If a leading scholar of hadith declares a hadith defective without specifying the nature of the defect, but merely states that it is a defective hadith, or invalid, or not authentic, or similar to that, is that accepted, or is an explanation required?

The questioner : The third question: If a leading scholar of hadith declares a hadith defective without specifying the nature of the defect, but merely states that it is a defective hadith, or invalid, or not authentic, or similar to that, is that accepted, or is an explanation required?

The Shaykh : May Allah bless you. We say that in such a matter, there is a difference between one who is knowledgeable in hadith and one who is not. The one who is not knowledgeable is in the same position as the one who follows a scholar without knowing his evidence in jurisprudential issues. The one who follows a scholar without knowing his evidence in jurisprudential issues is either one who follows without reaching the level that enables him to prefer one opinion over another, in which case he must adhere to the opinion of the scholar he follows or emulates; or, if he has reached the level of preferring one opinion over another, it is not permissible for him to remain one who follows without knowing his evidence, but he must adopt what he finds to be the stronger position. The same applies to all sciences, including the science of hadith, and the matters of authenticating, weakening, and declaring hadiths defective. Regarding the question you mentioned, I say that when the scholar who declares a hadith defective does not reveal the reason for his declaration, the one who is not knowledgeable must accept it. But if he is knowledgeable, he must investigate and seek the truth. If the defect does not become apparent to him, he has no right to follow without knowing his evidence; otherwise, he should follow him with clear understanding.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : May Allah reward you with good.
Abu Malik: In any case, my Shaykh, I wish to say a few words at the end of this noble and gracious gathering, in which we have truly been delighted by meeting our brothers from Yemen. This is perhaps the first time we have gathered with our brothers from Yemen, and may Allah reward them for us with the best reward, as we also enjoyed the discourse of our Shaykh and teacher, whose meeting brings joy to all who meet him. This is from the favor of Allah upon this entire Ummah, and praise be to Allah that there are those like our Shaykh and teacher.The Shaykh : Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani. And if we are to be proud in our land, that is, in the lands of the Levant, we take pride in the fact that he is the pearl of the lands of the Levant.The Shaykh : Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani. So praise be to Allah who has bestowed this upon us, and we ask Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, that this gathering in which we have sat be a gathering of good and blessing. And that you convey to our brothers in Yemen, of whom you, praise be to Allah, represent a large part, our warm and heartfelt greetings and salutations. And that we always advise one another to good and truth, and that we be, if Allah wills, in a state of good opinion. I do not say that we have a good opinion of ourselves, but I hope that we live up to the good opinion of our brothers who are behind us, who see in us a measure of knowledge and understanding. Especially since what you have just heard is a trust upon your necks, which you convey to our brothers there. And I ask my Shaykh's forgiveness if I also say: convey to our brothers the greetings of our Shaykh and his supplication for their success and guidance.

The Shaykh : May Allah reward you with good.