Fulfilling the Need of a Muslim, a Deed Greater Than [Nafl] I’tikaf

Question

Is this Hadith correct?

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“It is more beloved to me that I walk with my brother to fulfill his need than I stay secluded in [optional] i’tikaf in the Masjid of Madinah for a month”

Answer

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) with a very weak chain.

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 13646, Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 6023, Al Mu’jamus Saghir, Hadith: 861. Refer: Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 2, pg. 513, number: 4695, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 4, pg. 96, number: 3562. Also see: Targhib, vol. 3, pg. 394/5, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8, pg. 191)

However, Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahullah) has recorded a similar corroborating narration. By virtue of this support, the Hadith in question is suitable to quote.

See the full narration here.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar