Is the following a Hadith? Can it be quoted?
حب الدنيا رأس كل خطيئة
Love for this world is the root of all evil
Answer
Imam Ibn Abid Dunya and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration as a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) on the authority of Hasan Al Basri mursalan [a chain with an omission after the Tabi’i].
(Dhammud Dunya, Hadith: 9, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 10019)
The Muhaddithun have differed with regard to the authenticity of this Hadith. Some were of the opinion that the Hadith is not authentic and is incorrectly attributed to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
However, Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani, ‘Allamah Sakhawi and Hafiz Suyuti (rahimahumullah) have opposed this view and have declared the chain of Imam Bayhaqi hasan (sound) up to Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullah).
‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has also cited further supports.
(Refer: Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 384, Mukhtasarul Maqasid, Hadith: 359, Ad Durarul Muntathirah, Hadith: 185 and Al Asrarul Marfu’ah, Hadith: 163. Also see Tadribur Rawi, vol. 3 pg. 484)
The narration is suitable to quote as a Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
Note:
These words have also been reported as the words of ‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) and other pious predecessors.
(Refer: Dhammud Dunya, Hadith: 416 and Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 6 pg. 388)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar