declared the Hadith authentic. Hafiz Haythami (rahimahumullah) has declared the narrators of Musnad Ahmad and Tabarani reliable

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 5, pg. 310, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 663, Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1, pg. 229, Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 3283, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 2, pg. 120 )

The full narration is as follows:

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his Salah. They said, ‘O Rasulullah! How can a person steal from his Salah?’ He replied, ‘He does not complete the ruku’ and sajdah [with full devotion and concentration].’

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar