Question
What is the authenticity of this Hadith?
اقرءوا القرآن بلحون العرب وأصواتها، وإياكم ولحون أهل الكتابين، وأهل الفسق، فإنه سيجيء بعدي قوم يرجّعون بالقرآن ترجيع الغناء والرهبانية والنوح، لا يجاوز حناجرهم، مفتونة قلوبهم، وقلوب من يعجبهم شأنهم
Answer
This narration is recorded by Imams Tabarani and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) in Al Mu’jamul Awsat and Shu’abul Iman.
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 7219, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 2406)
Imam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullah) has expressed reservation with regard to the authenticity (لا يصح) and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has declared the text unreliable (munkar). ‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) has also declared the text unreliable (munkar).
(Al ‘Ilalul Mutanahiyah, vol. 1 pg. 118, Hadith: 160, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 1 pg. 312, number: 1191 and pg. 506, number: 1996, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 3 pg. 219/220, number: 2631 At Taysir Bi Sharhil Jami’is Saghir, vol. 1 pg. 194 and Al Mudawi, Hadith: 681. Also see: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 7 pg. 169, Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 1339)
The narration should therefore not be quoted.
Translation
Recite the Quran with the tune/melodious way of the Arabs and refrain from the tune of the Jews and Christians and the sinners. Certainly, after me a nation will appear, they will reverberate/sing the Quran with musical melodies as well as [imitating] the [melodies] of the Christian leaders and wailing. [Their recital] will not pass their throats. [i.e. Their recital will not be accepted]. Their hearts are infatuated [with the love of this world] and the hearts of those who admire them are also infatuated.
(Refer: Mirqatul Mafatih, Hadith: 2207)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar