Question
What is the source and reliability of the following Hadith?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Tariq, prepare for death before death.”
Answer
Imams Hakim, Tabarani and Bayhaqi (rahimahumullah) have recorded this Hadith.
Sayyiduna Tariq ibn ‘Abdillah Al Muharibi (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Tariq! Prepare for death before death.”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4 pg. 312, Al Mu’jamul 8174, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 10067)
Imam Abu Hatim (rahimahullah) has declared one of the narrators unreliable. Imam ‘Uqayli (rahimahullah) has also expressed reservation regarding the authenticity.
(Al Jarhu Wat Ta’dil, vol. 2 pg. 235, Kitabud Du’afa, vol. 1 pg. 314, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 2 pg. 79-80, number: 1075. Also see: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 309)
Also see here
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar