Zina becoming widespread is one cause of plagues

Question

Can you confirm the source of this narration?

إذا كثر الزنا كثر القتل ووقع الطاعون

Answer

Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has recorded this as part of a longer narration, as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu). He has declared the narration authentic and ‘Allamah Dhahabi concurs.

(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4 pg. 504. Also see: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5734 for other similar Hadiths)

Translation

When adultery becomes rampant, murders and plagues will become widespread.

Also see here

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar