A Narrative Relating to Some Requirements of Revering God
Moiz Amjad
Subject Matter of the Narrative:
According to Abu Dawood's narrative no. 4843, it is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
إن من إجلال الله إكرام ذي الشيبة المسلم وحامل القرآن غير الغالي فيه والجافي عنه وإكرام ذي السلطان المقسط.
Indeed showing respect towards an ageing Muslim, and towards one who carries the Qur'an [in his heart], while neither being overly strict in it nor being disobedient towards it and towards a just ruler are all a part of revering God.
Comment on the Narrative
This narrative, with some variations, has also been reported in Bayhaqiy's narrative no. 16435, Ibn Abi Shaybah's narrative no. 21922 and 32561. However, one of the most respected contemporary scholars of Hadith - Al-Albany - considers this narrative to be less than Sahih in its reliability. In his various books, Al-Albany has categorized this narrative to be Hasan[1].
Conclusion
On the basis of Al-Albany's opinion regarding the chain of this narrative, we do not consider it prudent to consider this narrative an actual saying of the Prophet (pbuh).
(This write-up is prepared by the Hadith Cell of Javed Ahmad Ghamidi)
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[1] For details, see: Sahih al-Jami` al-Sagheer, vol. 1, pg. 438 (narrative no. 2189); Sahih Abu Dawood, vol. 3. pg. 189 (narrative no. 4843); Mishkaah al-Masabeeh, vol. 3, pg. 388 (narrative no. 4972); Sahih al-Targheeb wa al-Tarheeb, vol. 1, pg. 151 (narrative no. 98); and Al-adab al-Mufrad pg. 104 (narrative no. 274).