Question
Kindly provide the reference for the following Hadith. An article mentioned that to recite this is bid’ah (innovation), so I would like clarification.
“Whoever sees something, likes it and says ‘Masha Allah la quwwata illa Billah’ nothing will harm it (that is, what he likes will remain protected)”
“Whoever recites these words when he likes something he sees, it will stay protected against the evil eye.”
Answer
This has been reported in a Hadith. Although the Hadith is weak, it is suitable for practice. To label it an innovation is therefore incorrect.
Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “When Allah blesses someone with a bounty, be it with regard to his family, wealth or children and he says ‘Masha Allahu la quwwata illa billah‘, no harm [including evil eye] will come to it except death”
(Al Mu’jamus Saghir, Hadith: 588, Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 4273. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 140)
Also see here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar