If the narration of Ibn Lahi'ah is via the 'Abbadah, and al-Hafiz mentioned him among the *mudallis* (those who conceal defects in chains), and your practice is to argue with what he *'an'anah* (reported with a shortened chain) from his shaykh, is al-Hafiz's practice unacceptable?

The questioner : Regarding Ibn Lahi'ah and the 'Abbadah's narration from him: Ibn Lahi'ah was mentioned by al-Hafiz in the strata of the *mudallis* (those who conceal defects in chains), in the fifth stratum of those who are weak due to their *tadlis* (concealment of defects in chains). Look at your practice in the books: if it is via the 'Abbadah, you accept it, but if there is an *'an'anah* (shortened chain) between him and his shaykh, is al-Hafiz's practice unacceptable?

The Shaykh : This is the apparent view of his practice.

The questioner : It is from his practice.

The Shaykh : Yes, and it is not from his statement.

The questioner : What Allah willed.

The Shaykh : Meaning, he did not apply this in this case.

The questioner : Some students of knowledge hesitate regarding his *'an'anah* (shortened chain) and have added others to the 'Abbadah.

The Shaykh : This is correct, but it is not from their own assessment, because they are not exhaustive in their critique; rather, they quoted from the *huffaz* (memorizers) and critics like al-Dhahabi and his like. If this addition is from these students of this type, it is on our head and eyes (we accept it). But from their own assessment, we today have only knowledge by way of discovery.

The questioner : May Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : May Allah bless you.