Question

What is the opinion of the Hadith specialists regarding the famous scholar, al-Wahidi? Are the narrations that he uses in his al-tafseer al-waseet, al-Wajeez, and Asbab al-Nuzool considered to be reliable?

How would a reader trust a given narration found in these works of his?

 

Answer

As a general rule, if an author has not preconditioned the authenticity of the narrations contained in his book, there will always be a possibility of unauthentic one’s being found therein.

In specific reference to Tafsir of Imam Wahidi (rahimahullah), Imam Ibnus Salah and others (rahimahumullah) have mentioned some examples of fabricated Hadiths therein.

(Muqaddimah Ibnus Salah, pg. 101 & Tadribur Rawi, vol. 1, pg. 489)

Obviously, this doesn’t mean that all Hadiths found in this Tafsir book are unreliable. However one should be on guard though.

The Famous Hadith master of the latter times; Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) writes concerning Imam Wahidi’s book on the reasons for revelation (Asbabun Nuzul):

“…Some of what (Hadiths) he has quoted are unauthentic due to the ineligibility of their narrators.”

(Al-‘Ujab, fi bayanil asbab, pg. 56)

A Golden Guideline

Hafiz ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) has written that one who wishes to use a Hadith that appears in books in which authenticity of the Hadiths has not been guaranteed by the author, should first look for a ruling on the Hadith from a reliable Muhaddith (Hadith master) which he may then follow.

If not, then he should abstain from using/quoting such a Hadith as it could possibly be a false Hadith.

(See: An-Nukat ‘ala ibnus Salah, vol. 1, pg. 449)

This is a general rule that one all should abide by.

Neglecting the above guideline has led to many false Hadiths being broadcasted. May Allah Ta’ala protect us from such neglect. Amin.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar