Question
Is this Hadith authentic?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Be plentiful in sowing the seeds of paradise for indeed its water is sweet and fresh and its soil is good. Thus, be plentiful in planting it’s seedlings which is ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa Billah.’”
(Al Mu’jamul Kabir)
Answer
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith.
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Increase the plantation of Jannah for its water is sweet and its soil is [fertile] so increase in plantation [which is] ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa.’”
(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 13354)
‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared a narrator weak.
(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 98)
However, the Hadith in question is corroborated and suitable to quote. Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded a similar narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub Al Ansari (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 5 pg. 418, Hadith: 23552. Refer: Targhib, vol. 2 pg. 445 and Nataijul Afkar, vol. 1 pg. 103)
In other authentic Hadiths, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also labelled ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ as a treasure of Jannah. See here
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar