Is the following Hadith authentic?
إذا أتاكم كريم قوم فأكرموه
Translation
When the noble ones of a certain nation come to you then honour them
Answer:
Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3712)
Although the Hadith in question has been reported with a weak chain, it is sufficiently supported by the following narrations:
1) Sha’bi (rahimahullah), a Tabi’i reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“When the noble ones of a certain nation come to you then honour them”
(Al Marasil of Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) with an authentic chain. Refer: Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 716)
2) Sayyiduna Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“…Whomsoever believes in Allah and The last day, should honour the noble ones when they come to him”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4 pg. 292. Declared authentic by Imam Hakim)
After citing numerous supports with varied degrees of weakness, ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) states :
“The Hadith in question gains strength by virtue of these various chains”
(Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 50, pgs: 32-34)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar