Question

How to find which Hadith of Musannaf ibn Abi Shaybah is authentic (sahih) or sound (hasan) or weak (da’if)?

Answer

In essence, an unqualified person must always consult a specialist in the field when seeking the grade of any Hadith.

As far as Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah is concerned, one (who is qualified enough) should refer to the edition that was annotated and published by My Honourable Teacher; Al-‘Allamatul Muhaddith, Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah). In his edition he has endeavoured to provide the classification of all the (marfu’) Hadiths of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

This has been published in twenty six volumes which includes a detailed index as well.

For more on the topic of assistance with Hadith gradings in general, see here.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar