Question:
What is the status of the following narration?
موت العالم مصيبة لا تجبر وثلمة لا تسد وهو نجمٌ طُمِس وموت قبيلة أيسر لي من موت عالم
Answer:
Imams Tabarani and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abud Darda (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Al Mu’jamul Kabir; Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1 pg. 201-202, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 1576 as part of a longer narration)
‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has stated that he is unaware of the credibility/lack thereof of one of the narrators. Additionally, the chain in Shu’abul Iman, consists of a narrator who has been declared very weak according to some Muhaddithun and weak according to others. Some have have even declared him credible.
(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1 pg. 202, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 1 pg. 594-595, number: 2367)
‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has cited this Hadith, among others, as corroborating narrations for another narration that discusses the death of a scholar. ‘Allamah Zabidi (rahimahullah) has cited additional supports as well.
(Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 79, Ithafus Sadah Al Muttaqin, vol. 1 pg. 73-74. Also see: Targhib, vol. 1 pg. 105-106, Ithaful Khiyaratil Maharah, Hadith: 446,
Translation
The death of a scholar is a calamity that can not be recovered from, it is an irreparable loss, it is a star that has been destroyed. The death of an entire tribe is less severe than the demise of a scholar
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar