Question:
What is the source and reliability of the following Hadith?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Tariq, prepare for death before death.”
Answer:
Imams Hakim, Tabarani and Bayhaqi (rahimahumullah) have recorded this Hadith.
Sayyiduna Tariq ibn ‘Abdillah Al Muharibi (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Tariq! Prepare for death before death.”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4 pg. 312, Al Mu’jamul 8174, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 10067)
Imam Abu Hatim (rahimahullah) has declared one of the narrators unreliable. Imam ‘Uqayli (rahimahullah) has also expressed reservation regarding the authenticity.
(Al Jarhu Wat Ta’dil, vol. 2 pg. 235, Kitabud Du’afa, vol. 1 pg. 314, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 2 pg. 79-80, number: 1075. Also see: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 309)
Also see here
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar