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