Mawdu' (Fabricated) and Daif (Weak) Hadiths
This article discusses and lists weak and fabricated hadith.
Narrating Unverified Hadith
Some apologists have started to reject sahih (authentic) and hasan (good) hadith (for example, the narations concerning 72 virgins), in favour of maudu (fabricated) or da`if (weak) ones. Some of these hadith are obvious fabrications which do not have any scriptural sources. For a Muslim to propagate such a hadith is attributing a lie to the Prophet Muhammad, thus it is a major sin deserving of hell-fire.
Sahih (authentic) hadith
Fatwas
Answer: It is not permissible for a person, a storyteller or one who gives advice, to narrate a hadeeth and attribute it to the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) whilst he does not know if it is authentic. And it is (also) not permissible for him to narrate a hadeeth whilst he knows it to be weak. However, if he narrates a weak hadeeth to reveal it’s weakness and warn the people from it, then that is obligatory.
Likewise, he should not narrate stories which he assumes are worthy (of being narrated) without checking (their authenticity), and he should not narrate stories which he knows are fabricated, because that is being dishonest and deceiving the people.[1]It is not permissible for anyone to say, “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said…” when he knows that the hadeeth is mawdoo’ (fabricated) or false. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever tells lies about me deliberately, let him take his place in Hell.” ... It is haraam to narrate a fabricated hadeeth for one who knows that it is fabricated or who thinks it most likely that it is fabricated. Whoever narrates a hadeeth which he knows or thinks it most likely to be fabricated, and does not explain that it is fabricated, is included in this warning and is included among those who tell lies about the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).[2]
Da`if (Weak) Hadith
Weak narrations hold no value for the purpose of formulating Shari'ah (i.e. Islamic laws and practices).[3]
Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim
This hadith has been classed by many as da`if (weak).
Weak or not, the knowledge which this narration is referring to is knowledge of the Islamic shari’ah, not knowledge in general.
Umar corrected by a woman
The following hadith, where Umar attempts to limit the Mahr, is sometimes used by apologists to show that women were politically and socially active in early Islamic societies.
This hadith has been classed as da`if (weak). It also contradicts authentic hadith which state Umar did in fact limit excessive payments of Mahr.
Al-Albani points out that not only are the chains of al-Baihaqi and Abdul Razzaq weak because they are broken, they also contain weak narrators that further weakens their chains. Hence, he concludes that this narration from Umar ibn al-Khattab is definitely weak. [Footnote: Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani, Irwa al-Ghalil fi Takhrij Ahadit Manar al-Sabeel Beirut, al-Maktab al-Islami, 1979, vol 6, p 347.]
Indeed, it is confirmed in authentic hadith recorded by Abu Dawud, al-Nasai, al-Tirmidhi and others that Umar ibn al-Khattab did in fact advise the people not to be excessive when it comes to a woman's dower.
Actually, the above incident from the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab is quoted by many people nowadays to demonstrate that women used to take part in the political and other activities during the time of the Companions. They had an active role in society and, as one speaker today called it, took part in the "congressional meetings" (!) held in the mosque during those times. They go from that to exhorting women to take much more attractive roles in society and not be content with being at home, being good wives and mothers. They say that this was not the practice during the time of the Companions as this incident from the time of' Umar ibn al-Khattab clearly demonstrates. Obviously, in order to use such an incident as proof, one must first prove the authenticity of the narration. This is not possible in this case and, therefore, this incident cannot be used as a proof.[6][7]Whoever mistreats a dhimmi will be Allah's opponent
This hadith has been classed as da`if (weak).
Aisha never saw the private parts of Muhammad
This hadith has been classed as da`if (weak). It also contradicts narrations that have been passed down through multiple isnads and are both sahih and mutawatir, the highest authenticity regarding the classification of ahadith.
Maudu (Fabricated) Hadith
Fabricated narrations are not even considered to be hadith at all.[10]
Lesser vs Greater Jihad
The idea that their is a greater and lesser jihad originated from the 11th century book, The History of Baghdad, by the Islamic scholar al-Khatib al-Baghdadiis, by way of Yahya ibn al 'Ala', who said,
This hadith does not appear in any of the famous hadith collections (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, Dawud, Tirmidhi), and can be easily refuted.
Dr. Abudllah Yusuf Azzam:
Ibn Taymiyahh (also known as Shaykh ul-Islam to Muslim clerics):
Ibn Baaz:
Is Jihad in the way of Allah the same level regardless of whether it is with one's life, wealth , or supplication , even if somebody is capable of the type that involves one's life?
Answer:
There are different kinds of jihad - with one's self, wealth, supplication, teaching, giving guidance, or helping others in good in any form.The highest form of jihad, however, is with one's life (the intent here is not suicide, for that is forbidden in Islam), then comes Jihad with one's wealth and jihad with teaching and guidance, and in this way Da'wah is a form of jihad, but jihad with one's life is the highest form.The Egyptian, Dr. Muhammad Amin says about those who believe this hadith:
Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalani:
Al Bayhaqi:
Mufti Zar Wali Khan (who is given the title Sheikh ul hadith) mentioned in his Dora Tafsir that this hadith was fabricated by Sufis.[16]
This fabricated hadith also goes against the Qur'an and sahih hadith.
Muhammad's parents brought to life so they could go to heaven
According to sahih narrations, Muhammad's parents, and even his supportive uncle,[18] are in eternal hell-fire. Anything to the contrary (i.e. claims that they were brought back to life so they could die as Muslims and go to heaven) have been classed as fabricated or very weak.
It says in ‘Awn al-Ma’bood:
Most of the reports that been narrated to the effect that the parents of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) were brought back to life and believed in him and were saved are fabricated and false. Some of them are very weak and cannot be saheeh under any circumstances, as the imams of hadeeth are unanimously agreed that they are fabricated, such as al-Daaraqutni, al-Jawzaqaani, Ibn Shaheen, al-Khateeb, Ibn ‘Asaakir, Ibn Naasir, Ibn al-Jawzi, al-Suhayli, al-Qurtubi, al-Muhibb, al-Tabari, Fath al-Deen ibn Sayyid al-Naas, Ibraaheem al-Halabi and others. The scholar Ibraaheem al-Halabi explained at length the fact that the parents of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) have not been saved from Hell in a separate essay, as did ‘Ali al-Qaari in Sharh al-Fiqh al-Akbar and in a separate essay. The basis for this opinion is the soundness of this hadeeth (“My father and your father are in Hell”). Shaykh Jalaal al-Deen al-Suyooti differed from the huffaaz and scholars and affirmed that they had believed and had been saved, and he wrote numerous essays on that topic, including al-Ta’zeem wa’l-Minnah fi anna Abaway Rasool-Illaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fi’l-Jannah.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: Is there any saheeh report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that Allaah brought his parents back to life so that they could become Muslims, then they died (again) after that?
He replied: There is no saheeh report to that effect from the scholars of hadeeth. Rather the scholars are agreed that this is an invented lie… There is no dispute among the scholars that this is one of the most obvious of fabrications, as was stated by those who have knowledge. That does not appear in any of the reliable books of hadeeth, either in the Saheehs or the Sunans or the Musnads or any other well-known books of hadeeth. It was not mentioned by the authors of the books of Maghaazi or Tafseer, even though they narrated da’eef (weak) reports along with saheeh (sound) ones. The fact that this is a lie is clear to any one who has any knowledge of religion. If such a thing had happened there would have been a great deal of motivation to transmit it, because it is something that is extraordinary on two counts: the raising of the dead and believing after death. Such a thing would have been more deserving of being transmitted than anything else. Since no trustworthy narrated transmitted it, it may be understood that this is a lie.
Moreover, this goes against the Qur’aan and the saheeh Sunnah, and the consensus of the scholars. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allaah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards; it is they whom Allaah will forgive and Allaah is Ever All‑Knower, All‑Wise.
18. And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: ‘Now I repent;’ nor of those who die while they are disbelievers”
[al-Nisa’ 4:17-18]
So Allaah states that there is no repentance for one who dies as a disbeliever. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Then their Faith (in Islamic Monotheism) could not avail them when they saw Our punishment. (Like) this has been the way of Allaah in dealing with His slaves. And there the disbelievers lost utterly (when Our Torment covered them)”
[Ghaafir 40:85]
So He tells us that the way in which He deals with His slaves is that faith will be to no avail once they have seen the punishment, so how about after death? And there are other similar texts. Then he quoted the two hadeeth which we quoted at the beginning of our answer.
Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 4/325-327.[20]Muhammad and his Jewish neighbor
Some Muslims claim Muhammad had a Jewish neighbor who threw rubbish at him, and that one day the person became ill and Muhammad visited her. This story is not present in any Islamic texts, nor is it mentioned by any scholars of the past. Thus, this incident is a fabrication.
Authenticity: Fabricated (Not Authentic)
Reference: This hadith is not found in any of the books of hadith.[21]As demonstrated by many hadith, it would also go against his nature. For example, a Muslim murdered a slave-mother for disparaging the prophet of Islam, and Muhammad declared that no retaliation is payable for her blood.
He assembled the people and said: I adjure by Allah the man who has done this action and I adjure him by my right to him that he should stand up. Jumping over the necks of the people and trembling the man stood up.
He sat before the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: Apostle of Allah! I am her master; she used to abuse you and disparage you. I forbade her, but she did not stop, and I rebuked her, but she did not abandon her habit. I have two sons like pearls from her, and she was my companion. Last night she began to abuse and disparage you. So I took a dagger, put it on her belly and pressed it till I killed her.
Thereupon the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Oh be witness, no retaliation is payable for her blood.In addition, according to Sahih (authentic) Islamic text, Muhammad reportedly said:
Muhammad's Farewell Sermon
The following rendition of Muhammad's 'Farewell Sermon', along with a second version, was for many years quoted on Wikipedia without a primary source.
Despite being fraudulent, it has become popular among Muslims, due to including the lines, "an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white".
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every *Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my Ahl al-Bayt and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your peopleS.F.H. Faizi, an Indian, later Pakistani, Islamist is the author of "Sermons of the Prophet", the 1987 book[22] which first rendered this version of the sermon (in the 1991 edition, it can be found on p. 145).[23]
He gets us as close to a source as he could when he describes in the introduction how he translated and published a collection of obscure writings into English:
In summation, Faizi “derived” this version of the sermon from various unnamed books not accepted by the ulema (scholarly Muslim clerics). He does not know the original sources, but welcomes readers to help in his search.
References which are often cited as sources for this fraudulent sermon, once checked, are either misrepresented (i.e. they have nothing to say on the sermon)[24] or in fact refer to the sermon that most fits al-Tabari's rendition.[25]
The following authentic version is taken from al-Tabari, Vol IX, and it's important to note that it is in perfect agreement with the Qur'anic order of wife-beating in Quran 4:34. Attempts to add this authentic version next to the other two at Wikipedia, had been met with resistance.
Now then, O people, you have a right over your wives and they have a right over you. You have [the right] that they should not cause anyone of whom you dislike to tread on your beds; and that they should not commit any open indecency. If they do, then Allah permits you to shut them in separate rooms and to beat them, but not severely. If they abstain from [evil], they have the right to their food and clothing in accordance with the custom. Treat women well, for they are [like] domestic animals with you and do not possess anything for themselves. You have taken them only as a trust from Allah, and you have made the enjoyment of their persons lawful by the word of Allah, so understand and listen to my words, O people. I have conveyed the Message, and have left you with something which, if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray; that is, the Book of Allah and the sunnah of his Prophet. Listen to my words, O people, for I have conveyed the Message and understand [it]. Know for certain that every Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, and that all Muslims are brethren. It is not lawful for a person [to take] from his brother except that which he has given him willingly, so do not wrong yourselves. O Allah, have I not conveyed the message?
After an April 2011 Wikipedia discussion concerning the lack of primary sources for the fraudulent sermons,[26] they were finally removed from the site. But, as is often the case with Islam-related articles, the unreferenced material is constantly reinserted by Muslim editors.
The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the Martyr
This hadith has been classed as maudu (fabricated).
The above-mentioned fabricated hadith gives preference to the method of da'wah over jihad for spreading Islam. However, the best method for spreading Islam is jihad and not da'wah. Thus the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) spent thirteen years in Makkah giving da'wah and only approximately one hundred people embraced Islam. But when he (s.a.w) entered Makkah with military might and Shawka (power) two thousand took their Shahadah in one day.
The Mujahideen conquer lands and save the entire populace from entering Hell-fire by delivering Islam to them. This accomplishment is much greater than what books can do.
Also this fabricated hadith contradicts the Holy Qur'an:
Surah An Nisa verse 95:
"Not equal are those of the believers who sit at home(except those who are disabled by injury or are blind or lame), and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and their lives above those who sit at home."[27]Seek knowledge, even if you have to go to China
This hadith has been classed as maudu (fabricated).[28]
al-Bayhaqi:
Ibn al-Qaysarani:
Ibn al-Jawzi:
al-Dhahabi:
al-Sakhawi:
al-Albaani:
The one who knows himself, knows his Lord
This hadith has been classed as maudu (fabricated).
As-Suyutee said, "this hadeeth is not authentic" [‘Haawee lil Fataawee’ (2/351)]
Alee al-Qaaree quoted from ibn Taymiyyah saying, "fabricated" [‘al-Asraar al-Marfoo’ah’ (pg. 83)]
Al-Allaamaa Fairozabaadee said, "this is not from the Prophetic ahaadeeth, despite the fact that the majority of people make it so, and it is not authentic at all. It is only related from the Jewish traditions as ‘O mankind! Know yourself and you will know your Lord’" [‘ar-Radd alaa al-Mu’tarideen’ (2/37)]
Al-Albaanee says, "it has no basis" [‘Silsilah ad-Da’eefah’ (1/165 no.66)][7]Poverty is my pride, and do favors for the poor
Several hadith concerning the poor have been classed as maudu (fabricated).
. . .
They report that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “The poor will sit down on the Day of Resurrection, and [Allaah] will say, ‘By My Glory and Majesty, I did not deprive you of worldly things because you are insignificant. Rather I wanted to raise your status on this Day. Go to the place where the people are standing, and whoever gave you a piece of bread, or water to drink, or clothes to wear, take him to Paradise .’” The shaykh said: this report is a lie which was not narrated by any of the scholars of hadeeth. It is baatil (false) and goes against the Qur’aan and Sunnah and scholarly consensus (ijmaa’).[8]
Differences of opinion among my ummah is a mercy
This hadith has been classed as maudu (fabricated).
This hadeeth is mawdoo’ (fabricated).
See al-Asraar al-Marfoo’ah, 506; Tanzeeh al-Sharee’ah, 2/402; al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah, 11.[29]This suggestion is very far-fetched, since it would mean that some of the sayings of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) have been lost to the ummah forever, something which is not permissible for a Muslim to believe.
Manaawi quoted Subki as saying, "It (i.e. the saying) is not known to the muhadditheen and I cannot find any isnaad for it, whether saheeh, da`eef or mawdoo`", and this was endorsed by Shaykh Zakareeyyah al-Ansaari in his notes on Tafseer al-Baidaawi [92/2].
Further, the meaning of this hadeeth is also incorrect as shown by the verifying scholars, hence Ibn Hazm says in al-Ihkaam fi Usool al-Ahkaam [5/64] after indicating that it is not a hadeeth,
"This is one of the most incorrect sayings possible, since if ikhtilaaf were a mercy, then agreement would be a punishment, something which no Muslim would say, because there can only be agreement or disagreement, and there can only be mercy or punishment."[30]When a husband and wife look at each other with Love, Allah looks at both with Mercy
This hadith has been classed as maudu (fabricated). Like the Farewell Sermon, some have attributed false sources to this, saying it is found in Bukhari (No. 6:19) and Tirmidhi (No. 14:79). It is found in neither, but can be found in Silsilatu Al-Ahaadeeth Ad-Daeefa wa Al-Mawdu’a (No. 3274) of Imaam Al-Albani, where he said:
To love your country is a part of Iman (your faith)
This hadith has been classed as maudu (fabricated).
A stingy person shall never be allowed to enter Paradise
This hadith has been classed as maudu (fabricated).
Allah has sworn that He shall never allow a stingy person to enter the Paradise.
Related by Ibn Asaakir and classified fabricated by ad-Daar Qutnee who said a liar was found in the chain of transmitters by the name of Muhammad Ibn Zakaria Al Ghulaabi.[27]Thinking for an hour is better than worshiping for sixty years
This hadith has been classed as maudu (fabricated).
To think for an hour is better than to be engaged in worship for a period of sixty years.
Classified fabricated by Ibn Jawzee.[27]See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, As-Sahwah al-Islaamiyyah, Question 5 [Narrating Unverified Stories In The Path Of Da'wah], Page 105, May 2, 2005
- ↑ He sent a hadeeth in order to spread good, then he found out that it is a fabricated hadeeth. What should he do? - Islam Q&A, Fatwa No. 66273
- ↑ Fatwa Bank - What is the value of a weak hadith? - IslamOnline, February 22, 2010
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Dr. Suhaib Hassan - The Science of Hadith - TheReligionIslam
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid - “Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China” is a false hadeeth - Islam Q&A, Fatwa No. 13637
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 al-Bashir - The Story of 'Umar Being Corrected by a Woman - at-Taqwa, June 10, 2004
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Weak ; Fabricated, Rejected & False Ahaadeeth - Allaahuakbar.net
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Ibn Taymiyyah Refutes Many Sufi Weak & Fabricated Hadiths - (Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, 5/88-93) IslamicEmirate
- ↑ Sunan Ibn Majah, "The Book of Purification and its Sunnah - كتاب الطهارة وسننها", Sunnah.com, English ref: Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 662, Arabic ref: Book 1, Hadith 707, accessed June 30, 2013 (archived), http://sunnah.com/urn/1256610.
- ↑ Ibrahim B. Syed - 52 Weak Ahadith - Islamic Research Foundation International
- ↑ Fayd al-Qadir vol.4 pg. 511
- ↑ Imam Abdullah Azzam - Join the Caravan, Conclusion
- ↑ Ibn Taymiyahh, Al Furqan, Pg 44-45
- ↑ Jihad Al Akbar - As-Sunnah Foundation of America, from Shaykh Hisham Kabbani's "Islamic Beliefs and Doctrine According to Ahl al-Sunna: A Repudiation of "Salafi" Innovations"
- ↑ Be Aware - Da'eef (weak), mawdoo’ (fabricated) hadeeth - World of Islam Portal, May 10, 2008
- ↑ Wazir Allah Khan - Hadith authenticity - lesser jihad to greater jihad - SunniForums
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Referenced by Abdullah Yusuf Azzam in "Join the caravan" pg 4
- ↑ M. Muhsin Khan (Translator) - Sahih Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23 - Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz), Number 442 - USC-MSA, Compendium of Muslim Texts
- ↑ How sound is the hadeeth about the parents of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) being brought back to life? - Islam Q&A, Fatwa No. 70297
- ↑ Are the parents of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in Paradise or in Hell? - Islam Q&A, Fatwa No. 47170
- ↑ Neighbor who used to throw trash at the Prophet’s door - The Authentic Hadith Foundation, accessed November 17, 2012
- ↑ S. F. H. Faizi, Muḥammad (Prophet) - Sermons of the prophet - Islamic Book Foundation, 1987, ISBN: 9694241189, 9789694241180
- ↑ S. F. H. Faizi, Muḥammad (Prophet) - Sermons of the prophet - Kitab Bhavan, 1991, ISBN: 8171511384, 9788171511389
- ↑ The Farewell Sermon - Trapped in the Mundane, May 10, 2010
- ↑ For example; this site lists al-Tirmidhi as one of the sources. However in Tirmidhi we find the farewell command to beat women, and that they are "like prisoners" in the hands of men. For further details, see: The Farewell Sermon/ Related Text
- ↑ Articles for deletion/Khutbatul Wada' - Wikipedia, accessed June 16, 2011
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 Shaikh Abdullah Faisal, "100 Fabricated Hadiths", Darul Islam Publishers, 2000 (archived), http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/books/100FabricatedHadith.pdf.
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 Moulana Qamruz Zaman - Maudu Hadith - MuftiSays, Question ID: 1196, December 6, 2005
- ↑ Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid - Is the hadeeth “Differences of opinion among my ummah is a mercy” saheeh? - Islam Q&A, Fatwa No. 13623
- ↑ The Prophet's Prayer (SAWS) Appendix 1 - Qur'an and Sunnah Society of Canada, accessed February 2, 2012
- ↑ Umm Abdulazeez, Trans. Abu AbdirRahmaan - Fabricated Hadeeth Warning - Talibatul `ilm, April 19, 2012