Question

What is the status of the Hadith narrator, Sukayn ibn ‘Abdil ‘Aziz?

Answer

Certain Muhaddithun like Imams Waki’, Yahya ibn Ma’in, ‘Ijli and Ibn Hibban (rahimahumullah) have declared Sukayn reliable (thiqah). Imam Abu Hatim (rahimahullah) has also deemed him slightly credible (la ba-sa bihi).

However, Imams Abu Dawud and Nasai (rahimahumallah) have declared him weak.

Imam Ibn ‘Adiy (rahimahullah) states that he reports some Hadiths from weak narrators, perhaps the mistakes were from them and not Sukayn. (فيما يرويه بعض النكرة وارجو أنه لا بأس به لأنه يروي عن قوم ضعفاء ولعل البلاء منهم)

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has also echoed similar sentiments in his Taqribut Tahdhib and has declared him truthful (saduq).

(Refer: Tahdhibut Tahdhib, vol. 4, pg. 126/127, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 2, pg. 164, number: 3188 and Taqribut Tahdhib, 2461)

Based on the above, his general reports will be deemed reliable. However, if his Hadith is contradicting other narrators/Hadiths, then that particular Hadith will be deemed unacceptable.

Note: The above is merely an answer to the question provided. One who is unqualified, should not seek to apply this and/or draw conclusions on related issues independently.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar