Is this Hadith reliable?
لو لم تكونوا تذنبون لخشيت عليكم ما هو أكبر منه العجب
Answer:
Imams Bazzar and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Musnad Bazzar; Al Bahruz Zakkhar, Hadith: 6936, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 6868)
‘Allamah Mundhiri and ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahumallah) have declared the chain of Musnad Bazzar authentic (jayyid).
(Targhib, vol. 3 pg. 571, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 269)
Translation
If you did not sin, I fear you would have perpetrated an even bigger [sin], i.e. Pride/Vanity
‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) explains, “A sinner usually acknowledges [and is remorseful of] his sins and is aware of his weakness. Therefore, it is hoped that he will eventually repent. As for the proud person, he is usually delusional [and not remorseful], hence him repenting is unlikely.”
(Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 7488 and At Taysir, vol. 2 pg. 312)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar