Is this Hadith reliable?
“Allah will never beautify the outward appearance and the character of anyone and then enter him into Jahannam”
Answer
Imam Tabarani and Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) have recorded the Hadith in question on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) with a weak chain.
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 6776, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 7678. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8 pg. 21)
The Hadith however, is supported by numerous similar narrations which when combined gain collective strength. The following supporting narration, also explains the correct meaning;
“That person whom Allah beautifies his outward appearance and his character and blesses him with Islam, Allah will enter him into Jannah”
(Tarikh Ibn Najjar;Refer: Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1 pg. 201 and Faydul Qadir, under Hadith: 7892)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar