Is this Hadith authentic?
Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that once when the Ramadan month arrived, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) exclaimed: “Subhanallah! What a great moment you are about to welcome, and what a great moment is about to dawn on you!” ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah! Has some revelation descended or an enemy approaches?”
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “No! Instead it is the Month of Ramadan! Allah grants forgiveness on the first night (of this month) to every member of this qiblah [every Muslim]!”
Answer
Imams Ibn Khuzaymah, Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded this Hadith.
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 1885, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 3349)
Imam Ibn Khuzaymah (rahimahullah) has expressed reservation with regard to the authenticity. However, the Hadith is suitable to quote for explaining the merits of this month, as is the case with Hadiths of this nature.
(Also see: Targhib, vol. 2 pg. 105 and Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 3 pg. 143)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar