Question
Is the following Hadith authentic?
Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) has said: ‘Do not forsake eating at night (supper) even though it may be a handful of dates because forsaking the night meal brings on old age.’
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3355)
Answer
‘Allamahs Busiri and Iraqi (rahimahumallah) have mentioned that this Hadith has been recorded with a weak chain.
(Misbahuz Zujajah, Hadith: 1104, and Tanzihush Shari’ah vol. 2 pg. 259; Also see: Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1856, Al-Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 1376, Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 337, Al-Faydhul Qadir, Hadith: 3318, At-Taysir, vol. 1 pg. 454, and Ithafus Sadatil Muttaqin, vol. 5 pg. 269)
Weak narrations are accepted in non-legislative matters, like the one in question.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar