Is this Hadith reliable?
لو لم تكونوا تذنبون لخشيت عليكم ما هو أكبر منه العجب
Answer
Imams Bazzar and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Musnad Bazzar; Al Bahruz Zakkhar, Hadith: 6936, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 6868)
‘Allamah Mundhiri and ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahumallah) have declared the chain of Musnad Bazzar authentic (jayyid).
(Targhib, vol. 3 pg. 571, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 269)
Translation
If you did not sin, I fear you would have perpetrated an even bigger [sin], i.e. Pride/Vanity
‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) explains, “A sinner usually acknowledges [and is remorseful of] his sins and is aware of his weakness. Therefore, it is hoped that he will eventually repent. As for the proud person, he is usually delusional [and not remorseful], hence him repenting is unlikely.”
(Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 7488 and At Taysir, vol. 2 pg. 312)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar