The issue of ambiguous aggregation in those below the generation of the Tabi'un.

The questioner : The issue of ambiguous aggregation. Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar says, "And these are a group..." regarding their men, and likewise Al-Sakhawi. But I have often found that this statement applies to the generation of the Tabi'un. I also found the story of Imam al-Bukhari with the hadith scholar of Baghdad regarding the teachers of Ibn 'Adi. So, is this rule applied even for those below the Tabi'un, for example, Ibrahim from Ibn Mas'ud, and Ibrahim's statement regarding those below Ibrahim, who are below the Tabi'un? Is this rule, I mean, applied?

The Shaykh : Regarding the Tabi'un and those close to them, I am reassured by what I saw and mentioned. As for those who came after them, the issue of independent legal reasoning (ijtihad) also comes into play, in that they are not in terms of truthfulness and care for memorization like those who came before them. So, it is suspended for the later scholars.

The questioner : In those below the Tabi'un.

The Shaykh : Yes, indeed.

The questioner : What Allah wills. And our Shaykh, does this ruling include, I mean, the story of al-Bukhari with the hadith scholars of Baghdad?

The Shaykh : Yes, indeed.

The questioner : Even though many who compiled books of terminology specified it, mentioned it, and cited it as evidence.

The Shaykh : This is my opinion.

The questioner : You have done well. May Allah reward you.