Is this Hadith reliable?
Once Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) asked Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ‘How is your love for me?’ ‘Like the rope’s knot’ he replied, [indicating that it is strong and secure]. Thereafter, she would ask him, ‘How is the knot?’ And he would reply: ‘In the same condition.’
Answer
Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration. However, Imam Daraqutni (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith a fabrication. The Hadith is not suitable to quote.
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 2 pg. 44, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 1 pg. 571, Dhaylul La-Alil Masnu’ah, vol. 2 pg. 520, Hadith: 628, Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 2 pg. 215)
The following narration recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim should be quoted instead:
Sayyiduna ‘Amr ibnul ‘As asked Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ‘Who is the most beloved to you?’ He replied, ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha)…’
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3662-4358, Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2384)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar