The ruling on the hadith: “Whoever introduces a good practice in Islam”

Question:
The questioner, Dal al-Harbi, says: Shaykh, a hadith was reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) until the Day of Resurrection. What is the authenticity of this hadith, and we ask that you explain its meaning?

Answer:
The hadith is authentic. Its meaning is that whoever revives a sunnah (recommended practice) that people have abandoned, he will receive the reward of the act, and the reward of everyone who follows him in reviving that sunnah and acting upon it. The hadith has a cause: a group of people came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) in a state of poverty and need, seeking assistance. So the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Bilal to give the adhan (call to prayer). When the people gathered, he ordered him to give the iqamah (second call), and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) led them in prayer. When he finished the prayer, he encouraged them to give charity, whatever they could afford. So they came, each with what he could manage. A man came with a bundle of gold, so heavy that his hand could barely carry it. He placed it before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The people followed this man in their charity. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was greatly pleased, and his face brightened (peace and blessings be upon him). Then he said: “Whoever introduces a good practice in Islam, he will have its reward and the reward of everyone who acts upon it.” So this man introduced a good practice, and those present followed his example. Thus, he received the reward of the charity, and the reward of everyone who did the same as he did. This is true. In this is the encouragement to revive sunnahs and extinguish bid'ah (religious innovations), and the encouragement to be a good example, and the virtue of whoever introduces a good practice in Islam. Yes.