Abu Dawud

1855. English Commentary: Of these, the first narration and the statement of Ka‘b al-Ahbar have been declared hasan by our esteemed researcher. However, according to other scholars, all three narrations are weak. The reliability (ta‘dil) of Maymun ibn Jabban is disputed. Therefore, the correct view is that these are weak. It should be noted that it is well-known, as mentioned in the Muwatta of Imam Malik rahimahullah, that Ka‘b al-Ahbar rahimahullah stated that the locust actually originates from the sneezing of fish, and this occurs twice a year. However, ‘Umar radi Allahu anhu did not accept this statement of his. The correct view is that it is a terrestrial animal, and there is a penalty (fidyah) for hunting it.