Is the following a Hadith or not?
ألا إن شر الشر شرار العلماء
Verily the worst of evils are evil scholars
Answer
Imam Darimi (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration in his Sunan on the authority of Ahwas ibn Hakim who reports from his father (Hakim).
(Sunan Darimi, Hadith: 370)
‘Allamah ‘Iraqi (rahimahullah) has declared the above narration as weak.
(Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar vol. 1 pg. 40, Hadith: 150)
This narration also has a support recorded by Imam Bazzar (rahimahullah) on the authority of Sayyiduna Mu’adh ibn Jabal (radiyallahu ‘anhu). ‘Allamah ‘Iraqi (rahimahullah) has also classified this narration as weak.
(Bazzar; Kashful Astar, vol.1 pg. 97, Hadith: 167. Also see Ithafus Sadah Al Muttaqin, vol. 1 pg. 264 and 369)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar