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