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