Question:

The following Hadeeth is being circulated via email; The Prophet Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam has said, “Whoever is the first to give another person the news about the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the fire of hell is Haraam for them”. Is this Hadeeth authentic? If it is not, could you explain the warning for those who circulate fabricated Ahadeeth?

We have not come across a Hadeeth in which it is mentioned that the fire of Hell is Haraam upon the first person who gives the news about Rabi’ul Awwal.

If this Hadeeth is fabricated and was not mentioned by Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the person who fabricated the Hadith as well as all those who convey the Hadeeth are deserving of the severe warning of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “To fabricate my words is not like fabricating any other person’s words. The person who fabricates my words should prepare an abode for himself in the fire of hell.” (Sahih al Bukhari, Hadith #: 1291).

Unfortunately, due to wide spread ignorance, e-mails containing false information and fabricated Ahadeeth are widely circulated. The creators of such e-mails as well as those who forward them to others should take heed of the severe warning of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. It is therefore imperative that one exercises caution when one receives e-mails of such a nature wherein there is no authentic reference mentioned. Such e-mails or pieces of information should be referred to reliable and learned scholars for verification.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.