Is this narration reliable?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was once gifted an onyx necklace. He promised to give it to his most beloved family member. His wives expected him to give it to ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha), but he presented it to his granddaughter, Sayyidah Umamah the daughter of Zaynab (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) and made her wear it.
Answer
Imam Ahmad and Imam Abu Ya’la (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha).
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 6 pg. 101 and Musnad Abu Ya’la, Hadith: 4471.)
‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the chain as sound (hasan).
(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 9 pg. 254)
Also see Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 25649 and Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4232, for a similar narration to this Hadith which mentions a ring as part of the jewellery that was gifted. This version states that it was gifted to Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) by Najashy, the Abyssinian king (rahimahullah).
Imam Abu Ya’la has cited both these narrations, one after the other.
(Musnad Abi Ya’la, Hadith: 4470-4471)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar