What is the status of the following Hadith:
“The person who falls in love, remains chaste, conceals this [from others], and dies is a shahid (martyr).”
Answer
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever falls in love, remains chaste, conceals this from others and then passes away, passes away as a martyr.”
This Hadith has also been reported with slight variations and additions in some sources.
(Tarikh Baghdad of Hafiz Khatib Baghdadi vol. 3 pg. 166)
The Muhaddithun have severely debated the authenticity of this narration throughout time, with comments ranging from it being a fabrication (mawdu‘) to it being authentic (sahih).
Hafiz ‘Iraqi (rahimahullah) and Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) have both expressed reservation in its authenticity, and are inclined towards this Hadith being slightly weak rather than a fabrication.
We concur with this view.
(See Al Mughni ‘an Hamlil Asfar, vol. 2 pg. 2807, Badhlul Ma’un, pg.107 ; Mawsu’ah ibn Hajar Al Hadithiyyah, vol. 2 pg. 23, Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 1153 and Mukhtasarul Maqasid, Hadith: 1055)
Note: This Hadith is in no way promoting haram or illicit relationships. Rather, it demands chastity when one becomes infatuated after an accidental glance.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar