The statement of al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar in *al-Nukat* and elsewhere that the narration of Shu'bah from those who practice concealment (tadlis) is considered a removal of ambiguity: is this statement correct?

The questioner : Yes, al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar mentioned in *al-Nukat*, and also in some other places in *al-Talkhis* and elsewhere, that the narration of Shu'bah from those who practice concealment (tadlis) is considered a removal of ambiguity?

The Shaykh : Such as Abu Ishaq, for example.

The questioner : No, other than the three, other than the three about whom he said, "You are sufficient regarding the concealment of these three." He stated that if he narrates from those who practice concealment (tadlis), then that removes the ambiguity. And what I also recall is that he attributed to Shu'bah, meaning several imams, what is not Shu'bah alone. Is this statement correct?

The Shaykh : I do not know, but in my opinion, he had a good opinion of Shu'bah when he explicitly stated that explicit statement regarding Abu Ishaq and his like. He expanded the circle of trust in Shu'bah and said that what was done with these should be done with the others. Otherwise, what would lead him to say that the concealment of these is sufficient for us, while the concealment of those is not, when he knows? But there remains a question: he knew of the concealment of these, so he was precise in their narration, whether it was by *'an* (indirect narration) or by *hadith* (direct narration). But did he know the same about the others? This is where my hesitation comes from.

The questioner : Yes, it is possible that Shu'bah did not know of concealment (tadlis) other than from the three.

The Shaykh : Yes, exactly.