Question
Is this narration authentic?
كل امر ذي بال لا يُبدأ فيه بحمد اللّٰه والصلاة عليّ فهو اقطع ابتر ممحوق من كل بركة
Answer
Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) and other Muhaddithun have reported the following narration:
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Every speech/matter of importance that is not commenced with the Praise of Allah is useless/cut off.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4807, Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1894, Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 1 and 2)
As for the Hadith in question, with the additional words of sending salutation, this has been referenced to Al Arba’in of ‘Abdul Qadir Ar Ruhawi. However, he has discredited the authenticity of these additional words as this has been reported by an extremely weak narrator. Other Muhaddithun have also dismissed the authenticity of this version.
(Refer: Al Ajwibatul Mardiyyah, vol. 1 pg. 202-203, Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 6285 and Sharhul Bayquniyyah of Shaykh ‘Abdullah Sirajud Din, pg. 30)
Translation of the Hadith in question
Every matter of importance that is not commenced with the Praise of Allah and salutations upon me, then it is cut off and void of any blessing.
‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has cited a statement of Imam Shafi’i (rahimahullah) wherein he encouraged starting a khutbah and other matters with the Praise of Allah followed by salutations of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Although the Hadith in question should not be quoted, one should still endeavour to start a task by Praising Allah and salutations upon Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
(Refer: Al Qawlul Badi’, pg. 477)
Also see here
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar