Question
I have read that some Hadiths are untraceable. What is the ruling on stories and Hadiths that cannot be found?
Should such Hadiths be propagated or abstinence be kept.
Jazakallah kayran for your efforts.
Answer
Before accrediting or discrediting a narration, one needs to locate its chain so it may be verified.
Having said that, one should avoid quoting Hadiths that cannot be traced with a reliable chain.
Haphazardly quoting Hadiths without proper references -like is the sad contemporary norm- may lead one to quote fabrications!
One is better-off not quoting it, instead of being guilty of spreading lies- in the event that the narration is a fabrication in reality.
Therefore caution is required in this regard.
It’s best to always ask a qualified Hadith specialist, and abide by his verdict.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar