Question

What is the status of the narrations of Abu Mikhnaf?

1. In general

2. In the narrations relating to Karbala and Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah

Answer

You are referring to the Historian, Lut ibn Yahya, Abu Mikhnaf.

Imams Yahya ibn Ma’in, Abu Hatim, Ibn ‘Adiy and Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahumullah) regard him to be very weak.

In addition to him being very weak, Imam Ibn ‘Adiy (rahimahullah) states that he was an extremist Shi’i who would record the History/information of the Shi’ah. In Tarikhul Islam, Hafiz Dhahabi describes him as a Rafidi (an extremist Shi’i).

(Refer: Al Jarhu Wat Ta’dil, vol. 7, pg. 182, Al Kamil Fid Du’afa, vol. 9, pg. 15, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 6, pg. 430, number: 6248 and Tarikhul Islam, vol. 7, pg. 189)

Based on the above, his general narrations will be deemed very weak.

As for his narrations in support of Sayyiduna Husayn (radiyallahu ‘anhu), the Ahlu Bayt and narrations of this nature, they will be regarded as unacceptable as they support his corrupt beliefs.

(Refer: Tadribur Rawi and Sharh Nukhbah)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar