Is this Hadith reliable?
إن من الذنوب ذنوبا لا يكفرها الصلاة ولا الصيام ولا الحج ولا العمرة قالوا: فما يكفرها يا رسول الله قال: الهموم في طلب المعيشة
Answer
Imam Tabarani and Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahumallah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 102, Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 6 pg. 335)
However, ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith a fabrication. Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has declared several narrators in the chain very weak.
(Refer: Lisanul Mizan, vol. 7 pg. 166-167, number, 6850 and At Talkhisul Habir, Hadith: 2758. Also see: Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 254)
Whilst earning a livelihood is indeed a very rewarding duty, this Hadith is not suitable to quote. See suitable alternatives here and here.
Translation
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“There are certain sins which are not expiated through Salah, fasting, Hajj and ‘Umrah. [The Sahabah radiyallahu ‘anhum] asked, ‘Then what will expiate these sins O Rasulullah?’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied, ‘Worry and concern for earning a livelihood.’
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar