Question
What is the source, and authenticity of this narration?
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“When Allah intends goodness for a people, He appoints over them their most tolerant ones; their Ulama decide their disputes, and He bestows wealth to their generous ones. And, when Allah Ta’ala intends ruin for a people, he appoints their foolish to rule them; their ignoramuses to decide their disputes, and He bestows wealth to their misers.”
Answer
Imam Daylami (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration. ‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) has declared the chain reliable (jayyid).
(Musnadul Firdaws, Hadith: 954, ‘ilmiyyah edition, Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 391)
Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahullah) has recorded slightly shorter version. ‘Allamah Mundhiri (rahimahullah) has also referenced this shorter version to Al Marasil of Imam Abu Dawud.
(Kitabul Hilm, Hadith: 75, Targhib, vol. 3 pg. 382)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar