And Hadith of `A’ishah is dependent on transmitters who are weak, unknown or abandoned except Al Hakam ibn Hisham. (1) And its witnesses (Ash-Shawahid) are weaker and lower in status than the original narration itself. That is why earlier scholars that have been referred by me weakened it giving no value at all. Those scholars include the following: Abu Zar`ah and Abu Hatim who said: "This Hadith is not authentic.” (2) And Abu Hatim once said: "This Hadith has no basis." (3) and he said again: "This Hadith is Munkar (denounced).” (Munkar is a Hadith narrated by a sole narrator, with a text that is not known through any other chain of transmission.) (4) And he said at another context: "This narration is false." (5)
In addition to that, Ibn Hibban said: "In fact, this Hadith is Mursal(a Hadith lacking the first transmitter or Sahabi) and its chain to the Prophet could not be established so this narration is false." (6)
Al Khatib said -after relating its numerous chains- :"And all of its ways are useless." (7)
Furthermore, he referred to the Mursal Hadith of Hisham ibn Ziyad and said: "It is more likely to be right." (8).
And Ibn Al Jawzi mentioned this Hadith and its witnesses he then concluded by saying: "These Ahadith are not true." (9).
The later scholars who talked about this Hadith include the following: Ash-Shawkani who mentioned it in his book Al Fawa’id Al Majmu`ah. (10).
And those scholars who have accepted it include the following:
Al Hakim who has graded it as authentic but he was criticized by Adh-Dhahabi as was stated above.
And Al Hafiz Ibn Hajar who graded it as Hasan in his book At-Talkhis and concluded saying: "It is dependent on narrators who are weak, they have narrated it from Hisham, the best among the narrators of this Hadith are Saleh ibn Musa At-Talhi and Al Harith ibn `Imran Al J`afari. Nevertheless, this Hadith is good." (11).
Perhaps Al Hafiz ibn Hajar forgot positions of these two narrators. He himself said about Saleh ibn Musa: "Abandoned” and he said about Al Harith ibn `Imran:"Weak”. And Ibn Hibban accused Al Harith of fabrication, as was stated above.
In addition, Ibn Hajar strengthened in his book Fath Al Bary this Hadith by the above mentioned narration of `Umar, and said: " It has been narrated by Abu Nu`aym, though there is some criticism in its chain, but one chain strengthens the other." (12) End of quote.
Actually, it is a mistake by Al Hafiz ibn Hajar as this chain contains Sulayman Al Qurashi that was described by Al Bukhari and Abu Zar`ah as Munkar Al Hadith(Who has denounced narration) and their conclusion was held as authority in At-Taqrib.
As-Sakhawi has quoted the words of Al Hafiz without attributing it to him. Perhaps he has adopted his opinion. (13).
While, As-Suyuti indicated to the soundness of this Hadith.(14).
Al Albani has graded it as authentic in the light of its whole follow-ups and different chains including the Hadith of `Umar, as he stated by saying: "This Hadith with its follow-ups and other chains collectively including the Hadith of `Umar is undoubtedly authentic." (15).
Perhaps Sheikh Al Albani relied simply on the words of Al Hafiz ibn Hajar without thinking well in his conclusion as I have explained above the weak points hidden in the narration of `Umar.
On the other hand, Sheikh Al Albani relied on the follow-up of Al Hakam ibn Hisham. (16) Anyway, its chain is merely good as he said, and the Hadith is good through this chain only, and could never be graded as authentic as was claimed by Sheikh Al Albani.
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(1) - See the follow-ups of Harith ibn `Imran, on the authority of Hisham ibn `Urwah.
(2) - Al `Ilal by Ibn Abu Hatim (1/407).
(3) – The previous source (1/403, 404).
(4) - The previous source (1/403, 404).
(5) - The previous source (1/403, 404).
(6) – Kitab Al Majruhin (1/225).
(7) –Tarikh Baghdad (History of Baghdad) (1/264).
(8) - The previous source (1/264).
(9) - Al `Ilal Al Mutanahiyah Fil Ahadith Al Wahiyah (2/124).
(10) - Al Fawa’id Al Majmu`ah Fil Ahadith Al Mawdhu`ah (p. 130, 363).
(11) – At-Talkhis Al Habir (3/146).
(12) – Fath Al Bary(9/125).
(13) - Al Maqasid Al Hasanah (p. 169,323).
(14) – Al Jame`a As-Saghir with its commentary entitled Faidhul Qadir (3/237 Hadith No. 3268).
(15) - As-Silsilah As-Sahihah (3/56, 57 Hadith No. 1067).
(16) – It is under the follow-ups of Harith ibn `Imran, on the authority of Hisham ibn `Urwah.