The Hadith: 'Can the believer be a coward?'

Q 2: I heard a Hadith ascribed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), but I do not know whether it is authentic or not. I want to know its origin and in which books of Hadith it was mentioned. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked, “Can the believer be a thief?” He said, “Yes.” He was asked, “Can the believer be a fornicator?” He said, “Yes.” He was asked, “Can the believer be a liar?” He said, “No, no, no.” (Part No. 4; Page No. 433) According to another version, “Can the believer be a miser?” He said, “Yes.” He was asked, “Can the believer be a coward?” He said, “Yes.” He was asked, “Can the believer be a liar?” He said, “No, no, no.” Appreciate your guidance, may Allah reward you the best!

A: This Hadith was related by Al-Mundhiry in the chapter on "Encouragement to honesty and warning against lying" in his book entitled Al-Targhib wa Al-Tarhib, part 4, as follows: On the authority of Safwan ibn Sulaym that he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked, “Can the believer be a coward?” He said, “Yes.” He was asked, “Can the believer be a miser?” He said, “Yes.” He was asked, “Can the believer be a liar?” He said, “No.” Related by Malik as Mursal (a Hadith with no Companion of the Prophet in the chain of narration). Al-Mundhiry said that it is a Hadith Mursal. The Mursal category falls under the section of Da‘if (weak) Hadith.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.