Question:
Is this Hadith authentic?
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. He loves the loftiest of affairs and disapproves of pettiness.” (Al Mu’jamul Awsat)
Answer:
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration.
Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah is certainly beautiful and he loves beauty. He loves the loftiest/noblest of affairs and dislikes the low/inferior affairs.”
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 6902)
Noble affairs refers to adorning one’s self with excellent character and carrying one’s self in a way befitting a Muslim.
(Refer: Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 1889)
‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has stated that there are some narrators in the chain whose credibility/lack thereof he is unaware of. However, the Hadith is well corroborated and suitable to quote.
(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8 pg. 188. Also see: Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1 pg. 48 and Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 5928)
The first part of the Hadith is recorded in Sahih Muslim. See here
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar