Q: What is the meaning of this narration: Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn Al Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “Do not let the prayer of a man deceive you nor his fasting. Rather look at the truthfulness of his speech, his trustworthiness whenever he is entrusted, and how he acts whenever he is given wealth/power.”
Imams Musaddad, Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded this statement of Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn Al Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) has declared the narration authentic. (Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 4898 and Al Matalibul ‘Aliyah, Hadith: 2631)
A: The meaning of this statement is that in order to know a person you cannot suffice on viewing his salaah or fast. Instead you should also examine his business dealings and interaction with the servants of Allah Ta’ala. In this way you will understand the level and degree of honesty he possesses.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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