I heard a narration which mentions a parable of a person who teaches others good but forgets about himself being likened to a lamp.
What is the narration and is it authentic?
Answer
Sayyiduna Jundub ibn ‘Abdillah Al Azdi (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“The example of one who teaches people good but forgets about himself is like a lantern which gives light to others while burning itself”
(Al Mu’jamul Kabir of Imam Tabarani, Hadith: 1681)
‘Allamah Mundhiri (rahimahullah) states, ‘The chain is sound insha Allah’ and Hafiz Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators reliable.
(Targhib, vol. 1 pg. 127 and Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1 pg. 185)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar,
May Allah Ta’ala save us from this trait.
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar