What is the authenticity of the following narration?
أتى نفر من أهل البادية إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقالوا يا رسول الله إن أهل قرآن زعموا أنه لا ينفع عمل دون الهجرة والجهاد في سبيل الله فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم حيثما كنتم فأحسنتم عبادة الله فأبشروا بالجنة
Answer
Imam Dulabi (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) via a reliable chain. Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has also recorded this narration.
(Al Kuna Wal Asma, vol. 2 pg. 556, Hadith: 1002 and As Sunanul Kabir, vol. 9 pg. 17)
Translation
A group of Bedouins came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi a sallam) and said ‘O Rasulullah, some of our relatives have claimed that no good deeds will benefit a person if he does not make hijrah [migrate] and go out in jihad. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied;
“Wherever you may be, worship Allah Ta’ala properly, [if you do this] you have the glad tidings of Jannah”
(*I have translated the version that appears in As Sunanul Kubra of Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah)
A Similar narration
Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) have recorded the following narration which echoes similar sentiments as the Hadith in question:
Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that a Bedouin once sought permission from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to migrate [to Madinah Munawwarah]. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Hijrah is difficult [for you], do you perhaps have camels which you discharge Zakah on’? When he replied in the affirmative, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Continue doing good deeds from beyond the seas [where you live], for Allah will never neglect any of your actions [wherever you may be]”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1452 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1865)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar