Question
What is the authenticity of this narration?
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says: “Knowledge is of three types; the clear book [Quran], an established Sunnah, and saying ‘I do not know’.”
Answer
Imams Tabarani, Ibn Abdil Barr (rahimahumallah) and others have recorded this statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 1005, Jami’u Bayanil ‘Ilmi Wa Fadlih, Hadith: 1387)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has declared one chain sound (hasan).
(Refer: Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 5710. Also see: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1 pg. 172)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar