Two unauthentic narrations

1-4-2006 | IslamWeb

Question:

I read in the book ‘At-Targheeb and At-Tarheeb’ the following two narrations:
1- If a man builds a building more than seven cubits, he will be called: “O most dissolute person, to where?”
2- When Allaah wants to disgrace a person he would cause him to spend his money in buildings.
Are these narrations authentic, as we see sky scrappers erected?
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

Regarding the first narration, Imaam Al-Munthiri may Allaah have mercy upon him said in ‘At-Targheeb and At-Tarheeb’: 'The narration is not authentic. It is reported by Ibn Abu Ad-Dunyah from ‘Ammaar Ibn ‘Aamir may Allaah have mercy upon them and he is from the generation which succeeded the generation of the companions may Allaah be pleased with them. So it is not correct to attribute this narration to the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).'

As regards the second narration, it is reported by At-Tabaraani and Al-Bayhaqi may Allaah have mercy upon them but As-Suyooti, Al-Munaawi and Al-Albaani may Allaah have mercy upon them classified it as weak. So, the two narrations are not authentic, however, it is established among the scholars may Allaah have mercy upon them that erecting [high] buildings is dispraised if it is not for a religious reason, or if it leads to neglecting a religious obligation or committing a forbidden act, or that it is beyond the need, as this worldly life is not eternal.

Allaah Knows best.

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