Is this Hadith authentic?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Whoever paid the Zakah on his money when it was due, Allah takes it upon Himself to make him among the companions of the Ambiya.’”
Answer
This is part of a lengthy narration which comprises of approximately thirteen advices that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) allegedly offered to Sayyiduna Abu Kahil (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration.
(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 928, Volume: 18)
However, this narration however has been declared extremely weak (munkar) by many Muhaddithun like Imam Ibn ‘Abdil Barr, Hafiz Mundhiri and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahumullah). In fact, ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has termed the text of this narration as baseless (batil). This narration should therefore not be quoted.
(Refer: Al Isti’ab, vol. 4 pg. 301, Targhib, vol. 4 pg. 263, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 6 pg. 346 -6061-, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 4 pg. 219, Al Qawlul Badi’, pg. 258 and Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 2 pg. 290)
Zakah is a fundamental pillar of Islam. Other Hadiths which encourage discharging Zakah and explain the reward of discharging Zakah should be quoted instead.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar