1213 – On the authority of Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the briber and the one who accepts the bribe in matters of judgment.” Narrated by Aḥmad and the Four; al-Tirmidhī rated it ḥasan, and Ibn Ḥibbān declared it ṣaḥīḥ. (1)

It is corroborated by a report from ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAmr recorded by the Four except al-Nasāʾī. (2)

Grading of the ḥadith:
This ḥadith is authentic. It was transmitted by Aḥmad, al-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah, al-Ḥākim, and al-Baghawī. Al-Tirmidhī said, “A ḥasan ṣaḥīḥ ḥadith,” while al-Ḥākim judged its chain sound, a verdict endorsed by al-Dhahabī. All its transmitters are trustworthy, belonging to the ranks relied upon by al-Bukhārī and Muslim, and the narration of ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAmr further supports it. Al-Dārimī remarked, “It is the finest and most reliable report in this chapter.” Al-Haythamī noted, “Al-Ṭabarānī included it in al-Ṣaghīr and its narrators are trustworthy.” Al-Shawkānī concluded, “There is no point of criticism in its isnād.” Additional supporting narrations come from ʿĀʾishah, Umm Salamah, ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf, and Thawbān.

Vocabulary of the ḥadith:
– ar-rāshī: from rāshā–yarshū–rishwah, to give a bribe; the person who offers money to secure injustice.
– al-murtashī: the one who takes the bribe.