Ḥadīth

Whoever has not heard the differences of opinion, then do not consider him a scholar.

Ibn ʿAbd Al-Barr, Jāmiʿ Bayān Al-ʿIlm wa Faḍlihī no. 1521.

When you learn knowledge, preserve it, and do not mix it with laughter and falsehood, such that the hearts refuse (dislike) it.

Al-Khaṭīb Al-Baghdādī, Al-Jāmiʿ li-Akhlāq Al-Rāwī wa Ādāb Al-Sāmiʿ 1:232

I saw Zuhayr b. Muʿāwiyah come to Zāʾidah b. Qudāmah (d.160H) and speak to him to get him to narrate ḥadīth to a man, so Zāʾidah asked, Is he from Ahl Al-Sunnah? Zuhayr replied, I do not know that he has any bidʿah. Zāʾidah said, No, that is another matter! Is he from Ahl Al-Sunnah? Zuhayr said, Since when have people become like this? Zāʾidah replied, Since when did people curse Abū Bakr and ʿUmar?!

Al-Khaṭīb Al-Baghdādī, Al-Jāmiʿ li Akhlāq Al-Rāwī #754.

Whenever Ibn ‘Umar – Allāh be pleased with him – heard a ḥadīth from Allāh’s Messenger – Allāh’s praise and peace be upon him – he never went beyond it, and he never fell short of it. Ibn Mājah, Al-Sunan, ḥadīth #4. Shaykh Al-Albānī graded this narration ṣaḥīḥ in his edition of the Sunan. Shaykh Al-Albānī explained that ‘he never went beyond it’ means: he never added anything to what was in the ḥadīth or overstepped the bounds of the ḥadīth; and ‘he never fell short of it’ means: he never neglected what was in the ḥadīth.

Shaykh Al-Albānī explained that ‘he never went beyond it’ means: he never added anything to what was in the ḥadīth or overstepped the bounds of the ḥadīth; and ‘he never fell short of it’ means: he never neglected what was in the ḥadīth.

Leave this and give us something from the Book of Allāh. ‘Imrān said, “You are a dunce (stupid). Do you find in the Book of Allāh details of prayer. Do you find in the Book of Allāh details of fasting!? This Qur`ān prescribes those matters, and the Sunnah explains them.” Al-Harawī, Dham Al-Kalām article 244, et al with various wordings.

Al-Harawī, Dham Al-Kalām article 244, et al with various wordings.

Abū Bakr Al-Daynūrī, Al-Mujālasah wa Jawāhir Al-‘Ilm article 3438.

Verily, the followers of opinion are the enemies of the Sunan (the teachings of Allāh’s Messenger as passed down in hadith): they were unable to preserve them and their meanings escaped them, and when asked [questions] they were too embarrassed to say ‘We don’t know,’ so they opposed the Sunan with their opinions. Ibn Abī Zamanīn, Uṣūl Al-Sunnah article 8; Al-Lālakā`ī, Sharḥ Uṣūl I’tiqād Ahl Al-Sunnah article 201 et al.

Ibn Abī Zamanīn, Uṣūl Al-Sunnah article 8; Al-Lālakā`ī, Sharḥ Uṣūl I’tiqād Ahl Al-Sunnah article 201 et al.

Issuing fatwā is not allowed except for a person who knows what the people have differed in. It was said, ‘Do you mean the different views of the people of opinions (those who depend more on analogy and speculation)? He replied, “No, [I mean] the different views of the Companions of Muḥammad – Allāh’s praise and peace be upon him. And he must also know the textual evidence that abrogates [other rulings] and that which is abrogated [by other texts], both in the Quran and the ḥadīth of Allah’s Messenger – Allāh’s praise and peace be upon him. Such a person can issue fatāwā. Ibn ‘Abd Al-Barr, Jāmi’ Bayān Al-‘Ilm wa Faḍlihī article 1529. It is reported that ‘Abdullāh b. Al-Mubārak – Allāh have mercy on him – was asked, “When can a person issue an edict (fatwā)?” He replied, “When he is knowledgeable about the narrations (hadith and traditions of the Salaf), and has insight into [juristic] opinion. Ibid. article 1532.

Ibid. article 1532.

Do not sit with them, nor with the followers of Kalām.(1) Be with the carriers of books,(2) for they are like mines, like those who descend: one brings up a gem and another a nugget of gold. Ibn Battah, Al-Ibānah Al-Kubrā article 483. (1) Speculative theology, drawn from foreign philosophy and logic, as practiced by sects such as the Jahmia and Mutazila. (2) Arabic al-qamātir: covers or folders used to keep written material. ‘Carriers of books’ refers to the scholars and students who occupied themselves with Islamic knowledge and hadīth.

(2) Arabic al-qamātir: covers or folders used to keep written material. ‘Carriers of books’ refers to the scholars and students who occupied themselves with Islamic knowledge and hadīth.

I would travel for days to a man to hear [knowledge/ḥadīth ] from him, and the first thing I would check about him is his prayer: if he performed it properly I would stay and hear [knowledge] from him, but if he neglected it, I would return without hearing from him, and I would say, ‘He will be even more neglectful of other matters.’ Al-Khaṭīb Al-Baghdādī, Al-Riḥlah fī Ṭalab Al-Ḥadīth article 22; Al-Dhahabī, Siyar A’lām Al-Nubalā` 4:209.

Al-Khaṭīb Al-Baghdādī, Al-Riḥlah fī Ṭalab Al-Ḥadīth article 22; Al-Dhahabī, Siyar A’lām Al-Nubalā` 4:209.

When I see a man from the Adherents of Ḥadīth, it is as if I have seen the Prophet – Allāh’s peace and blessings be upon him – alive. Al-Khaṭīb Al-Baghdādī, Sharaf Ashāb Al-Ḥadīth article 85.

Al-Khaṭīb Al-Baghdādī, Sharaf Ashāb Al-Ḥadīth article 85.

Al-Lālakā`ī, Sharḥ Usūl I’tiqād Ahl Al-Sunnah wa Al-Jamā’ah Vol.1 p120. It is reported that ‘Uthmān b. Ḥāḍir said, “I said to Ibn ‘Abbās: ‘advise me.’ He replied, ‘It is upon you to be upright, follow al-athar, and beware of innovating [in religion].’” Ibn Battah, Al-Ibānah Al-Kubrā Vol. 1 p214. It is reported that ʿAbdullāh b. Al-Mubārak said, “Let it only be the narrations (al-athar) that you rely upon, and take from reasoning and opinion that amount that will help you to understand and explain ḥadīth.” Ibn ʿAbd Al-Barr, Jāmi’ Bayān Al-‘Ilm wa Faḍlihi Vol. 3 p329. It is reported that Sufyān Al-Thawrī said, “The narrations (al-āthār) are the religion.” And it is reported that he also said, “A man should not even scratch his head except based on a narration.” Al-Harawī, Dhamm Al-Kalām wa Ahlihī Vol. 2 p264. It is reported that Al-Musayyib b. Rāfi’ Al-Asadī said, “We only follow, we do not innovate; we follow behind and do not start anything [in the religion], and we will never stray as long as we adhere to the narrations.” Al-Harawī, Dhamm Al-Kalām wa Ahlihī Vol. 2 p265.

Al-Harawī, Dhamm Al-Kalām wa Ahlihī Vol. 2 p265.

Al-Lālakā`ī, Sharh Usūl I’tiqād Ahl Al-Sunnah wa Al-Jamā’ah, Vol.1 p46. It is reported that Hammād b. Zayd said, “When the news of the death of a young man from the followers of hadīth reached Ayyūb, [the sorrow] could be seen on him; and when the news of the death of a man who was mentioned as being a devout worshipper would reach him, [it’s effect] on him was not noticed.” Al-Lālakā`ī, Sharh Usūl I’tiqād Ahl Al-Sunnah wa Al-Jamā’ah, Vol.1 p51. It is also reported that Hammād b. Zayd said, “I was with Ayyūb Al-Sakhtiyānī while he was washing [the body] of Shu’ayb b. Al-Habhāb, saying, ‘Anyone who wishes for the death of a person from Ahl Al-Sunnah has wished for the light of Allāh to be extinguished; but Allāh will keep His light complete, even though the unbelievers may hate it.’ [Sūrah Al-Saff: 8]” Al-Lālakā`ī, Sharh Usūl I’tiqād Ahl Al-Sunnah wa Al-Jamā’ah, Vol.1 p52. It is reported that Asad b. Mūsā said, “We were with Sufyān b. ‘Uyainah when he was informed of the death of Al-Darāwardī, and he became visibly distressed. [Al-Darāwardī] hadn’t actually died, so we said, ‘We didn’t think you would reach such a state.’ He said, ‘[Al-Darāwardī] is from Ahl Al-Sunnah.’” Al-Lālakā`ī, Sharh Usūl I’tiqād Ahl Al-Sunnah wa Al-Jamā’ah, Vol.1 p72.

Al-Lālakā`ī, Sharh Usūl I’tiqād Ahl Al-Sunnah wa Al-Jamā’ah, Vol.1 p72.

Why so Many Hadīth, Abu Hurayrah?

It is reported that Abū Hurayrah – Allāh be pleased with him – said, “People say, ‘Abū Hurayrah reports so many [hadīth ],’ but if it were not for two verses in Allāh’s book, I would not narrate a single hadīth .” Then he recited, “Verily, those who hide what Allāh has sent down of the Book (Al-Baqarah: 174),” and “Verily, those who hide what We have sent down of clear explanation and guidance. (Al-Baqarah: 159)” He then said, “Our brothers, the Muhājirūn, used to be occupied with trading in the markets, and our brothers, the Ansār, would be occupied with dealing with their wealth and property, but Abū Hurayrah used to stay with Allāh’s Messenger – Allāh’s peace and blessings be upon him – for his fill, and would be present when they were not.”

This wording has been reported by Al-Hāfidh Ibn ʿAbd Al-Barr, Jāmi’ Bayān Al-‘Ilm Vol.1 p464. Commenting on this narration, Ibn ʿAbd Al-Barr states, “In this narration there are a number of meanings to understand, including: [1] The hadīth from Allāh’s Messenger – Allāh’s peace and blessings be upon him – has the same ruling as the revealed Book of Allāh ‘azza wa jall. [2] Knowledge should be shown, spread and taught. [3] One should stick with the scholars. [4] One should be satisfied with the little he can get of worldly provision in order to pursue his desire for knowledge. [5] One should prefer knowledge over being occupied with worldly pursuits and income.

[1] The hadīth from Allāh’s Messenger – Allāh’s peace and blessings be upon him – has the same ruling as the revealed Book of Allāh ‘azza wa jall. [2] Knowledge should be shown, spread and taught. [3] One should stick with the scholars. [4] One should be satisfied with the little he can get of worldly provision in order to pursue his desire for knowledge. [5] One should prefer knowledge over being occupied with worldly pursuits and income.

Start studying early [don’t be an ignorant shaykh]

It is reported that Hishām b. ‘Urwah said, reporting from his father, ‘Urwah b. Al-Zubayr – Allāh have mercy on him , “He used to say to us when we were youths, ‘Why do you not seek knowledge? Even though [today] you are the youngsters, you are about to be the elders [in the future]. What is the use of being a shaykh when the shaykh is ignorant? Four years before the death of ‘Ā`ishah, I would say, if she died today, I would not feel regret about a single hadīth she had, for I had gathered them from her. I would hear that a Companion had a hadīth and would go to him. I might find that he was napping, so I would sit at his door and wait, and then ask him about it [later when he woke].’”

Al-Dhahabī, Siyar A’lām Al-Nubalā`, in his biography of ‘Urwah b. Al-Zubayr. ‘Urwah b. Al-Zubayr was the son of Al-Zubayr b. Al-‘Awām and Asmā bint Abī Bakr, and the nephew of Ā`ishah – Allāh be pleased with them all. He studied under her and was regarded as one of the senior scholars of his time. He is one of the famous Seven Jurists.

‘Urwah b. Al-Zubayr was the son of Al-Zubayr b. Al-‘Awām and Asmā bint Abī Bakr, and the nephew of Ā`ishah – Allāh be pleased with them all. He studied under her and was regarded as one of the senior scholars of his time. He is one of the famous Seven Jurists.

Giving to spread Knowledge

It is reported that ʿAbdullāh b. Al-Mubārak – Allāh’s mercy be upon him – was criticized for spending on [other people in] other lands and not his own. In response, he said, “I know the locations of virtuous, sincere and truthful people who seek and study ḥadīth and do it well because people are in need of them. They are needy, and if we leave them, their knowledge will be lost; but if we help them, they will spread knowledge to the Ummah of Muḥammad – Allāh’s peace and blessings be upon him. I do not know of anything more virtuous, after Prophecy, than spreading knowledge.”

Al-Dhahabī, Siyar A’lām Al-Nubalā`, in his biography of ʿAbdullāh b. Al-Mubārak.

After Allâh’s Messenger – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – passed away, I said to a man from the Ansâr, “Come, let us ask [and learn from] the Prophet’s Companions, Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him, for they are many in number today.” He replied, “I am surprised at you Ibn ‘Abbâs – do you really think people need you when there are so many Companions of the Prophet – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him?” So he did not involve himself in this endeavor, but I busied myself asking [the Companions about issues]. If I heard of a hadîth being reported by a man, I would come to him and if he was taking his midday nap I would lay down my garment and lie outside waiting for him, with the wind blowing dust in my face. The man would come out [for Dhuhr] and see me in that state, and he would exclaim, “O nephew of Allâh’s Messenger! What has brought you here? You should have sent for me and I would have come to you!” I would say, “Rather I should come to you [to seek knowledge].” I would then ask him about the hadîth I heard. The man [who I originally invited to seek knowledge with me] remained as he was, and when he saw how people would gather around me [to seek knowledge] he said, “For sure, this young man was more intelligent than me.” Al-Dârimî, Al-Sunan Vol. 2 p129.

Al-Dârimî, Al-Sunan Vol. 2 p129.

‘Abdullah b. Al-Mubârak used to often stay at home, so he was asked, “Don’t you get lonely?” He replied, “How could I get lonely when I am with the Prophet – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him (i.e. I read his hadîth)?” Also on the authority of Nu’aym b. Hammâd: It was once said to ‘Abdullah b. Al-Mubârak, “O Abû ‘Abd Al-Rahmân, you often sit alone at home.” He said, “I am alone? I am with the Prophet – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – and his Companions.” Meaning: reading hadîth. Ibn ‘Asâkir, Târîkh Dimishq Vol. 32 p458. Shaqîq b. Ibrâhîm reports: It was once said to ‘Abdullah b. Al-Mubârak, “After you have prayed with us you don’t sit with us?” He replied, “I go and sit with the Sahâbah and the Tâbi’în.” We said, “And how can you sit with the Sahâbah and Tâbi’în (when they have all passed away)?” He replied, “I go and read the knowledge I have collected, I find their narrations and deeds. What would I do with you? You sit around backbiting people.” Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ` in his biography of ‘Abdullah b. Al-Mubârak.

Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ` in his biography of ‘Abdullah b. Al-Mubârak.

Sayings filed under this topic.