Question
Is this narration authentic?
عن ابن عباس، قال: لما نزلت هذه الآية {وشاورهم في الأمر} [آل عمران: 159] قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: أما إن الله ورسوله غنيان عنهما، ولكن جعلها الله رحمة لأمتي، فمن شاور منهم لم يعدم رشدا، ومن ترك المشورة منهم لم يعدم عناء
Answer
Imams Ibn ‘Adiy and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration with a weak chain.
(Al Kamil, vol. 7 pg. 264, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 7136. Refer: Al Kamil, vol. 7 pg. 264, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 1 pg. 450, number: 491, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 2 pg. 336, number: 3932, Taqribut Tahdhib: 3140. Also see: Ad Durrul Manthur, vol. 4 pg. 88, Surah: Aalu ‘Imran, Verse: 159)
Translation
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) said, “When the Verse ‘Consult with them in matters’ (Surah Aalu ‘Imran, Verse: 159) was revealed, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Allah and His Messenger do not require this. However, Allah has made [consultation/mashwarah] a means of mercy for my ummah. Whomsoever from among my [ummah] will resort to consultation, will not be deprived of guidance and whomsoever from my [ummah] abandons consultation, will not be devoid of difficulties.’”
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar