Can this Hadith be quoted?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Seeking knowledge for a short while is better than offering Tahajjud Salah for one night and seeking knowledge for one day is better than fasting for three days”
Answer:
The Muhaddithun have declared this narration a fabrication as the chain consists of a liar. The Hadith is therefore not suitable to quote.
(Refer: Dhaylul La-Alil Masnu’ah, vol. 1 pg. 179, Hadith: 203, Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1 pg. 278)
There are acceptable Hadiths which state that seeking knowledge is better than [voluntary] worship. These should be quoted instead. See here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar