Is this Hadith authentic?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Marry, as I want you to be more numerous than other nations and do not be like Christian monks”
Answer:
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has declared a narrator in the chain as weak.
(As Sunanul Kubra, vol. 7 pg. 78, At Talkhisul Habir, Hadith: 4561)
However, there are many authentic Hadiths which encourage nikah and encourage marrying a child bearing woman. Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has also alluded to this. See an example here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar