Is this Hadith authentic?
نهى أن تستر الجدر
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prohibited that walls be draped/covered
Answer
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded these words with a weak chain.
(As Sunanul Kubra, vol. 7 pg. 272. Refer: Taqribut Tahdhib, 1468)
Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) has also recorded similar words on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) with a weak chain.
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 1480)
In addition to the above narrations supporting each other, they are also strongly corroborated by the following authentic Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim:
Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) says, “Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was once away on an expedition. I took a rug and placed it on the door. When Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) returned and saw the rug, I saw the look of disapproval on his face. He pulled it down, cut it and said, Allah has not ordered us to dress/cover stones and sand. Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) then made two cushions from that rug and stuffed it with fibre.
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2107. Also see As Sunanul Kubra of Imam Bayhaqi, vol. 7 pg. 272 for additional support)
The Hadith in question is suitable to quote.
Note:
Kindly refer to a reliable Mufti/Darul Ifta for further clarification regarding the permissibility/impermissibility of decorating/draping walls.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar