Question
Is this Hadith authentic?
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: ‘مَنْ تَوَضَّأَ فَأَحْسَنَ الْوُضُوءَ وَعَادَ أَخَاهُ الْمُسْلِمَ مُحْتَسِبًا بُوعِدَ مِنْ جَهَنَّمَ مَسِيرَةَ سَبْعِينَ خَرِيفًا.’ قُلْتُ يَا أَبَا حَمْزَةَ وَمَا الْخَرِيفُ قَالَ الْعَامُ.
Answer
This Hadith is recorded by Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) with a slightly weak chain, which may be tolerated in Hadiths that discuss virtues of deeds, like this one.
It is further supported by a good chain in Tabarani.
This Hadith can therefore be quoted and may even be declared as sound (hasan).
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has not commented on it in Hidayatur Ruwat.
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 3090, Al-Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 9437, Targhib, Hadith: 5091, Hidayatur Ruwat, Hadith: 1497, Fathul Ilah, Hadith: 1552 and Mirqat, Hadith: 1552)
Translation
Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said:
‘Whoever makes a proper wudu, and sets out to visit his sick Muslim brother with the expectation of reward, will be distanced seventy years [journey] away from Jahannam.’
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar