Ruling on a man saying to his friend, “Your face brings us good fortune”

Question

What is the ruling on saying “Your face brings us good fortune” to someone when something good happens?

Answer

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Praise be to Allah.

With regard to a man saying to his friend, “Your face brings us good fortune”, if he says that by way of optimism, there is nothing wrong with him saying that. Something good may happen coincidentally when someone comes in, so a man may express optimism about that, because he is a righteous man, or because he has a handsome and cheerful face, or because he has a good name.

Abu Daawood (3920) narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn Buraydah, from his father, that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was not superstitious about anything. When he sent an agent, he would ask about his name. If he liked his name he would be happy and that cheerfulness could be seen on his face. If he disliked his name, that dislike could be seen on his face. When he entered a town he would ask about its name and if he liked its name he would be happy and that cheerfulness could be seen on his face, and if he disliked its name, that dislike could be seen on his face.

Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Daawood.

Al-Bazzaar (4383) narrated that Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “If you send someone to me with a message, then choose someone who is good-looking and has a good name.”

Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in as-Saheehah (1186).

Al-Minnaawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

That is because one may feel optimistic and cheerful because of his good looks and his good name. End quote from at-Tayseer (1/57).

Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

The reason why the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) recommended that messages be sent with one who is good-looking is by way of instilling optimism and cheerfulness. End quote.

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him) was asked:

What is the ruling on someone saying to his friend: Your face brought good fortune for me; since you came my business has increased and my health has got better?

Answer:

There is nothing wrong with that; it comes under the heading of optimism. End quote.

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