Do we accept a hadith that is described as having narrators who are the narrators of the authentic collections?

The questioner : Yes, that is fine, Shaykh. If we find a hadith with the note underneath it that its narrators are the narrators of the authentic collections, do you accept this hadith?

The Shaykh : No, that is not a condition. That is one of the conditions of authenticity. However, if it is said that its chain is authentic or good, then that is what is accepted. But saying its narrators are the narrators of the authentic collections, or that its narrators are trustworthy, does not mean that it is authentic.

The questioner : Yes, I know that it does not mean it is authentic, but can it be used as a reference, for example?

The Shaykh : That is another question. May Allah guide you.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : It is used as a reference. What do you mean by “used as a reference”?

The questioner : It means that a person leans toward it, or it is close to being authentic. Usually, when this phrase appears, it is different from when the phrase “weak” appears, for example, and so on.

The Shaykh : No, there is no difference between the two matters.

The questioner : There is no difference.

The Shaykh : Yes, exactly.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : And beware of that.