What is the status of this Hadith?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Whoever passes away leaving a will [stating whatever is necessary to state], he passes away on the straight path and on the Sunnah and he passes away with piety and witness and he passes away forgiven”
Answer
Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu) with a weak chain.
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 2701. Refer: Zawaid Ibn Majah, Hadith: 907 and Targhib, vol. 4 pg. 326)
Despite its weakness, the Hadith can be quoted for the purpose of encouraging this noble deed.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar