Is the following Hadith authentic?
“Whoever recites this ‘sallallahu ‘ala Muhammad’, seventy (70) portals of mercy are opened for him”
Answer
This Hadith is part of a lengthy narration which was a supposed conversation between Khadir and Ilyas (‘alayhimas salam) stating that they heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) narrate approximately twenty two (22) Hadiths.
Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has deemed the entire conversation (nuskhah) as a fabrication. ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has declared the words to be too feeble to be the words of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
(Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 4 pg. 165 -7331-, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 7 pg. 236 -6985-, Al Qawlul Badi’, pg. 283- 285. Also see Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah’s footnotes on Al Qawlul Badi’)
The Hadith in question is not suitable to quote. There are many other authentic virtues and benefits of sending salutations to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) which should be quoted instead.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar