Could I know the authenticity and references for the following.
Rasullullah (salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.
Answer
Several Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) have reported this topic from Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam). One such narration is cited hereunder:
Sayyiduna Mu’adh ibn Jabal (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said:
‘Fasting is a shield [from sin] and charity removes sin like water extinguishes the fire.’
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2626- as part of a lengthy Hadith)
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has declared this narration as authentic (hasan sahih).
Also see: Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 1723 and Targhib, vol.2 pg.11 and pg.83.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar