Is the following Hadith reliable?
مُدَارَاةُ النَّاسِ صَدَقَةٌ
Translation
Being affable with people is regarded as sadaqah
Answer
Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu)
(Declared authentic by Imam Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 471)
The Hadith in question is further supported by similar narrations in Musnad Bazzar and Al Mu’jamul Awsat of Imam Tabarani.
(Refer: Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 6131. Also see Al Maqasidul Hasanah, under Hadith: 508 and 1006)
Explanation
The Arabic word used in this Hadith is ‘مداراة’, which is explained as being gentle and showing kindness when explaining the wrong to an ignorant person who disobeys Allah Ta’ala secretly.
(Refer: Sharhul Kirmani (Al Kawakibud Darari Fi Sharhi Sahihil Bukhari) and Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 6131)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar