The hadith narrated by al-Hakim and al-Bayhaqi that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to look up at the sky until the words of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) were revealed

The questioner: In our view, I would like to present two issues... the third is a brief answer, I just want to know your opinion on this, regarding the hadith narrated by al-Hakim and al-Bayhaqi that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to look up at the sky until the words of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) were revealed, and until the prohibition of that came, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) lowered his head, yes, you preferred in some of your books that the stronger position is that this hadith is a mursal (a report missing the Companion link) that agrees with... , and in another book, which is "Description of Prayer," you indicated its authenticity; so what is the stronger position for you now regarding this, and it was narrated as mursal?

The Shaykh: It is a mursal (a report missing the Companion link) that is valid due to other evidence.

The questioner: Is that so?

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner: Does the mursal (a report missing the Companion link) take precedence?

The Shaykh: No, it is a mursal (a report missing the Companion link) in its wording.

The questioner: Yes, does the mursal (a report missing the Companion link) take precedence, and its elevation and connection through Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) be used as evidence or not?

The Shaykh: It is this, and I do not recall this detail, especially since you asked me for a brief answer, so I say: it is a mursal (a report missing the Companion link), but it became strong and its support was strengthened by other evidence, as for what that other evidence is now? First, I do not recall it, and second, this is not the place for detailed research as you wish.

The questioner: I understood, Shaykh.