Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet ﷺ said: Every important matter which is not begun by an expression of praise to Allah is maimed. Abu Dawud said: It has also been transmitted by Yunus, Aqil, Shuaib, Saeed bin Abd al-Aziz from al-Zuhri from the Prophet ﷺ in Mursal form (the link of the Companion is missing).
Related hadith on this topic
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi
Benefits and Issues:
This narration has a weak chain of transmission.
However, from the authentic narration that follows, it becomes clear that what is meant here is not ordinary conversation, but rather important discourse such as sermons and speeches, etc. Therefore, beginning a sermon with praise and glorification (hamd wa thana) is an emphasized practice.
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood – Commentary by Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi, Page: 4840