Is the following a Hadith?
Allah Ta’ala declared, “Neither My Earth nor My Heavens can contain Me, but the heart of a Believing Servant, can.”
Answer
1. These words are not found in the Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam).
The Hadith experts state that they originate from historical (Israely) narrations, which may be quoted if there is support found in our sacred texts.
(Al-La-alil Manthurah fil Ahadithil Mash-hurah of Zarkashi, hadith; 111 & Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, hadith: 990)
2. In this case, ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has cited the following support:
‘Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded a Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu ‘Inabah Al-Khawlani (radiyallahu’anhu) that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said:
‘Indeed Allah Ta’ala has reserved certain individuals among the inhabitants of earth as his containers. The containers of your Rabb are the hearts of his pious slaves, and the most beloved of hearts to Allah are the softest and most tender’
(Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, hadith: 990)
‘Allamah Zabidi (rahimahullah) has also mentioned that the above Hadith is sufficient support for the meaning of the historical (Israely) narration.
(Ithafus Sadatil Muttaqin, vol.7 pg.234)
Summary
In light of the above, since there is adequate support for the (Historical/Israely) narration in question, it may be quoted, but not be quoted as a Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam), rather as a historical narration.
The second Hadith may be quoted as a Hadith.
Note: The meaning of ‘Contain me’ refers to containing the Belief, love and recognition of Allah Ta’ala and not the actual being (Dhat) of Allah Jalla Jalaluh.
( Al-La-alil Manthurah, hadith: 111 & Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, hadith: 99)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar