Is the following Hadith authentic?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Whoever goes out to learn a chapter of knowledge, with the intention of benefiting himself and to teach others, Allah will record the worship of one thousand (1000) years for each step he takes”
Answer:
Imam Ibn ‘Adiy (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Imran ibn Husayn (radiyallahu ‘anhu) part of a longer narration. However, the Muhaddithun have declared the narration a fabrication. The Hadith is not suitable to quote.
(Al Kamil, vol. 2 pg. 292/293. Refer: Lisanul Mizan, vol. 1 pg. 223, Dhaylul La-Alil Masnu’ah, vol. 1 pg. 191, Hadith: 222 and Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1 pg. 280)
There are many authentic narrations on the virtue seeking knowledge which should be quoted instead. See some examples here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar