What is the reference for this narration and can it be quoted?
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best thing a believing man can be given is good character, and the worst thing a man can be given is an evil heart with a beautiful appearance.”
Answer
Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 25840)
The chain consists of an unnamed narrator. However, Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) states ‘It seems that this person is a Sahabi.’
(Footnotes on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 25840)
The narration is suitable to quote.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar