Is this Hadith reliable and could you kindly explain it:
اتْرُكُوا التُّرْكَ مَا تَرَكُوكُمْ
Answer
Yes it is [sound/hasan], and is reported by several Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum):
Translation
Leave the Turks alone, as long as they leave you.
References
1. Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) has recorded it as part of a longer narration, without the mention of the Sahabi’s name (radiyallahu’anhu).
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4302)
2. Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu’anhu).
(Al-Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 10389 and Al-Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 5630. Also see Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 110)
3. Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has also recorded this on the authority of Sayyiduna Mu’awiyah (radiyallahu’anhu).
(Al-Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 19/372. Also see Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 18)
‘Allamahs Zurqani and Samhudi (rahimahumallah) have declared the Hadith sound (hasan).
(Mukhtasarul Maqasidil Hasanah, Hadith: 16 and Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 110)
Notes:
This Hadith warns the Ummah against antagonising the Turk nation, as they were a very powerful and ruthless nation.
The term ‘Turks’ is a broad one and refers to a wide range of people. This should not be confused with the contemporary usage of this term.
According to some commentators, it referred to the Moguls and Tartars who destroyed several Muslim countries in history under their notorious leader; Jahangir Khan.
Some have stated that the nation of Yajuj and Majuj are also from this tribe.
(Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah, vol.13 pg.191, Fathul Bari, before Hadith: 2927, Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 18 and Mirqat, Hadith: 5411)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar