Is this Hadith reliable?
والذي نفسي بيده، لا يضع الله رحمته إلا على رحيم، قالوا: يا رسول الله، كلنا يرحم، قال:ليس برحمة أحدكم صاحبه يرحم الناس كافة
Answer
Imam Abu Ya’la (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) with a weak chain.
(Musnad Abi Ya’la, Hadith: 4258. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8 pg. 187 and Mukhtasar Ithafus Sadah Al Maharah, Hadith: 5855)
However, the Hadith in question is well supported and corroborated.
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded one such support on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Musa Al Ash’ari (radiyallahu ‘anhu). ‘Allamah Mundhiri and ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahumallah) have declared the narrators reliable.
(Refer: Targhib, vol. 3 pg. 201, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8 pg. 186-187, Al Matalibul ‘Aliyah, Hadith: 2827 and Mukhtasar Ithafus Sadah Al Maharah, Hadith: 5854)
Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahumallah) have also recorded the following Hadith:
“Allah Ta’ala will not show mercy to the one who does not show mercy to people”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5997, 7376 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2319)
‘People’ in the above Hadith is general. The Hadith in question, by virtue of these supports is suitable to quote.
Translation
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“By the One in whose control lies my life, Allah Ta’ala will not shower His mercy except on those who are merciful. They said, ‘O Rasulullah! We all show mercy.’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘[I am not referring to] the mercy you show to your companion, rather [I am referring to] showing mercy to all of mankind.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar