Is this narration authentic?
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إن أحب الخلائق إلى الله شاب حدث السن جميل في صورة حسنة جعل شبابه وجماله في عبادة الله فذاك الذي يباهي به الرحمن ملائكته يقول هذا عبدي حقا
Answer
Imam Ibn Shahin (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(At Targhib Fi Fadailil A’amal, Hadith: 229)
However, the chain consists of a discredited narrator. Several Muhaddithun have declared him a liar.
(Refer: Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 3 pg. 215, number: 5827 and Taqribut Tahdhib: 4922)
The following narrations should be quoted instead which explain the virtue of a youngster who devotes himself to ‘ibadah:
1) Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “… Allah Ta’ala will grant shade to seven types of people on the Day of Qiyamah, a day when there will be no shade but His… The second category being, ‘That youngster who grew up worshipping Allah Ta’ala…”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 660, 1423, 6806 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1031)
2) Yazid ibn Maysarah (rahimahullah) says:
“Allah Ta’ala boasts to the angels regarding a youngster who is engaged in the ‘ibadah of Allah. Allah says, ‘Look at my servant, he has given up his desires for my sake.’”
(Az Zuhd of Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal, Hadith: 547. See here)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar