Our Shaykh, I have weakened the hadith ( "Instruct Abu Thabit to seek refuge" ) due to Uthman ibn Hakim, who narrates from his grandmother. I stated in al-Taqrib that he is unknown, and I found it to be so, so we reviewed it.

The questioner : In al-Silsilah al-Da'ifah, it is stated that it is weak. I weakened the hadith due to Uthman ibn Hakim, who narrates from his grandmother al-Rabab. I stated, 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: one Uthman ibn Hakim is trustworthy, and the other Uthman ibn Hakim is unknown. So we did not know which one is the one who narrates from his grandmother al-Rabab. So we went back to the original source, Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, and we 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 I do not know what your comment is?

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

The questioner : I mean the hadith.

The Shaykh : Did you understand what I want to say? I do not think you understand what I want to say. If it is established that this is the trustworthy one and not the one mentioned by al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar, is the hadith thereby established?

The questioner : No. His grandmother al-Rabab is unknown, but Uthman ibn Hakim...

The Shaykh : May Allah guide you. One word and it is covered. Is the hadith thereby established?

The questioner: No.

The Shaykh : Okay, what is the benefit of this question?

The questioner : I do not intend to ask whether the hadith is authentic or weak. We know the hadith is weak.

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 : As long as the hadith remains weak.

The questioner : Our Shaykh, I mean

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

The questioner : I understood, but... Uthman ibn Hakim.

The Shaykh : What is my intention?

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

The Shaykh : Rest easy, my brother. May Allah guide you. I tell you, your question is a scholarly and precise question. If it is established that what you read was incorrect and what you mentioned was correct, then regarding the hadith, you have not gained its authenticity. However, if the consequence of that is to take 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 due to the unknownness of the other narrator," what is the benefit of such a question? This question is asked in a private setting or over the phone, and at that time I open the book and give you the answer.