Is the following Hadith authentic?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) informed us that no people become unjust in their commercial transactions, and refuse to pay Zakah except that they will be afflicted with drought.
Answer
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“…[Whenever a nation] lessens weights and measures [ie. be deceitful in business transactions as you have stated], they will be afflicted with famine, price hikes and and an oppressive leader. When they refuse to pay Zakah, they will be deprived of rain. Were it not for the animals, it will not rain [at all]…”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4 pg. 540. Declared Authentic by Imam Hakim and ‘Allamah Dhahabi concurs. Also see Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 4019 and Targhib, vol. 1 pg. 546/544 for similar narrations)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar