Fazail e A'maal - What do Ulama Say?

Fatwas that Say There is No Fabricated Hadees in Fazail e A’mal:

Fatwa # 1:

Question

Is the book written by sheik ul hadis Zakariya [r.a] sahi [correct]? People say there many lies [jhoot] in that. Up to what extent is it right? Please, respond.

Answer

(Fatwa: 907/907=J)

The ahadith mentioned in the book Fazail Aamaal written by Hazrat Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Zakariay (Rahimahullah) are neither mauzoo (fake) nor lies. All the ahadith mentioned therein are credible in Fazail chapter as per the rule of muhadditheen (scholars of Hadith). Therefore, those who blame it they are wrong and tell lie.

Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best

Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband

http://www.darulifta-deoband.com/home/en/Deviant-Sects/1546

Fatwa # 2

Question

Is Fazail Amal collection of zaeef (weak) hadith?

(Fatwa: 400/372/N=1433)

It is quite nonsense and false. There are lots of Sahih and Hasan Hadith in Fazail Amal and some weak hadith as well which as per the rules of Muhaddithin are reliable in the chapter of Targhib and Tarhib. It does not contain such weak hadith which are totally null and unauthentic. If you study the booklet ‘Fazail Amal Par Etirazat, Ek Usuli Jaizah’ by Hadhrat Maulana Mufti Abdullah Maroofi, Teacher Takhassus Fil Hadith, Darul Uloom Deoband, then it shall be far better for you. This booklet is available on the website of Darul Uloom Deoband. You can download it from there.

Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best

Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband

http://www.darulifta-deoband.com/home/en/Hadith--Sunnah/39530

Fatwa # 3

Question

Is it write (right) or wrong that MAUZOO (Fabricated) hadith are present in FAZAILE-AMAAL?

Answer

(Fatwa: 973/749/D=1431)

The one who said that the hadith of Fazail Amal are mauzoo he told a lie made accusation. Of course, some hadith are weak, but they can be relied and practiced in the chapter of virtues as per the view of the majority of Hadith scholars.

Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best

Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband

http://www.darulifta-deoband.com/home/en/Hadith--Sunnah/23061

Fatwa # 4

Question

Are these claims by many untrue that Tablighi Nisab, Hayatus Sahaba, Fazail Amaal contain weak and fabricated naraations?

Do you reccomend these books?

Answer

There is a huge difference between weak and fabricated.  A weak hadith is that which is a hadith, but there is some weakness in the memory of its narrators and thus the authority of that hadith is not as strong as that of a sahih hadith.  A fabricated narration is something which has nothing to do with Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.  It is the saying of Suqrat, Buqrat, Aflatoon, Shakespeare, etc. and someone linked it to Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.  The first category can and should be used for fadhaail (virtues), not for masaail (judicial rulings), whereas the second category should be totally discarded.  In Fadhaaile Aa’maal there is not a single hadith which would be classed as fabricated; there are weak ahaadeeth, but there is no harm in using them for fadhaail.  The author of Fadhaaile Aa’maal was a great muhaddith who taught hadith for 55 years; he was very careful in what he narrated, so have some confidence.  Read Fadhaaile Aa’maal – don’t listen to people who are jealous due to its popularity.

http://www.tafseer-raheemi.com/q328-claims-of-fabricated-narration-in-tablighi-nisab-hayatus-sahaba-fazail-amaal/

Fatwa # 5

Question

I would like to know your opinion on reading the book Fazail-e-Amaal by Maulana Muhammed Zakariya Kandhhalvi R.A. Many Saudi Alims have issued fatwas on the reading of the mentioned kitab that it contains too many weak and fabricated hadiths and that it is not permissible to read it. Please comment. [N Ahmed (UK)]

Answer

The books of Fazail-e-Amaal are written by Molana Muhammad Zakariya Saharanpuri who himself was a very prominent scholar of Hadith and it is not imaginable that he had included some fabricated Ahadith in those books. However, it is true that some Ahadith of those books are of weak chain of narrators. But in the case of Fazail such Ahadith are accepted by a large number of Hadith scholars because they do not lay down the rule of Shariah. Rather, they mention the merit of an act that is already proved through an authentic source. Therefore, if these books contain such Ahadith it does not make any big difference and a Muslim can safely benefit from them.

ANSWERED BY SHEIKH UL ISLAM MUFTI TAQI USMAN DB

http://albalagh.net/qa/fazail_amaal.shtml

Fatwa # 6

Question

(1) Is is true that the book Fazail-e-Aamal contains many fabricated hadith? (2) Was the author of the book, i.e., Moulana Zakaria Kandhlavi a high ranking pious scholar and within the fold of Ahlus-Sunna wal Jamaat? (3) Is it a sin to read the book Fazail-e-Aamal on basis that it (supposedly) contains many fabricated hadith? (4) Is it a sin to encourage other Muslims to read the book Fazail-e-Aamal in their houses? (5) Is it a sin to give the book Fazail-e-Aamal to other Muslims as a gift item? (6) Is it a bidaat and/or sin to participate in the efforts and programs of the Tablighi Jamaat? Jazakumullah Khairaan

Answer

1. There are a few fabricated Ahaadith, but the author has pointed these out.  **1

2. He was a very high ranking aalim, Muhaddith and Sufi of his time.

3. It is not a sin. Many compilations of Ahaadith, which the Ulama use, have some fabricated Ahaadith. Does it mean we have to discard all these important compilations? In many cases, these fabricated Ahaadith have supporting proofs.

4. It is not a sin.

5. It is not a sin.

6. It is not Bid?at, rather it is encouraged.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Ml. Imraan Vawda
FATWA DEPT.

**1
___

AMENDMENT

“A common comment made against Fazail-e-A’mal is that some of the narrations mentioned in it are weak and fabricated. This comment is not totally correct, as there are no fabricated narrations in this book. There are dha’eef (weak) narrations in Fazail-e-A’mal. However, it is important to point out that the word dha’eef, literally translated as ‘weak’, is a terminology and should not be understood in its general sense. Its application is based on the rules explained in the sciences of hadith. Moreover, weak narrations are not acceptable only in regards to aqeedah and the rulings of Islamic jurisprudence. Majority of the scholars have accepted weak narrations as far as virtues of good deeds are concerned. Even Imam Bukhari (Rahimahullah) has brought weak narrations in his book, Al Adabul Mufrad, which shows that he also accepts weak narrations in regards to virtues of good deeds.”

Please see : Q : The followers of Tabligh jamaath regarding Fazail-e-Amaal as the main guide book, although it contains information directly contradicting Quran and hadith

www.askimam.org/fatwa/fatwa.php?askid=02baa777b4211ddad49...

Fatwas that Talk About the Status of Sheikh Zakaria RhA in the Field of Hadees:

Fatwa # 1:

Question

Received the answer of FATWA no–15917 JazaKhair.My question was particular to Fazail Aamal in which others who do not follow claim that in Fazail Amaal there are weak hadiths mention so we do not follow those hadiths my answer to them was instead of worrying about the isnad one should follow the matn of the hadith did i give the proper answer for their refusal i wanted to know from you.and i was trying to convince them there is so much hikamt and wisdom behind those hadith if one really make use of them ..Pls clarify

Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh

The authenticity of ahadith depends on the sanad of the hadith. However, the verification of the sanad being sound or not is the function of the muhadditheen. For the layman, he should rely on literature of reliable Ulama. Fazaail A’maal is compiled by Hazrat Shaikh Zakariyya (RA). The only reason people will object on Faizaail A’maal is because they do not know the high and lofty academic status of Hazrat Shaikh Zakariyya (RA).

Hazrat Shaikh Zakariyya (RA) was a renowned Muhaddith and accepted as such by Ulama of all rankings, Arab and non-Arabs. He compiled many commentaries of ahadith in Arabic, for example Bazlul Majhool, commentary of Abu Dawood and Awjazul Masalik, the commentary of Muatta Imam Malik. Both these commentaries are popular and books of reference, even among Arab Ulama.

When a muhaddith compiles ahadith and some of them are daeef, it is acceptable in fazaail especially when the status of the hadith is pointed out. This is not unique in Fazaail A’maal. It is a common practice among many muhadditheen. Such an approach should not deter one from benefiting from such books. The same applies with Fazaail A’maal.

And Allah knows best

Wassalam

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In’aamiyyah

http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/15951

Fatwa # 2

Question

I would like to know your opinion on reading the book Fazail-e-Amaal by Maulana Muhammed Zakariya Kandhhalvi R.A. Many Saudi Alims have issued fatwas on the reading of the mentioned kitab that it contains too many weak and fabricated hadiths and that it is not permissible to read it. Please comment. [N Ahmed (UK)]

Answer

The books of Fazail-e-Amaal are written by Molana Muhammad Zakariya Saharanpuri who himself was a very prominent scholar of Hadith and it is not imaginable that he had included some fabricated Ahadith in those books. However, it is true that some Ahadith of those books are of weak chain of narrators. But in the case of Fazail such Ahadith are accepted by a large number of Hadith scholars because they do not lay down the rule of Shariah. Rather, they mention the merit of an act that is already proved through an authentic source. Therefore, if these books contain such Ahadith it does not make any big difference and a Muslim can safely benefit from them.

http://albalagh.net/qa/fazail_amaal.shtml

Fatwas that Recommend Questioners to Read Fazail e A’mal:

Fatwa # 1

Question

Inshallah I will be going for umra in two months time. Can you please advise me on what ibadat i should try and engage in while in madina and makka. Also can you refer me to some books that will be of use. Jazakallah

Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

In Madina Munawwara, you should visit the Rowdha Mubarah as much as possible to convey Salam to Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wasallam), Hadrath Abu Bakr Siddique (radiAllahu Anhu), and Umar Farooq (radiAllahu Anhu). Thereafter the greatest act is to recite abundant salat and salam (Durood) upon Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wasallam). Try to make at least one khatam of the Quran in Madina Munawwara. Make a firm intention to follow the Sunnah of Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wasallam) for the rest of your life.

In Makka Mukarramah, make as many tawafs as possible and also make one khatam of the Quran there. While going around the Ka’aba Sharif, make a firm intention to surrender your life in the obedience of Allah Taala.

We advise you read the book Fazail-e-Haj by Hazrath Sheikh Zakariyya (rehmatullah Alayh), the chapter on the virtues of Makka Mukarramah and Madina Munawwara.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Wassalamu Alaykum

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In’aamiyyah

http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/17497

Fatwa # 2

Question

I am 24 years old. How can I get lots of success in akhirah and in the world make lots of virtues and money for Islam and our family?

Answer

(Fatwa: 75/57/H=1433)

In short, if you follow the path that leads towards success then in-sha-Allah, you shall receive great success. And if you choose any path other than of success then it shall bring opposite result. However, you should necessarily adopt taqwa (piety) and taharah in all your affairs. Keep on visiting Hadhrat Maulana Qari Ameer Hasan Sahib, who is a teacher at Ashraful Madaris, Hardoi, and request him for bai’ah when you find any suitable time. Follow his guidances and read these books always: Bahishti Zewar, Talimuddin, Jazau al-Amal, Fazail Amal, Fazail Sadaqat, Muntakhab Ahadith. Also make it sure that your family members read it out in congregation. This is a resource to earn more and more virtues. And abstaining from sins completely is the way to save the virtues. The thinking of earning more money is useless. You should thank Almighty Allah for those lawful and halal sources which He has given you. You should save your income and wealth from extravagance and spend it on you and your family fairly. Also find any way to spend for religious affairs with the advice of Ulama, Muftis and the pious persons. The main thing before Almighty Allah is to spend one’s wealth and work with sincerity. Money and wealth have nothing to do in achieving high status.

Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best

Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband

Fatwas Saying Difference of Opinion Regarding Grading of Hadees May Exist:

Fatwa # 1

Question

You have given the fatwa that the 15 hadith regarding the punishment of neglecting prayer is fabricated, but this hadith is found in fazail e amal.

Answer

In fact, we had quoted the verdict of Hafiz al-Dhahabi and Hafiz ibn Hajar regarding the status of that Hadith. We have also mentioned the possibility of other Muhadditheen having not classified it as such.

For further clarity, let it be understood that the task of authenticating Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is dependent on the individual theological conclusions of the Masters of Hadith. That is why the possibility of differences of opinions always exists.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/9085.html

Fatwa # 2

Question

I am confused about the following two questions and their contradictory answers. The first question (Q3005) deals with whether Fazail Amaal contains fabricated hadith. The second (Q9044) deals with a Hadith that is in Fazail-e-Amaal where the questioner is warned from quoting fabricated ahadith. Please explain the difference of opinion.

Answer

In fact, we had quoted the verdict of Hafiz al-Dhahabi and Hafiz ibn Hajar regarding the status of that Hadith. We have also mentioned the possibility of other Muhadditheen having not classified it as such.

For further clarity, let it be understood that the task of authenticating Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is dependent on the individual theological conclusions of the Masters of Hadith. That is why the possibility of differences of opinions always exists. Hence, it is possible that this particular Hadith was acceptable to Shaykhul Hadith Moulana Muhammad Zakariyyah Kandhlawi (RA), who was also a great authority in the field of Hadith.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/9158.html

Fatwas that Say There is No Fabricated Hadees in Fazail e A’mal (cont.):

Fatwa # 7

There is a hadith quoted by Shaikh Zakariya (RAH) in fadhaile aamaal in Neglect of salah about the 15 punishments for neglect of salah. Is this hadith.MAUZOO (Fabricated hadith). If so then why is it in Fadhaaile amaal.

There are no fabricated Ahaadith in Fadhaail-e-Aamaal of Hadhrat Shaykh
Zakariyya (RA). Hadhrat Shaykh was an authority in Hadith.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

askimam.org/public/question_detail/3005.html