(Tell Abu Thabit to seek refuge...)

The questioner : ... that it is weak: I weakened the hadith because of Uthman ibn Hakim, who narrates from his grandmother al-Rabab. I said, as in al-Taqrib, that he is unknown and his grandmother al-Rabab is unknown. So we reviewed al-Taqrib and found that there are two Uthman ibn Hakims in it: one Uthman ibn Hakim is trustworthy, and the other Uthman ibn Hakim is unknown. But we did not know which one narrates from his grandmother al-Rabab. We went back to the original, Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, and found that the Uthman ibn Hakim who narrates from his grandmother al-Rabab is the trustworthy one, while the second Uthman ibn Hakim is the unknown one. So we do not know what your comment is?

The Shaykh : What is my comment? What is the outcome of this?

The questioner : I mean, the hadith...

The Shaykh : Did you understand what I am saying? I do not think so. What do I want? If it is established that this is the trustworthy one and not the one accepted by al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar, does the hadith become established by that?

The questioner : No, the grandmother al-Rabab is unknown. But Uthman ibn Hakim...

The Shaykh : May Allah guide you. One word and it is covered. Does the hadith become established by that? Well, what is the benefit of this question?

The questioner : I do not mean, I mean, is the hadith authentic or weak? We know...

The Shaykh : May Allah guide you. I told you just now to ask very important questions. Now, your question is scholarly and precise. What benefit is there in it...Those present : ...since the hadith remains weak?

The questioner : Our Shaykh, I mean...

The Shaykh : My brother, I know your intention. Did you understand my intention?

The questioner : Yes. But Uthman ibn Hakim...

The Shaykh : What is my intention?

The questioner : I intended that you said the hadith is weak.

The Shaykh : Be at ease, my brother. May Allah guide you. I tell you your question is scholarly and precise. If it is established that what you read was wrong and what you mentioned was correct, then as far as the hadith is concerned, you have not gained its authenticity. However, if the implication of that is taking the hadith from weakness to authenticity, that is a very important matter. But since you are admitting now and saying: No, the hadith will remain weak because of the unknownness of the other narrator, what is the benefit of a question like this? This question is asked in a private session or over the phone, and at that time I will open the book and give you the answer.