Question
Who is the narrator of the following Hadith and is it authentic?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“O people, join the link between you and your Rabb by remembering Him in abundance”
Answer
Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith as part of a longer narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah (radiyallahu ‘anhuma). The part you querying is as follows:
“O people! Repent to Allah (tawbah) before you pass away, hasten in carrying out good deeds before you become preoccupied and join the link between you and your Rabb by remembering Him in abundance and by giving abundant charity secretly and openly, [by doing this] you will be granted sustenance, you will be helped and assisted…”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1081)
‘Allamah Busiri (rahimahullah) has declared this Hadith weak.
(Zawaid Ibn Majah, Hadith: 352)
Imam Abu Ya’la (rahimahullah) has also recorded this narration with a weak chain. This supports the Hadith above. The Hadith in question is suitable to quote.
(Musnad Abu Ya’la, Hadith: 1856)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar